Solar cell module

Abstract

A solar cell module (1) comprises: a solar cell unit (2); a first substrate (10); a filler (60); and an outer peripheral surface (Fem) including a light-receiving surface (Fr1), a reverse surface (Fr2), a first side surface (Fr3), and a second side surface (Fr4). In the solar cell module (1): the light-receiving surface (Fr1) is located at the end of a first A direction; the reverse surface (Fr2) is located at the end of a first B direction inverse to the first A direction; the first side surface (Fr3) is located at the end of a second A direction orthogonal to the first A direction and connects the light-receiving surface (Fr1) and the reverse surface (Fr2); and the second side surface (Fr4) is located at the end of a second B direction inverse to the second A direction and connects the light-receiving surface (Fr1) and the reverse surface (Fr2). The first substrate (10) is constituted of a single material that is translucent, and includes a light-receiving surface-side first portion (P1), a reverse surface-side second portion (P2), a first side surface-side third portion (P3), and a second side surface-side fourth portion (P4). The solar cell module (1) has a first space (IS) surrounded by the first portion (P1), the second portion (P2), the third portion (P3), and the fourth portion (P4). The solar cell unit (2) and the filler (60) are located in the first space (IS). The solar cell unit (2) includes one or more solar cell elements (3) each located along a second portion (P2)-side surface of the first portion (P1).

Description

solar cell module CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from Japanese Application No. 2023-081725 (filed May 17, 2023), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to solar cell modules.

[0003] There is a solar cell module having a structure including a first substrate on the light-receiving surface side, a second substrate on the back surface side, a power generation section located between the first substrate and the second substrate, and a filler material filled in the gap between the first substrate and the second substrate (see, for example, the description in Patent Document 1). In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for reducing moisture penetration into solar cell modules in order to improve their durability.

[0004] JP 2009-188357 A

[0005] One aspect of the solar cell module includes a solar cell unit, a first substrate, and a filler. The solar cell module has an outer peripheral surface including a light-receiving surface, a back surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface. The light-receiving surface is located at an end of the solar cell module in a first A direction. The back surface is located at an end of the solar cell module in a first B direction opposite the first A direction. The first side surface is located at an end of the solar cell module in a second A direction perpendicular to the first A direction and connects the light-receiving surface and the back surface. The second side surface is located at an end of the solar cell module in a second B direction opposite the second A direction and connects the light-receiving surface and the back surface. The first substrate is made of a single translucent material and includes a first portion, a second portion, a third portion, and a fourth portion. The first portion is a portion of the first substrate located on the light-receiving surface side. The second portion is a portion of the first substrate located on the back surface side. The third portion is a portion of the first base material located on the first side surface side. The fourth portion is a portion of the first base material located on the second side surface side. The solar cell module has a first space surrounded by the first portion, the second portion, the third portion, and the fourth portion. The solar cell section and the filling material are located in the first space. The solar cell section includes one or more solar cell elements. Each of the one or more solar cell elements is located along the surface of the first portion facing the second portion. The filling material covers the solar cell section from the second portion side.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross section of a solar cell module according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross section of the solar cell module taken at position II-II in FIG. 1 , viewed in the +Z direction. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross section of the solar cell module taken at position III-III in FIG. 1 , viewed in the +Z direction. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross section of the solar cell module taken at position IV-IV in FIG. 1 , viewed in the -Z direction. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of a first base material according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the general configuration of a power generation section and its surrounding area of ​​a solar cell module according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is an end view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross section of the solar cell module taken at position VII-VII in FIG. 1 , viewed in the -X direction. FIG. 8 is an end view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross section of the solar cell module taken at position VIII-VIII in FIG. 1 , viewed in the -X direction. FIG. 9 is an end view schematically illustrating an example of a virtual cut surface of the solar cell module viewed in the −X direction at position IX-IX in FIG. 1 . FIG. 10 is an end view schematically illustrating an example of a virtual cut surface of the solar cell module viewed in the +Y direction at positions X-X in each of FIGS. 7 to 9 . FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of manufacturing steps for the method for manufacturing a solar cell module according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of a state during manufacturing of the solar cell module according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of a state during manufacturing of the solar cell module according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of a state during manufacturing of the solar cell module according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of a state during manufacturing of the solar cell module according to the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of a state during manufacturing of the solar cell module according to the first embodiment. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of a state during manufacturing of the solar cell module according to the first embodiment. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of a state during manufacturing of the solar cell module according to the first embodiment.FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a state in which the manufacturing of the solar cell module according to the first embodiment is completed. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross-section of the solar cell module according to the second embodiment. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross-section of the solar cell module according to the third embodiment. FIG. 22 is an end view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross-section of the solar cell module as viewed in the −X direction at position XXII-XXII in FIG. 21 . FIG. 23 is an end view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross-section of the solar cell module as viewed in the −X direction at position XXIII-XXIII in FIG. 21 . FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross-section of the solar cell module according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross-section of the solar cell module as viewed in the −Z direction at position XXV-XXV in FIG. 24 .

[0007] There is a solar cell module having a structure including a first substrate on the light-receiving surface side, a second substrate on the back surface side, a power generation section located between the first substrate and the second substrate, and a filler material filled in the gap between the first substrate and the second substrate. Generally, in order to improve the durability of solar cell modules, it is desirable to reduce the intrusion of moisture into the interior of the solar cell module. Therefore, there is room for improvement in terms of reducing the intrusion of moisture into the interior of solar cell modules.

[0008] Therefore, the inventors of the present disclosure have created a technology for a solar cell module that can reduce the penetration of moisture into the interior of the solar cell module.

[0009] In the following description, various embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, parts having the same or substantially the same configurations and functions are designated by the same reference numerals. Therefore, duplicated explanations will be omitted in the following description. The drawings are shown in a schematic manner.

[0010] <1. First Embodiment> <1-0. Definition of Directions> The drawings include diagrams in which a right-handed XYZ coordinate system is appropriately indicated. In the following description, the +Z direction is defined as the vertically upward direction (also referred to as the vertically upward direction or the upward direction). The −Z direction is defined as the vertically downward direction (also referred to as the vertically downward direction or the downward direction). Note that in the following description, the +Z direction and the −Z direction are not distinguished from each other, and the +Z direction and the −Z direction may be collectively referred to as the Z direction as a term indicating the up-down direction. In this XYZ coordinate system, the +X direction is defined as any direction along a virtual plane (hereinafter referred to as a virtual plane or a virtual horizontal plane) perpendicular to the vertical direction. The −X direction is defined as the direction opposite to the +X direction along the virtual plane. Note that in the following description, the +X direction and the −X direction are not distinguished from each other, and the +X direction and the −X direction may be collectively referred to as the X direction as a term indicating a direction along the virtual plane. The +Y direction is perpendicular to the +X direction and is set as a direction along an imaginary plane. This +Y direction, together with the +X direction and the +Z direction, constitutes a right-handed XYZ coordinate system. The -Y direction is set as a direction opposite to the +Y direction along the imaginary plane. In the following description, the +Y direction and the -Y direction are not distinguished from each other, and the +Y direction and the -Y direction may be collectively referred to as the Y direction as a term indicating a direction perpendicular to the X direction along the imaginary plane. The Z direction is an example of a first direction in a solar cell module. More specifically, the +Z direction is an example of a 1A direction in a solar cell module. The -Z direction is an example of a 1B direction in a solar cell module. The X direction is an example of a second direction in a solar cell module. More specifically, the +X direction is an example of a 2A direction in a solar cell module. The -X direction is an example of a 2B direction in a solar cell module. The Y direction is an example of a third direction in a solar cell module. More specifically, the +Y direction is an example of a third A direction in the solar cell module, and the −Y direction is an example of a third B direction in the solar cell module.

[0011] In the following description, the distance between two points or two objects in the Z direction may be referred to as a height or a thickness, the distance between two points or two objects in the X direction may be referred to as a width along the X direction, and the distance between two points or two objects in the Y direction may be referred to as a width along the Y direction.

[0012] <1-1. Solar Cell Module 1> A solar cell module 1 according to a first embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as solar cell module 1) will be described with reference to the drawings. The solar cell module 1 is a device that can generate electricity by receiving sunlight. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view that schematically shows an example of a virtual cross-section of the solar cell module 1 according to the first embodiment. The example of the virtual cross-section of the solar cell module 1 shown in FIG. 1 may be an example of a cross-section of the solar cell module 1.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1 , the solar cell module 1 has an outer peripheral surface Fem including a light-receiving surface Fr1, a back surface Fr2, a first side surface Fr3, and a second side surface Fr4. In the example of FIG. 1 , the outer peripheral surface Fem of the solar cell module 1 is composed of the light-receiving surface Fr1, the back surface Fr2, the first side surface Fr3, and the second side surface Fr4. The light-receiving surface Fr1 may be a surface located at the end of the solar cell module 1 in the +Z direction as the 1A direction. In other words, the light-receiving surface Fr1 may be, for example, a surface of the outer peripheral surface Fem of the solar cell module 1 facing the +Z direction as the 1A direction. In further words, the light-receiving surface Fr1 may be, for example, a surface of the outer peripheral surface Fem of the solar cell module 1 facing the +Z direction as the 1A direction. The back surface Fr2 is located at the end of the solar cell module 1 in the -Z direction as the 1B direction, which is opposite to the 1A direction. In other words, the back surface Fr2 may be, for example, the surface of the outer peripheral surface Fem of the solar cell module 1 facing the -Z direction as the first B direction, which is opposite to the first A direction. In other words, the back surface Fr2 may be the surface of the solar cell module 1 facing the opposite side to the light-receiving surface Fr1. In other words, the back surface Fr2 may be the surface of the outer peripheral surface Fem of the solar cell module 1 facing the -Z direction as the first B direction, which is opposite to the first A direction. The first side surface Fr3 is located at the end of the outer peripheral surface Fem of the solar cell module 1 facing the +X direction as the second A direction, which is perpendicular to the first A direction. In other words, the first side surface Fr3 may be, for example, the surface of the outer peripheral surface Fem of the solar cell module 1 facing the +X direction as the second A direction, which is perpendicular to the first A direction. This first side surface Fr3 is a surface that connects the light-receiving surface Fr1 and the back surface Fr2. The second side surface Fr4 is located at the end of the -X direction, which is the second B direction opposite to the second A direction, of the outer peripheral surface Fem of the solar cell module 1. In other words, the second side surface Fr4 may be, for example, a surface located on the -X direction side, which is the second B direction opposite to the second A direction, of the outer peripheral surface Fem of the solar cell module 1. This second side surface Fr4 is a surface that connects the light-receiving surface Fr1 and the back surface Fr2.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1 , for example, the solar cell module 1 includes a solar cell section 2, a first base material (also referred to as a first substrate) 10, and a filler 60. The solar cell section 2 includes one or more solar cell elements 3. In the example of FIG. 1 , the solar cell section 2 includes four solar cell elements 3 as the one or more solar cell elements 3. The four solar cell elements 3 are a first solar cell element 3a, a second solar cell element 3b, a third solar cell element 3c, and a fourth solar cell element 3d. The solar cell section 2 may include one solar cell element 3, two solar cell elements 3, three solar cell elements 3, or any number of solar cell elements 3, such as five or more.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1 , the solar cell module 1 includes, for example, a first substrate 10, a transparent electrode 20, a power generation unit 30, a back surface electrode 40, and a filler 60. From another perspective, each of the one or more solar cell elements 3 includes, for example, a transparent electrode 20 as a first electrode, a power generation unit 30, and a back surface electrode 40 as a second electrode. The solar cell module 1 may also include, for example, one or more conductive units 21 and one or more extraction electrodes 50. As shown in FIG. 1 , the one or more conductive units 21 may include a first conductive unit 211 and a second conductive unit 212, and the one or more extraction electrodes 50 may include a first extraction electrode 51 and a second extraction electrode 52. In other words, the solar cell module 1 may include, for example, a first conductive unit 211, a second conductive unit 212, a first extraction electrode 51, and a second extraction electrode 52. The solar cell module 1 may further include one or more reflectors 70. For example, the transparent electrode 20 may be in contact with the first substrate 10. For example, the power generation unit 30 may be in contact with the transparent electrode 20. For example, a portion of the power generation unit 30 may be in contact with the first substrate 10. For example, the back surface electrode 40 may be in contact with the power generation unit 30. For example, the first conductive unit 211 may be in contact with the transparent electrode 20. For example, the second conductive unit 212 may be in contact with the back surface electrode 40. For example, the first extraction electrode 51 may be in contact with the first conductive unit 211. For example, the second extraction electrode 52 may be in contact with the second conductive unit 212. When the material of the conductive unit 21 is the same as the material of the transparent electrode 20, the conductive unit 21 may be considered as the transparent electrode 20. In this case, the extraction electrode 50 may be in contact with the transparent electrode 20. A portion of the extraction electrode 50 may be in contact with the first substrate 10.

[0016] In the following description, a configuration in which a plurality of power generation units 30 are arranged along the X direction is described. In other words, the direction in which the plurality of power generation units 30 are arranged may be the X direction. More specifically, the direction in which the plurality of power generation units 30 are arranged may be the +X direction as the second A direction or the −X direction as the second B direction. From another perspective, the following description describes a configuration in which a plurality of solar cell elements 3 as one or more solar cell elements 3 are arranged along the X direction. In other words, the direction in which the plurality of solar cell elements 3 are arranged may be the X direction. More specifically, the direction in which the plurality of solar cell elements 3 are arranged may be the +X direction as the second A direction or the −X direction as the second B direction. Here, the plurality of solar cell elements 3 may be electrically connected in series. In the example of FIG. 1 , the back electrode 40 of the first solar cell element 3a and the transparent electrode 20 of the second solar cell element 3b may be connected, thereby electrically connecting the first solar cell element 3a and the second solar cell element 3b in series. The back electrode 40 of the second solar cell element 3 b may be connected to the transparent electrode 20 of the third solar cell element 3 c, thereby electrically connecting the second solar cell element 3 b and the third solar cell element 3 c in series. The back electrode 40 of the third solar cell element 3 c may be connected to the transparent electrode 20 of the fourth solar cell element 3 d, thereby electrically connecting the third solar cell element 3 c and the fourth solar cell element 3 d in series.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1 , the solar cell module 1 has a space IS (also referred to as an internal space or a first space) surrounded by the first substrate 10. The solar cell section 2 and the filler 60 may be located in the internal space IS. In other words, the solar cell section 2 and the filler 60 may be located in the internal space IS. In other words, in the solar cell module 1, the first substrate 10 may surround other components of the solar cell module 1. In other words, the first substrate 10 may cover other components of the solar cell module 1. The other components include the solar cell section 2 and the filler 60. These other components may include, for example, the conductive section 21 and at least a portion of the extraction electrode 50. These other components may include, for example, the reflective material 70. In other words, the conductive section 21 and at least a portion of the extraction electrode 50 may be located in the internal space IS. More specifically, the first conductive section 211 and the second conductive section 212 may be located in the internal space IS. The first extraction electrode 51 and the second extraction electrode 52 may each be located from within the internal space IS to a space (also referred to as an external space) OS on the opposite side of the internal space IS of the first substrate 10. The external space OS may be a space outside the first substrate 10. A reflective material 70 may be located in the internal space IS.

[0018] The first substrate 10 includes, for example, a light-receiving surface portion P1 as a first portion, a back surface portion P2 as a second portion, a first side surface portion P3 as a third portion, and a second side surface portion P4 as a fourth portion. The light-receiving surface portion P1 may be, for example, a portion of the first substrate 10 located on the light-receiving surface Fr1 side. The back surface portion P2 may be, for example, a portion of the first substrate 10 located on the back surface Fr2 side. The first side surface portion P3 may be, for example, a portion of the first substrate 10 located on the first side surface Fr3 side. The second side surface portion P4 may be, for example, a portion of the first substrate 10 located on the second side surface Fr4 side. In other words, the solar cell module 1 has an internal space IS surrounded by the light-receiving surface portion P1, the back surface portion P2, the first side surface portion P3, and the second side surface portion P4. Here, for example, the light receiving surface portion P1, the first side surface portion P3, and the back surface portion P2 may be connected in the order described, and the light receiving surface portion P1, the second side surface portion P4, and the back surface portion P2 may be connected in the order described.

[0019] Here, each of the one or more solar cell elements 3 may be located along the surface of the light-receiving surface portion P1 on the back surface portion P2 side. Here, for example, in each of the one or more solar cell elements 3, the transparent electrode 20 as the first electrode may be located along the surface of the light-receiving surface portion P1 on the back surface portion P2 side. The back surface electrode 40 as the second electrode may be located between the transparent electrode 20 as the first electrode and the back surface portion P2. The power generation unit 30 may be located between the transparent electrode 20 and the back surface electrode 40. For example, on the light-receiving surface portion P1, the transparent electrode 20, the power generation unit 30, and the back surface electrode 40 may be stacked in this order in the −Z direction, which is the first B direction opposite to the first A direction.

[0020] The solar cell module 1 has an inner peripheral surface Fim facing the internal space IS. Here, the inner peripheral surface Fim of the solar cell module 1 may be the inner peripheral surface Fis of the first substrate 10 described later. For example, a transparent electrode 20 may be located on the inner peripheral surface Fim of the solar cell module 1. For example, a part of the power generation unit 30 may be located on the inner peripheral surface Fim of the solar cell module 1. Furthermore, the solar cell module 1 has an outer peripheral surface Fem facing the outside of the solar cell module 1. The outer peripheral surface Fem of the solar cell module 1 may be the outer peripheral surface Fes of the first substrate 10 described later.

[0021] The first conductive portion 211 is electrically connected to the solar cell unit 2. In the example of FIG. 1 , the first conductive portion 211 is connected to the transparent electrode 20 of the first solar cell element 3a. The first conductive portion 211 may be made of the same material as the transparent electrode 20, or may be made of a material having a different conductivity from the transparent electrode 20. If the first conductive portion 211 is made of the same material as the transparent electrode 20, the first conductive portion 211 may be integrally formed with one of the transparent electrodes 20 of the solar cell element 3. This allows the first conductive portion 211 to be formed when the transparent electrode 20 is formed, thereby making it easy to form the first conductive portion 211. Furthermore, for example, the first conductive portion 211 may be located along the surfaces of the light-receiving surface portion P1, the first side surface portion P3, and the back surface portion P2 of the first substrate 10 that face the internal space IS. In other words, for example, the first conductive portion 211 may be located along the inner circumferential surface Fis of the first substrate 10.

[0022] The second conductive portion 212 is electrically connected to the solar cell unit 2. In the example of FIG. 1 , the second conductive portion 212 is connected to the back electrode 40 of the fourth solar cell element 3d. The second conductive portion 212 may be made of the same material as the transparent electrode 20, or may be made of a material having a different conductivity from the transparent electrode 20. If the second conductive portion 212 is made of the same material as the transparent electrode 20, the second conductive portion 212 may be formed when the transparent electrode 20 is formed. This makes it easy to form the second conductive portion 212. Furthermore, for example, the second conductive portion 212 may be located along the surfaces of the light-receiving surface portion P1, the second side surface portion P4, and the back surface portion P2 of the first substrate 10 that face the internal space IS. In other words, the second conductive portion 212 may be located along the inner circumferential surface Fis of the first substrate 10.

[0023] The first extraction electrode 51 may be joined to a portion of the first conductive portion 211 that is located along the back surface P2. The second extraction electrode 52 may be joined to a portion of the second conductive portion 212 that is located along the back surface P2. This allows the first extraction electrode 51 to be joined to a wider surface of the first conductive portion 211 and the second extraction electrode 52 to be joined to a wider surface of the second conductive portion 212 without excessively expanding the light receiving surface Fr1 of the solar cell module 1.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of a virtual cross section of the solar cell module 1 as viewed in the +Z direction at position II-II in FIG. 1 . The cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 corresponds to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 . For convenience, the filler 60 is omitted from FIG. 2 . As shown in FIG. 2 , in the solar cell module 1, the transparent electrode 20 and the power generation unit 30 may each be disposed along the +Y direction as the third A direction (or the −Y direction as the third B direction). The transparent electrode 20 and the power generation unit 30 may each be disposed continuously along the +Y direction as the third A direction (or the −Y direction as the third B direction), or may have a partial gap disposed midway along the +Y direction as the third A direction (or the −Y direction as the third B direction). 2, the conductive portion 21 may be present along the +Y direction as the 3A direction (or the −Y direction as the 3B direction) in the solar cell module 1. The conductive portion 21 may be present continuously along the +Y direction as the 3A direction (or the −Y direction as the 3B direction), for example, or may have a partial gap present midway along the +Y direction as the 3A direction (or the −Y direction as the 3B direction).

[0025] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of a virtual cross section of the solar cell module 1 as viewed in the +Z direction at position III-III in FIG. 1 . The cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of a virtual cross section of the solar cell module 1 as viewed in the +Y direction at position II in FIG. 3 corresponds to the cross-sectional view in FIG. 1 . For convenience, the filler 60 is omitted from FIG. 3 . As shown in FIG. 3 , in the solar cell module 1, the back electrode 40 extends along the +Y direction as the third A direction (or the −Y direction as the third B direction). The back electrode 40 may extend continuously along the +Y direction as the third A direction (or the −Y direction as the third B direction), or may have a partial gap along the +Y direction as the third A direction (or the −Y direction as the third B direction).

[0026] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of a virtual cross section of the solar cell module 1 as viewed in the −Z direction at position IV-IV in FIG. 1 . The cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of a virtual cross section of the solar cell module 1 as viewed in the +Y direction at position I-I in FIG. 4 corresponds to the cross-sectional view in FIG. 1 . For convenience, the filler 60 is omitted from FIG. 4 . As shown in FIG. 4 , in the solar cell module 1, the extraction electrode 50 may be disposed along the +Y direction as the third A direction. The extraction electrode 50 may be disposed continuously along the +Y direction as the third A direction (or the −Y direction as the third B direction), or may have a partial gap disposed midway along the +Y direction as the third A direction (or the −Y direction as the third B direction).

[0027] <1-1-1. First Base Material 10> <1-1-1-1. Material of First Base Material 10> The first base material 10 is translucent. It is sufficient that the first base material 10 is translucent to light within a specific wavelength range (also referred to as a specific wavelength region). The specific wavelength region may include, for example, a wavelength region of light that can be absorbed by the photoelectric conversion unit 32 included in the power generation unit 30 to cause photoelectric conversion. Specifically, the specific wavelength region may include a wavelength region of visible light from approximately 400 nanometers (nm) to 700 nm and a wavelength region of infrared light from approximately 700 nm to 1200 nm. This allows, for example, light irradiated onto the light-receiving surface Fr1 of the solar cell module 1 to pass through the first base material 10 and reach the photoelectric conversion unit 32. Here, for example, if the specific wavelength region includes wavelengths of light with high irradiation intensity that constitute sunlight, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the solar cell module 1 can be improved. Furthermore, the first base material 10 may be insulating, for example. The material of the first substrate 10 may be, for example, glass or resin. Examples of the resin include acrylic, polycarbonate, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The first substrate 10 may be in the form of, for example, a flat plate, a sheet, or a film. The thickness of the first substrate 10 may be, for example, about 0.01 millimeters (mm) to 5 mm.

[0028] In the first embodiment, the first substrate 10 is made of a single translucent material. The single material may be a material having a constant composition. The material having a constant composition may be, for example, a material in which the ratio of elements constituting the material is constant. In other words, the material having a constant composition may be, for example, a material in which the chemical formula representing the material is constant. In other words, the material having a constant composition may be, for example, a material in which the molecular structure of the material is constant. Furthermore, for example, if the material constituting the first substrate 10 is a mixture of multiple substances, the material having a constant composition may be a material in which the ratio of the multiple substances mixed is constant. Note that, in the present disclosure, a constant composition allows for variations in composition that occur during the manufacturing of the material.

[0029] Furthermore, the first substrate 10 made of a single material may have a configuration in which multiple components, each made of a material with the same composition, are combined. Specifically, for example, the first substrate 10 made of a single material may have a configuration in which two components, each made of a material with the same composition, are combined. The first substrate 10 made of a single material may have a configuration in which the surfaces of the multiple components that are close to each other are joined by welding, pressure bonding, adhesive bonding, or the like. From another perspective, the first substrate 10 made of a single material may have a layer (also called a bonding layer) that bonds the surfaces of the multiple components that are close to each other. The bonding layer may include, for example, a layer (also called an adhesive layer) made of an adhesive or the like. In other words, the first substrate 10 made of a single material may have a bonding layer, such as an adhesive layer, made of a material different from the single material described above. From another perspective, the first substrate 10 having a configuration in which a plurality of members each made of materials having the same composition are combined may include a portion where the interfaces between the plurality of members that are close to each other are connected by welding, crimping, adhesion, etc. In the present disclosure, in the first substrate 10 having a configuration in which a plurality of members each made of materials having the same composition are combined, variation in composition between the plurality of members that are close to each other is acceptable as long as the first substrate 10 has a constant composition.

[0030] <1-1-1-2. Shape of the first substrate 10> Here, the shape of the first substrate 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of the first substrate 10 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 shows only the portion of the first substrate 10 in Fig. 1.

[0031] In the solar cell module 1 according to the first embodiment, for example, the first base material 10 may be a single member bent from the light-receiving surface Fr1 side toward the back surface Fr2 side. In other words, for example, the first base material 10 may be a single member of the solar cell module 1 bent from the light-receiving surface Fr1 side to the back surface Fr2 side. Here, the light-receiving surface Fr1 of the solar cell module 1 may be a portion of the outer peripheral surface Fem of the solar cell module 1 facing in the +Z direction. Furthermore, the back surface Fr2 of the solar cell module 1 may be a portion of the outer peripheral surface Fem of the solar cell module 1 facing in the -Z direction.

[0032] In the solar cell module 1 according to the first embodiment, the first substrate 10 is located along the outer peripheral surface Fem of the solar cell module 1. The first substrate 10 may, for example, constitute a portion (also referred to as an outer peripheral portion) along the outer peripheral surface Fem of the solar cell module 1. When the first substrate 10 constitutes the outer peripheral portion of the solar cell module 1, the first substrate 10 has an outer peripheral surface Fes exposed to the outside (external space OS) of the solar cell module 1 and an inner peripheral surface Fis facing the internal space IS of the solar cell module 1. A coating layer may be located on the outer peripheral surface Fes of the first substrate 10. The presence of this coating layer can reduce deterioration of the first substrate 10. Here, for example, when a coating layer is located on the outer peripheral surface Fes of the first substrate 10, the surface of the coating layer may constitute the outer peripheral surface Fem of the solar cell module 1 instead of the outer peripheral surface Fes of the first substrate 10.

[0033] As described above, the first substrate 10 has, for example, a light-receiving surface portion P1, a back surface portion P2, a first side surface portion P3, and a second side surface portion P4. The light-receiving surface portion P1 may be, for example, a portion located on the light-receiving surface Fr1 side of the solar cell module 1 and extending along the +X direction as the second A direction (or the −X direction as the second B direction). The back surface portion P2 may be, for example, a portion located on the back surface Fr2 side of the solar cell module 1 and extending along the +X direction as the second A direction (or the −X direction as the second B direction). The first side surface portion P3 may be, for example, a portion located on the first side surface Fr3 side of the solar cell module 1 and connecting from a portion of the first substrate 10 on the +Z direction side as the first A direction to a portion of the first substrate 10 on the −Z direction side as the first B direction. The second side surface portion P4 may be, for example, a portion of the solar cell module 1 located on the second side surface Fr4 side and extending from a portion of the first base material 10 on the +Z direction side (the 1A direction) to a portion of the first base material 10 on the -Z direction side (the 1B direction). In the first embodiment, the first side surface portion P3 may be a portion of the solar cell module 1 bent from the +Z direction side (the 1A direction) to the -Z direction side (the 1B direction). In other words, in the first embodiment, the first side surface portion P3 may be a portion of the solar cell module 1 bent from the +Z direction side (the 1A direction) to the -Z direction side (the 1B direction). In this case, the first side surface portion P3 may be referred to as a first bent portion C1. The second side surface portion P4 may be a portion of the solar cell module 1 bent from the +Z direction side (the 1A direction) to the -Z direction side (the 1B direction). In other words, the second side surface portion P4 may be a portion that is bent from a portion on the +Z direction side as the 1A direction to a portion on the −Z direction side as the 1B direction of the solar cell module 1. In this case, the second side surface portion P4 may be referred to as a second bent portion C2.

[0034] The first substrate 10 includes a first end E1 and a second end E2. The first end E1 is located on the rear surface Fr2 side of the solar cell module 1. The second end E2 is an end of the first substrate 10 different from the first end E1 and is located on the rear surface Fr2 side of the solar cell module 1. In the first embodiment, for example, the first substrate 10 is integrally configured from the light-receiving surface P1 on the light-receiving surface Fr1 side, through the first side surface P3 on the first side surface Fr3 side, to the first end E1 constituting the rear surface P2 on the rear surface Fr2 side. Also, for example, the first substrate 10 is integrally configured from the light-receiving surface P1 on the light-receiving surface Fr1 side, through the second side surface P4 on the second side surface Fr4 side, to the second end E2 constituting the rear surface P2 on the rear surface Fr2 side. That is, the first substrate 10 is integrally configured, for example, from the first end E1 of the back surface P2 through the first side surface P3, the light-receiving surface P1, and the second side surface P4 in this order to the second end E2 of the back surface P2. In other words, as shown in FIG. 1 , the first substrate 10 has a ring-shaped configuration that is continuous from the first end E1 of the back surface P2 through the first side surface P3, the light-receiving surface P1, and the second side surface P4 in this order to the second end E2 of the back surface P2. Here, for example, if the end of the first substrate 10 located on the back surface Fr2 side of the solar cell module 1 on the first substrate 10, which is located on the +X direction side as the second A direction, is defined as the first end E1, the second end E2 may be the end of the first substrate 10 located in the −X direction as the second B direction. For example, if the end of the back surface portion P2 located on the back surface Fr2 side of the solar cell module 1 on the first substrate 10 that is located near the first bending portion C1 is defined as the first end portion E1, the second end portion E2 may be located near the second bending portion C2.

[0035] From another perspective, for example, consider a case where the back surface portion P2 of the first substrate 10 has an end surface (also referred to as a first end surface) Ef1 facing the −X direction as the second B direction and an end surface (also referred to as a second end surface) Ef2 facing the +X direction as the second A direction. In this case, the first end surface E1 may be a portion that includes the first end surface Ef1 and is located along the first end surface Ef1, and the second end surface E2 may be a portion that includes the second end surface Ef2 and is located along the second end surface Ef2. Here, the first end surface Ef1 facing the −X direction as the second B direction may be, for example, a plane along an imaginary YZ plane that is perpendicular to the −X direction as the second B direction, or may be a plane that is inclined with respect to the imaginary YZ plane. The second end face Ef2 facing the +X direction as the second A direction may be, for example, a plane along an imaginary YZ plane perpendicular to the +X direction as the second A direction, or may be a plane inclined with respect to the imaginary YZ plane. Furthermore, for example, the shapes of the first end face Ef1 and the second end face Ef2 are not limited to being flat, but may be curved or have an uneven surface shape. Therefore, on the back surface portion P2, the surface facing the −X direction as the second B direction may be a surface located at the end of the −X direction as the second B direction. On the back surface portion P2, the surface facing the +X direction as the second A direction may be a surface located at the end of the +X direction as the second A direction.

[0036] In other words, the first end face Ef1 facing the −X direction as the second B direction may be, for example, a surface located at the end of a plate-like or sheet-like portion in the −X direction as the second B direction on the back surface P2 of the first substrate 10. The second end face Ef2 facing the +X direction as the second A direction may be, for example, a surface located at the end of a plate-like or sheet-like portion in the +X direction as the second A direction on the back surface P2 of the first substrate 10. In further words, the first end face Ef1 may be a surface located at the end of the back surface P2 of the first substrate 10 in the −X direction as the second B direction, and the second end face Ef2 may be a surface located at the end of the back surface P2 of the first substrate 10 in the +X direction as the second A direction. From another perspective, as in the example of Figure 1, when the first substrate 10 is cut along an imaginary XZ plane perpendicular to the -Y direction as the 3A direction, the first end face Ef1 may be a face located at a first end in the longitudinal direction of the first substrate 10 on the back surface P2, and the second end face Ef2 may be a face located at a second end in the longitudinal direction of the first substrate 10 on the back surface P2. As in the example of Figure 1, when the first substrate 10 is cut along an imaginary XZ plane perpendicular to the -Y direction as the 3A direction, the longitudinal direction of the first substrate 10 may be a direction along the outer peripheral surface Fem of the solar cell module 1. Furthermore, as in the example of Figure 1, when the first substrate 10 is cut along an imaginary XZ plane perpendicular to the -Y direction as the third A direction, the first end face Ef1 may be a surface of the first substrate 10 that is located at an end in the clockwise direction along the longitudinal direction of the first substrate 10, and the second end face Ef2 may be a surface of the first substrate 10 that is located at an end in the counterclockwise direction along the longitudinal direction of the first substrate 10.

[0037] The first substrate 10 may be bent, for example, along a virtual arc centered on a virtual line along the +Y direction (a third A direction) that is orthogonal to both the first A direction and the second A direction. Specifically, the first bent portion C1 may be a portion bent along a virtual arc centered on a virtual line along the +Y direction (a third A direction). This first bent portion C1 may have a convex surface on the +X direction (a second A direction). The second bent portion C2 may be a portion bent along a virtual arc centered on a virtual line along the +Y direction (a third A direction). This second bent portion C2 may have a convex surface on the −X direction (a second B direction). If this configuration is adopted, the curvature of the bent portion of the first substrate 10 becomes closer to a constant, thereby reducing the concentration of bending stress in the first substrate 10.

[0038] The first substrate 10 may be bent, for example, so that the light-receiving surface P1 and the back surface P2 are parallel. When the first substrate 10 forms the outer periphery of the solar cell module 1, the thickness of the solar cell module 1 is determined by the distance between the light-receiving surface P1 of the first substrate 10 and the back surface P2 of the first substrate 10. Therefore, by bending the first substrate 10 so that the portion of the first substrate 10 located along the light-receiving surface Fr1 of the solar cell module 1 and the portion of the first substrate 10 located along the back surface Fr2 of the solar cell module 1 are parallel, the thickness of the solar cell module 1 can be reduced.

[0039] <1-1-2. Power generation section 30> The power generation section 30 is a section that receives light and generates electricity. The power generation section 30 according to the first embodiment will be described using the drawings. FIG. 6 is a diagram that schematically shows an example of the overall configuration of the power generation section 30 and its surrounding area in the solar cell module 1 according to the first embodiment. That is, FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram that shows an example of the structure related to the power generation section 30 in the solar cell module 1. From another perspective, FIG. 6 is a diagram that schematically shows an example of the configuration of one solar cell element 3 in the solar cell module 1.

[0040] The power generating unit 30 has a first surface F1 on which light is incident and a second surface F2 located on the opposite side of the first surface F1. In the first embodiment, the first surface F1 is the surface on the +Z direction side as the first A direction, and the second surface F2 is the surface on the −Z direction side as the first B direction.

[0041] 6 , the power generation unit 30 has, for example, a first carrier transport unit 31, a photoelectric conversion unit 32, and a second carrier transport unit 33. In the first embodiment, for example, the transparent electrode 20, the first carrier transport unit 31, the photoelectric conversion unit 32, the second carrier transport unit 33, and the back electrode 40 are stacked on the first substrate 10 in this order.

[0042] <1-1-2-1. Arrangement of power generating unit 30 in solar cell module 1> In the solar cell module 1, for example, as shown in FIG. 1 , a plurality of solar cell elements 3 may be located on the inner circumferential surface Fis of the first substrate 10. In other words, the plurality of solar cell elements 3 may be in contact with the first substrate 10. From another perspective, in the solar cell module 1, for example, as shown in FIG. 1 , a plurality of power generating units 30 may be located on the inner circumferential surface Fis of the first substrate 10, either directly or via a transparent electrode 20. In other words, the plurality of power generating units 30 may be in contact with the first substrate 10, either directly or via a transparent electrode 20. In this case, for example, it may be considered that the plurality of solar cell elements 3 are supported on the first substrate 10, or it may be considered that the plurality of power generating units 30 are supported on the first substrate 10.

[0043] The multiple solar cell elements 3 may be arranged, for example, along the +X direction as the second A direction. More specifically, the multiple solar cell elements 3 may be arranged, for example, along a virtual plane that extends along both the +X direction as the second A direction and the +Y direction as the third A direction. In other words, the multiple solar cell elements 3 may be arranged, for example, in a planar manner. From another perspective, the multiple power generation units 30 may be arranged, for example, along the +X direction as the second A direction. More specifically, the multiple power generation units 30 may be arranged, for example, along a virtual plane that extends along both the +X direction as the second A direction and the +Y direction as the third A direction. In other words, the multiple power generation units 30 may be arranged, for example, in a planar manner. Here, "arranged in a planar manner" means that each of the multiple power generation units 30 is positioned and arranged along a virtual or actual plane. In the first embodiment, the multiple power generation units 30 are arranged along the inner circumferential surface Fis of the first substrate 10. In the example of FIG. 1, four power generating units 30 are arranged along the inner circumferential surface Fis of the first substrate 10 in the +X direction, which is the second A direction.

[0044] <1-1-2-2. Components of the Power Generation Unit 30> The first carrier transport unit 31 is located, for example, on the transparent electrode 20. More specifically, the first carrier transport unit 31 is located on the −Z direction side of the transparent electrode 20, which is the first B direction. The material of the first carrier transport unit 31 may be, for example, a semiconductor having n-type conductivity as the first conductivity type (also referred to as an n-type semiconductor). In this case, the first carrier transport unit 31 functions, for example, as a so-called hole blocking layer and electron transport layer (Electron Transport Layer: ETL). The electron transport layer can, for example, collect and output electrons.

[0045] The material of the first carrier transporting section 31 may be, for example, a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) that is transparent to light in a specific wavelength range. The thickness of the first carrier transporting section 31 may be set to, for example, about 10 nanometers (nm) to 50 nm. The first carrier transporting section 31 may be formed on the transparent electrode 20 and / or the first substrate 10 by a vacuum process such as sputtering.

[0046] The photoelectric conversion section 32 is located on, for example, the first carrier transport section 31. More specifically, the photoelectric conversion section 32 is located on the −Z direction side of the first carrier transport section 31, which is the first B direction. The photoelectric conversion section 32 can absorb light that has passed through the first substrate 10. In the first embodiment, for example, an intrinsic semiconductor (also referred to as an i-type semiconductor) is applied to the photoelectric conversion section 32. For example, a semiconductor having a perovskite structure (also referred to as a perovskite semiconductor) can be applied to the i-type semiconductor. The perovskite semiconductor can include, for example, a halide-based organic-inorganic perovskite semiconductor. The halide-based organic-inorganic perovskite semiconductor is, for example, an ABX ３ A is a semiconductor having a perovskite structure with the following composition: ３ NH ３ ), formamidinium (CH(NH ２ ) ２ ), cesium (Cs), rubidium (Rb), and potassium (K) are applied to B, for example, one or more ions of lead (Pb) and tin (Sn). X, for example, one or more ions of iodine (I), bromine (Br), and chlorine (Cl) are applied to X. Specifically, ABX ３ The semiconductor having a perovskite structure with the composition is, for example, CH ３ NH ３ PbI ３ or (CH(NH ２ ) ２ ,Cs)Pb(I,Br) ３The photoelectric conversion unit 32 may be formed of an organic perovskite such as a crystalline perovskite. The organic perovskite may be formed, for example, by applying a first raw material liquid onto the first carrier transport unit 31 and then drying the applied first raw material liquid. Here, the organic perovskite may be a crystalline thin film. The first raw material liquid may be generated, for example, by dissolving raw materials, such as an alkylamine halide and a lead halide, in a solvent. The thickness of the photoelectric conversion unit 32 may be, for example, approximately 100 nm to 2000 nm.

[0047] The second carrier transport section 33 is located, for example, on the photoelectric conversion section 32. More specifically, the second carrier transport section 33 is located on the −Z direction side of the photoelectric conversion section 32, which is the first B direction. The material of the second carrier transport section 33 may be, for example, a semiconductor having p-type conductivity as the second conductivity type (also referred to as a p-type semiconductor). In this case, the second carrier transport section 33 functions, for example, as a so-called electron blocking layer and a hole transport layer (HTL). The hole transport layer can, for example, collect and output holes.

[0048] The material of the second carrier transport region 33 may be, for example, a soluble diamine derivative such as [2,2',7,7'-Tetrakis-(N,N-di-P-methoxyphenylamino)-9,9'-spirobifluorene] (spiro-OMeTAD). The second carrier transport region 33 may be formed, for example, by applying a second source liquid onto a layer of a perovskite semiconductor serving as the photoelectric conversion region 32 and then drying the applied second source liquid. Here, the second source liquid may be generated, for example, by dissolving the material of the second carrier transport region 33 in a solvent. An organic solvent such as chlorobenzene may be used as the solvent. The thickness of the second carrier transport region 33 may be, for example, approximately 50 nm to 200 nm. Furthermore, the second carrier transport part 33 may be made of poly[bis(4-phenyl)(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)amine] (PTAA), poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) / poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT / PSS), or the like.

[0049] <1-1-3. Filler 60> The filler 60 covers the solar cell unit 2 from the back surface P2 side. More specifically, the filler 60 fills voids in the space (internal space) IS surrounded by the first substrate 10. The filler 60 may have insulating properties. The filler 60 is located in the internal space IS surrounded by the first substrate 10, covering the multiple power generation units 30. In other words, the filler 60 is located in the internal space IS surrounded by the first substrate 10, filling the internal space IS. The filler 60 is translucent, for example, to light in a specific wavelength range. Examples of materials used for the filler 60 include ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl acetal such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB), and acid-modified resins. The acid-modified resin may be, for example, a modified polyolefin resin that can be produced by graft-modifying a resin such as polyolefin with an acid. The acid that can be used for graft-modifying the acid-modified resin may be, for example, one or more of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, itaconic acid, maleic anhydride, himic anhydride, itaconic anhydride, and citraconic anhydride.

[0050] <1-1-4. Transparent Electrode 20> The transparent electrode 20 is located on, for example, the first substrate 10. The transparent electrode 20 is located on the inner circumferential surface Fis of the first substrate 10. The transparent electrode 20 is located inside a space (internal space) IS surrounded by the first substrate 10. The transparent electrode 20 can collect carriers generated by the photoelectric conversion unit 32. The transparent electrode 20 can function as, for example, an electrode (also referred to as a negative electrode) that collects electrons as carriers. The transparent electrode 20 can be formed on the first substrate 10 by, for example, a vacuum process such as sputtering. The transparent electrode 20 may be formed on the first substrate 10 by applying, to the first substrate 10, ink in which a material for the transparent electrode 20 is dissolved.

[0051] The transparent electrode 20 may be made of a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) that is translucent to light in a specific wavelength range. The TCO is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include indium tin oxide (ITO), aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO), boron-doped zinc oxide (BZO), gallium-doped zinc oxide (GZO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO), titanium-doped indium oxide (ITiO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), and tantalum-doped tin oxide (SnO). ２ :Ta), niobium-doped tin oxide (Nb-doped tin oxide:SnO ２ : Nb), tungsten-doped tin oxide (W-doped tin oxide: SnO ２ : W), Mo-doped Tin Oxide (SnO ２ : Mo), fluorine-doped tin oxide (F-doped tin oxide: SnO ２The transparent conductive oxide film may include an oxide such as indium oxide (IOH), hydrogen-doped indium oxide (F), or hydrogen-doped indium oxide (IOH). The transparent conductive oxide film may be a stacked film having a plurality of films. Each of the plurality of films may be, for example, a film of the oxide described above. Furthermore, the plurality of films may include, in addition to the above-described oxide films, an oxide film such as tin oxide containing a dopant. The dopant may be one or more elements selected from the group consisting of indium (In), silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), antimony (Sb), niobium (Nb), fluorine (F), tantalum (Ta), tungsten (W), molybdenum (Mo), bromine (Br), iodine (I), and chlorine (Cl).

[0052] The transparent electrode 20 may be made of a conductive polymer such as a polythiophene derivative, a metal nanoparticle or a metal nanowire such as a silver nanowire, or a carbon material such as graphene or a carbon nanotube.

[0053] <1-1-5. Rear surface electrode 40> The rear surface electrode 40 is located on the second carrier transport section 33. The rear surface electrode 40 is located on the −Z direction side of the second carrier transport section 33. The rear surface electrode 40 can collect carriers generated by photoelectric conversion in response to light irradiation in the photoelectric conversion section 32. Here, the rear surface electrode 40 is made of, for example, a metal with excellent conductivity such as gold (Au), or a TCO. The rear surface electrode 40 may be made of, for example, a layered electrode (also referred to as a first electrode layer). The thickness of the rear surface electrode 40 is, for example, approximately 10 nm to 1000 nm. The rear surface electrode 40 may be formed on the second carrier transport section 33 by a vacuum process such as sputtering.

[0054] <1-1-6. Conductive Section 21> The conductive section 21 is electrically connected to, for example, the solar cell section 2. The conductive section 21 is located, for example, along the inner circumferential surface Fis of the first substrate 10. The conductive section 21 is located inside a space (internal space) IS surrounded by the first substrate 10. The conductive section 21 is used to conduct carriers collected by the transparent electrode 20 or the back electrode 40 in each solar cell element 3 to the extraction electrode 50. The material of the conductive section 21 may be, for example, the same material as that of the transparent electrode 20, or another conductive material such as a metal. The conductive section 21 may be formed on the first substrate 10 by, for example, a vacuum process such as sputtering, similar to the transparent electrode 20. The conductive section 21 may be formed on the first substrate 10 by, for example, applying ink containing a material for the conductive section 21 to the first substrate 10.

[0055] The solar cell module 1 may include a first conductive portion 211 corresponding to a first polarity and a second conductive portion 212 corresponding to a second polarity that is opposite to the first polarity. For example, when the first conductive portion 211 is located on the +X-direction side of the solar cell module 1 as the second A direction, the second conductive portion 212 may be located on the −X-direction side of the solar cell module 1 as the second B direction. In this case, for example, the first conductive portion 211 may be connected to a portion of the solar cell unit 2 on the +X-direction side as the second A direction, and the second conductive portion 212 may be connected to a portion of the solar cell unit 2 on the −X-direction side as the second B direction. For example, the first conductive portion 211 may be located along the surface of the light receiving surface portion P1, the first side surface portion P3, and the back surface portion P2 of the first substrate 10 facing the internal space IS, and the second conductive portion 212 may be located along the surface of the light receiving surface portion P1, the second side surface portion P4, and the back surface portion P2 of the first substrate 10 facing the internal space IS.

[0056] <1-1-7. Extraction Electrode 50> The extraction electrode 50 is located, for example, along the inner peripheral surface Fis of the first substrate 10. The extraction electrode 50 is located from the inside of the space (internal space) IS surrounded by the first substrate 10 to the space (external space) OS on the opposite side of the internal space IS of the first substrate 10. The extraction electrode 50 is located, for example, on the conductive portion 21 electrically connected to the solar cell portion 2. More specifically, the extraction electrode 50 may be joined by soldering or the like to a portion of the conductive portion 21 located along the back surface portion P2. The extraction electrode 50 is used to extract carriers collected by the transparent electrode 20 or the back surface electrode 40 in each solar cell element 3 to the outside of the solar cell module 1. The extraction electrode 50 may be made of a metal such as aluminum or copper. The extraction electrode 50 may be made of, for example, copper foil or aluminum foil. In this case, for example, copper foil or aluminum foil can be joined onto the conductive portion 21 by soldering or the like to form the extraction electrode 50 .

[0057] The solar cell module 1 may include a first extraction electrode 51 corresponding to a first polarity and a second extraction electrode 52 corresponding to a second polarity opposite to the first polarity. For example, when the first extraction electrode 51 is located on the +X-direction side of the solar cell module 1 as the second A direction, the second extraction electrode 52 may be located on the −X-direction side of the solar cell module 1 as the second B direction. For example, on the +X-direction side of the solar cell module 1 as the second A direction, the first extraction electrode 51 may be located on a first conductive portion 211 formed on the inner circumferential surface Fis of the first substrate 10. For example, on the −X-direction side of the solar cell module 1 as the second B direction, the second extraction electrode 52 may be located on a second conductive portion 212 formed on the inner circumferential surface Fis of the first substrate 10. Here, for example, the first extraction electrode 51 may be formed by joining copper foil or aluminum foil to the first conductive portion 211 by soldering or the like. For example, the second extraction electrode 52 can be formed by joining copper foil or aluminum foil onto the second conductive portion 212 by soldering or the like.

[0058] <1-1-8. Reflective material 70> The reflective material 70 can reflect light that enters the interior of the solar cell module 1. The reflective material 70 can, for example, reflect light from the solar cell section 2 side toward the solar cell section 2. The light from the solar cell section 2 side includes light that enters the interior of the solar cell module 1 from the light-receiving surface Fr1 side and passes through the solar cell section 2 without being absorbed by one or more solar cell elements 3. The reflective material 70 may, for example, be a front-surface mirror or a back-surface mirror. The reflective material 70 may, for example, be a metal layer having a metallic luster.

[0059] The reflective material 70 is located, for example, between the solar cell unit 2 and the extraction electrode 50. In the example of FIG. 1 , the first reflective material 70 is located between the solar cell unit 2 and the first extraction electrode 51, and the second reflective material 70 is located between the solar cell unit 2 and the second extraction electrode 52. In other words, the reflective material 70 is located between the solar cell unit 2 and the first extraction electrode 51 and the second extraction electrode 52. From another perspective, the reflective material 70 may be located between the back electrode 40 and the extraction electrode 50 of each solar cell element 3. More specifically, the reflective material 70 may be located between the back electrode 40 and the extraction electrode 50 in the +Z direction as the first A direction. The reflective material 70 is also located inside the space (internal space) IS surrounded by the first substrate 10. The reflective material 70 may be located, for example, in contact with the solar cell unit 2 or the extraction electrode 50, within a range that does not cause a short circuit. In other words, the reflective material 70 may be located in contact with the back electrode 40 or in contact with the extraction electrode 50, for example, within a range that does not cause a short circuit. The reflective material 70 may or may not be in contact with, for example, the solar cell unit 2 or the extraction electrode 50. In this case, the filler 60 may be located between the reflective material 70 and the solar cell unit 2 or the extraction electrode 50. Furthermore, the reflective material 70 may or may not be in contact with, for example, the back electrode 40 or the extraction electrode 50. In this case, the filler 60 may be located between the reflective material 70 and the back electrode 40 or the extraction electrode 50.

[0060] <1-2. Shape of Solar Cell Module 1> The structure of the solar cell module 1 according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 1 and the like.

[0061] For example, the first base material 10 according to the first embodiment covers the power generating unit 30 from the light receiving surface Fr1 of the solar cell module 1 to the back surface Fr2 of the solar cell module 1. Here, for example, the first base material 10 is present from the light receiving surface Fr1 of the solar cell module 1 to the back surface Fr2 of the solar cell module 1.

[0062] Here, the presence of the first substrate 10 extending from the light-receiving surface Fr1 of the solar cell module 1 to the back surface Fr2 of the solar cell module 1 may mean that the first substrate 10 exists continuously from the portion of the first substrate 10 located on the light-receiving surface Fr1 side of the solar cell module 1 to the portion of the first substrate 10 located on the back surface Fr2 side of the solar cell module 1. From another perspective, the presence of the first substrate 10 extending from the light-receiving surface Fr1 of the solar cell module 1 to the back surface Fr2 of the solar cell module 1 may mean that the portion of the first substrate 10 located on the light-receiving surface Fr1 side of the solar cell module 1 and the portion of the first substrate 10 located on the back surface Fr2 side of the solar cell module 1 are not separated. Furthermore, as long as the portion of the first substrate 10 located on the light receiving surface Fr1 side of the solar cell module 1 and the portion of the first substrate 10 located on the back surface Fr2 side of the solar cell module 1 are not separated, voids or the like may exist between the portion of the first substrate 10 located on the light receiving surface Fr1 side of the solar cell module 1 and the portion of the first substrate 10 located on the back surface side of the solar cell module 1.

[0063] From another perspective, in the first embodiment, for example, the first substrate 10 is continuous from the light-receiving surface Fr1 of the solar cell module 1 along the back surface Fr2 of the solar cell module 1. In other words, for example, the first substrate 10 is not separated from the light-receiving surface portion P1 located on the light-receiving surface Fr1 side of the solar cell module 1 to the back surface portion P2 located on the back surface Fr2 side of the solar cell module 1. More specifically, for example, the first substrate 10 is not separated from the light-receiving surface portion P1 located on the light-receiving surface Fr1 side, through the first side surface portion P3 located on the first side surface Fr3 side, to the back surface portion P2 located on the back surface Fr2 side. For example, the first substrate 10 is not separated from the light-receiving surface portion P1 to the second side surface portion P4 located on the second side surface Fr4 side, and to the back surface P2. Here, as long as the first substrate 10 is not separated from the light-receiving surface portion P1 to the back surface P2, voids or the like may exist along the way from the light-receiving surface portion P1 to the back surface P2.

[0064] Next, the phrase "the first substrate 10 covers the power generating unit 30" may mean that the power generating unit 30 is located inside the internal space IS surrounded by the first substrate 10. In other words, the phrase "the first substrate 10 covers the power generating unit 30" may mean that the power generating unit 30 is surrounded by the inner circumferential surface Fis of the first substrate 10. From another perspective, the phrase "the first substrate 10 covers the power generating unit 30" may mean that, for example, when the solar cell module 1 is observed, the power generating unit 30 cannot be observed except through the first substrate 10. For example, if the first substrate 10 covers the power generating unit 30 from the light receiving surface Fr1 side, when the solar cell module 1 is observed from the +Z direction side, which is the first A direction, it may be observed that the power generating unit 30 is present below the first substrate 10.

[0065] From another perspective, in the first embodiment, for example, the solar cell unit 2 is located in an internal space IS surrounded by the first substrate 10. More specifically, for example, the solar cell unit 2 is located in an internal space IS surrounded by the light-receiving surface P1, back surface P2, first side surface P3, and second side surface P4 of the first substrate 10. In other words, the solar cell unit 2 is located in the internal space IS. In this case, for example, when the solar cell module 1 is viewed in a plan view in the −Z direction, which is the first B direction, the solar cell unit 2 located behind the first substrate 10 (more specifically, the light-receiving surface P1) is observed. For example, when the solar cell module 1 is viewed in a plan view in the +Z direction, which is the first A direction, the solar cell unit 2 is located behind the first substrate 10 (more specifically, the back surface P2). For example, when the solar cell module 1 is viewed in a plan view in the −X direction, which is the second B direction, the solar cell unit 2 is located behind the first substrate 10 (more specifically, the first side surface P3). For example, when the solar cell module 1 is seen through a plan view in the +X direction as the second A direction, the solar cell section 2 is present behind the first base material 10 (more specifically, the second side surface portion P4).

[0066] Furthermore, for example, the first substrate 10 according to the first embodiment covers the filler 60 from the light-receiving surface Fr1 of the solar cell module 1 to the back surface Fr2 of the solar cell module 1. Here, "the first substrate 10 covering the filler 60" may mean that the filler 60 is located inside the internal space IS surrounded by the first substrate 10. In other words, "the first substrate 10 covering the filler 60" may mean that the filler 60 is surrounded by the inner peripheral surface Fis of the first substrate 10. From another perspective, "the first substrate 10 covering the filler 60" may mean that, for example, when the solar cell module 1 is observed, the filler 60 is only observed through the first substrate 10. For example, if the first substrate 10 covers the filler 60 from the light-receiving surface Fr1 side, when the solar cell module 1 is observed from the +Z direction side, which is the first A direction, the presence of the filler 60 below the first substrate 10 may be observed.

[0067] From another perspective, in the first embodiment, for example, the filler 60 is located in the internal space IS surrounded by the first substrate 10. More specifically, for example, the filler 60 is located in the internal space IS surrounded by the light-receiving surface portion P1, the back surface portion P2, the first side surface portion P3, and the second side surface portion P4 of the first substrate 10. In other words, the filler 60 is located in the internal space IS. In this case, for example, when the solar cell module 1 is viewed in a plan view in the −Z direction, which is the first B direction, the filler 60 present behind the first substrate 10 (more specifically, the light-receiving surface portion P1) may be observed. For example, when the solar cell module 1 is viewed in a plan view in the +Z direction, which is the first A direction, the filler 60 is present behind the first substrate 10 (more specifically, the back surface portion P2). For example, when the solar cell module 1 is viewed in a plan view in the −X direction, which is the second B direction, the filler 60 is present behind the first substrate 10 (more specifically, the first side surface portion P3). For example, when the solar cell module 1 is seen through a plan view in the +X direction as the second A direction, the filler 60 is present behind the first base material 10 (more specifically, the second side surface portion P4).

[0068] Here, for example, the first base material 10 covers the power generation unit 30 and the filler 60 from the light-receiving surface Fr1 of the solar cell module 1 to the back surface Fr2 of the solar cell module 1. In other words, for example, the solar cell unit 2 and the filler 60 are located in an internal space IS surrounded by the first base material 10. This can reduce the intrusion of moisture and the like into the interior of the solar cell module 1 from the side surfaces of the filler 60. The side surfaces of the filler 60 include, for example, the surface of the filler 60 facing the first side surface Fr3 and the surface of the filler 60 facing the second side surface Fr4. Here, the intrusion of moisture into the interior of the solar cell module 1 can be reduced. Therefore, by reducing the amount of moisture and the like that reaches the power generation unit 30 from outside the solar cell module 1, deterioration of the power generation unit 30 can be reduced.

[0069] In the first substrate 10 according to the first embodiment, the first end E1 may be in contact with or bonded to the second end E2. In other words, the first end E1 and the second end E2 may be in contact with or bonded to each other. This configuration can reduce the intrusion of moisture into the solar cell module 1 from the rear surface Fr2 side of the solar cell module 1. In this case, the first end E1 may be connected to the second end E2 by bonding or the like. Specifically, for example, the first end E1 may be welded to the second end E2, pressure-bonded, or adhered using an adhesive. As shown in FIG. 1 , for example, the first end E1 may be bonded to the second end E2 while overlapping the second end E2. This configuration can reduce misalignment of the first end E1 with respect to the second end E2. This can improve the durability of the solar cell module 1.

[0070] Next, the structure of the solar cell module 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10 . FIG. 7 is an end view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross section of the solar cell module 1 as viewed in the −X direction at position VII-VII in FIG. 1 . FIG. 8 is an end view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross section of the solar cell module 1 as viewed in the −X direction at position VIII-VIII in FIG. 1 . FIG. 9 is an end view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross section of the solar cell module 1 as viewed in the −X direction at position IX-IX in FIG. 1 . FIG. 10 is an end view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross section of the solar cell module 1 as viewed in the +Y direction at positions X-X in each of FIGS. 7 to 9 .

[0071] 7 to 10 and the like are used to describe the structure of the end of the solar cell module 1 in the Y direction as the second direction. More specifically, using Figures 7 to 10 and the like, the structure of the end of the solar cell module 1 in the +Y direction as the 3A direction and the structure of the end of the solar cell module 1 in the -Y direction as the 3B direction are described. Here, of the first base material 10, the end on the +Y direction side as the 3A direction is referred to as the third end E3, and the end on the -Y direction side as the 3B direction is referred to as the fourth end E4.

[0072] In the third end E3, a portion E3u (also referred to as the upper third end) located on the +Z direction side as the 1A direction is joined to a portion E3l (also referred to as the lower third end) located on the −Z direction side as the 1B direction. For example, FIGS. 7 and 8 each show a state in which the upper third end E3u is joined to the lower third end E3l. This configuration can reduce the intrusion of moisture into the solar cell module 1 from the +Y direction side as the 3A direction of the solar cell module 1. In this case, the upper third end E3u may be connected to the lower third end E3l by bonding or the like. Specifically, for example, the upper third end E3u may be welded, pressure-bonded, or adhesively bonded to the lower third end E3l.

[0073] In the fourth end E4, a portion E4u (also referred to as the upper fourth end) located on the +Z direction side (the 1A direction) is joined to a portion E4l (also referred to as the lower fourth end) located on the −Z direction side (the 1B direction). For example, each of FIGS. 7 to 9 shows a state in which the upper fourth end E4u is joined to the lower fourth end E4l. This configuration can reduce the intrusion of moisture into the solar cell module 1 from the −Y direction side (the 3B direction) of the solar cell module 1. In this case, the upper fourth end E4u may be connected to the lower fourth end E4l by bonding or the like. Specifically, for example, the upper fourth end E4u may be welded, pressure-bonded, or adhesively bonded to the lower fourth end E4l.

[0074] 9 and 10 , the extraction electrode 50 is sandwiched between the upper third end E3u and the lower third end E3l and is located from the internal space IS of the solar cell module 1 to the external space OS of the first substrate 10. More specifically, the first extraction electrode 51 and the second extraction electrode 52 are each sandwiched between the upper third end E3u and the lower third end E3l and are located from the internal space IS of the solar cell module 1 to the external space OS of the first substrate 10. Here, the structure in which the extraction electrode 50 is located from the internal space IS of the solar cell module 1 to the external space OS of the first substrate 10 is not limited to this. For example, the extraction electrode 50 may be located from the internal space IS of the solar cell module 1 to the external space OS of the first substrate 10 through a through-hole provided in the upper third end E3u or a through-hole provided in the lower third end E3l.

[0075] Hereinafter, the structure of the solar cell module 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and the like again.

[0076] In the solar cell module 1 according to the first embodiment, the first substrate 10 may cover the extraction electrode 50 from the light-receiving surface Fr1 of the solar cell module 1 to the back surface Fr2 of the solar cell module 1, excluding a portion of the extraction electrode 50 located in the external space OS. In this case, the extraction electrode 50 may be in contact with the conductive portion 21 located on a portion (back surface portion) P2 of the first substrate 10 located on the back surface Fr2 side of the solar cell module 1. From another perspective, when the solar cell module 1 is observed from the +Z direction side as the first A direction, the extraction electrode 50 may be located between the solar cell unit 2 and the back surface portion P2, excluding a portion located in the external space OS. In other words, the extraction electrode 50 may be located between the power generation unit 30 and a portion of the first substrate 10 located on the back surface Fr2 side of the solar cell module 1. If this configuration is adopted, the extraction electrode 50 is not located on the light-receiving surface Fr1 side of the solar cell module 1. Therefore, when the light-receiving surface Fr1 is viewed in plan, the proportion of the area occupied by one or more power generating units 30 on the light-receiving surface Fr1 side of the solar cell module 1 can be increased. As a result, the amount of power generated per area of ​​the solar cell module 1 can be increased. The amount of power generated per area of ​​the solar cell module 1 may be the amount of power generated per area of ​​the light-receiving surface Fr1 of the solar cell module 1.

[0077] In the solar cell module 1 according to the first embodiment, for example, the conductive portion 21 may be located on the inner peripheral surface Fis of the first substrate 10. In this case, the conductive portion 21 is in contact with the first substrate 10 from the portion located on the light-receiving surface Fr1 side of the solar cell module 1 to the portion located on the back surface Fr2 side of the solar cell module 1. If this configuration is adopted, the conductive portion 21 is supported by the first substrate 10, which can reduce the occurrence of cracks in the conductive portion 21. Here, if the conductive portion 21 is made of the same material as the transparent electrode 20, the transparent electrode 20 may be considered to be the conductive portion 21 located on the inner peripheral surface Fis of the first substrate 10.

[0078] In the solar cell module 1 according to the first embodiment, for example, the first base material 10 may cover the reflector 70 from the light-receiving surface Fr1 of the solar cell module 1 to the back surface Fr2 of the solar cell module 1. In other words, the reflector 70 may be located in the internal space IS surrounded by the first base material 10. As described above, the reflector 70 may be located, for example, between the solar cell unit 2 and the extraction electrode 50. In the example of FIG. 1 , the reflector 70 is located between the solar cell unit 2 and the first extraction electrode 51 and the second extraction electrode 52. From another perspective, the reflector 70 may be located between the back electrode 40 and the extraction electrode 50 of each solar cell element 3. If this configuration is adopted, the reflector 70 reflects light incident on the solar cell module 1, thereby increasing the amount of light incident on the power generation unit 30. This may increase the amount of power generated by the solar cell module 1.

[0079] In the solar cell module 1 according to the first embodiment, for example, if the reflector 70 is located between the extraction electrode 50 and the power generation section 30, the presence of the reflector 70 reduces contact between the extraction electrode 50 or the conductive section 21 and the back electrode 40. If the reflector 70 functions as an insulating member such as a front-surface mirror or a back-surface mirror having a structure in which a metal layer is provided on a glass or resin plate, the occurrence of short circuits within the solar cell module 1 can be reduced.

[0080] <1-3. Manufacturing Method of Solar Cell Module 1> FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the manufacturing process flow for the manufacturing method of the solar cell module 1 according to the first embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , the solar cell module 1 can be manufactured by performing seven steps, S1 to S7, in the order shown. FIGS. 12 to 18 are cross-sectional views each showing a schematic example of a state during the manufacturing of the solar cell module 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic example of a state after the manufacturing of the solar cell module 1 according to the first embodiment has been completed. Below, an example of the manufacturing process flow shown in FIG. 11 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 19 . Here, an example is shown in which the conductive portion 21 is made of the same material as the transparent electrode 20, and a portion of the transparent electrode 20 functions as the conductive portion 21. In other words, an example is shown in which the conductive portion 21 is formed by forming the transparent electrode 20.

[0081] In step S1, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, a transparent electrode 20 is formed on a first substrate 10. Here, for example, the transparent electrode 20 is formed on a plate-shaped or sheet-shaped first substrate 10 by a vacuum process such as sputtering. At this time, for example, the transparent electrode 20 may be separated by laser irradiation or scribing, thereby forming a plurality of transparent electrodes 20 on the first substrate 10, as in the example of Figure 13. The plurality of transparent electrodes 20 may include, for example, transparent electrodes 20 including a portion that functions as a conductive portion 21, or may include transparent electrodes 20 that function as a conductive portion 21.

[0082] In step S2, for example, as shown in Fig. 14 , a power generation unit 30 is formed on the first substrate 10 and the transparent electrode 20. Here, for example, a first carrier transport unit 31, a photoelectric conversion unit 32, and a second carrier transport unit 33 may be formed in this order on the first substrate 10 on which the transparent electrode 20 has been formed, thereby forming the power generation unit 30. At this time, for example, by separating the power generation unit 30 by scribing or the like, a plurality of power generation units 30 may be formed on the first substrate 10 and a plurality of transparent electrodes 20, as in the example of Fig. 14 .

[0083] In step S3, for example, as shown in Fig. 15 , a back electrode 40 is formed on the power generation unit 30 and the transparent electrode 20. Here, for example, the back electrode 40 may be formed by a vacuum process such as sputtering on the transparent electrode 20 and the power generation unit 30 formed on the first substrate 10. At this time, for example, by separating the back electrode 40 and the power generation unit 30 by scribing or the like, a plurality of back electrodes 40 may be formed on a plurality of power generation units 30 and a plurality of transparent electrodes 20, as in the example of Fig. 15 .

[0084] In step S4, as shown in FIG. 16 , for example, an extraction electrode 50 is formed on the transparent electrode 20. Here, the extraction electrode 50 is formed on a portion of the transparent electrode 20 that functions as the conductive portion 21. For example, the extraction electrode 50 can be formed by bonding copper foil or aluminum foil onto the transparent electrode 20. As in the example of FIG. 16 , the first extraction electrode 51 can be formed on a portion of the transparent electrode 20 that functions as the first conductive portion 211, and the second extraction electrode 52 can be formed on a portion of the transparent electrode 20 that functions as the second conductive portion 212. At this time, for example, a reflective material 70 located on the extraction electrode 50 may be formed. Here, for example, the reflective material 70 located on the extraction electrode 50 can be formed by forming a film of a highly reflective material, such as a metal film, on the extraction electrode 50 bonded to the transparent electrode 20 by a vacuum process such as sputtering. Alternatively, for example, an extraction electrode 50 having a film of a highly reflective material such as a metal film formed on its surface in advance may be joined onto the transparent electrode 20, thereby forming a reflective material 70 located on the extraction electrode 50.

[0085] In step S5, for example, as shown in Fig. 17 , a sheet 60s that serves as the base of the filler 60 is placed on the transparent electrode 20, power generation section 30, back electrode 40, and extraction electrode 50 formed on the first substrate 10. More specifically, as in the example of Fig. 17 , one or more sheets 60s are placed on the plurality of transparent electrodes 20, the plurality of power generation sections 30, the plurality of back electrodes 40, and the plurality of extraction electrodes 50 formed on the first substrate 10. The sheet 60s may be, for example, a resin sheet. The resin sheet may be, for example, a sheet of resin before crosslinking.

[0086] In step S6, for example, as shown in FIG. 18 , the first substrate 10 is bent into a ring shape to surround the transparent electrode 20, the power generation unit 30, the back electrode 40, the extraction electrode 50, and the sheet 60s located on the first substrate 10. More specifically, as shown in the example of FIG. 18 , the first substrate 10 is bent into a ring shape to surround the multiple transparent electrodes 20, the multiple power generation units 30, the multiple back electrodes 40, the multiple extraction electrodes 50, and one or more sheets 60s located on the first substrate 10. Here, the portion of the first substrate 10 on the first end E1 side and the portion on the second end E2 side may be bent simultaneously or separately. In this case, for example, the first substrate 10, the transparent electrode 20, the power generation unit 30, the back electrode 40, the extraction electrode 50, and the sheet 60s may be heated as a whole to soften the sheet 60s, thereby filling the gaps in the internal space IS of the first substrate 10 with the filler 60. Here, for example, a lamination process using a laminator may be performed to fill the gaps in the internal space IS of the first substrate 10 with the filler 60. Here, cross-linking of the resin of the sheet 60s may be performed.

[0087] In step S7, the first end E1 and the second end E2 of the first substrate 10 are joined, for example, as shown in FIG. 19 . Here, for example, the first end E1 may be welded to the second end E2, pressed, or bonded using an adhesive. For example, as in the example of FIG. 19 , the first end E1 may be joined to the second end E2 while overlapping the second end E2. In step S7, for example, the upper third end E3u and the lower third end E3l may be joined, or the upper fourth end E4u and the lower fourth end E4l may be joined. Here, for example, the upper third end E3u and the lower third end E3l may be welded, pressed, or bonded using an adhesive. For example, the upper fourth end E4u and the lower fourth end E4l may be welded, pressed, or bonded using an adhesive. For example, the upper third end E3u and the lower third end E3l may be joined in an overlapping state. For example, the upper fourth end E4u and the lower fourth end E4l may be joined in an overlapping state.

[0088] Here, for example, if the heating temperature in step S6 and the heating temperature in the welding and crimping in step S7 are included in the same temperature range, the joining of the first end E1 and the second end E2 in step S7 may be performed in step S6.

[0089] <1-4. Other Embodiments> The present disclosure is not limited to the first embodiment described above, and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0090] 2. Second Embodiment Here, differences between a solar cell module 1A according to a second embodiment and the solar cell module 1 according to the first embodiment will be mainly described. The solar cell module 1A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 20. Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross section of the solar cell module 1A according to the second embodiment.

[0091] The solar cell module 1A according to the second embodiment is based on the solar cell module 1 according to the first embodiment, and further includes a second substrate (also referred to as the second substrate or the back substrate) 80 on the back surface Fr2 side of the solar cell module 1A.

[0092] The second substrate 80 may be an insulating member. The second substrate 80 may be translucent to light in a specific wavelength range. The specific wavelength range may include, for example, a wavelength range of light that the photoelectric conversion unit 32 can absorb and cause photoelectric conversion. The material of the second substrate 80 may be, for example, glass, acrylic, polycarbonate, or PET, similar to the first substrate 10. The shape of the second substrate 80 may be, for example, a flat plate, a sheet, or a film. The thickness of the second substrate 80 may be set to, for example, approximately 0.01 mm to 5 mm.

[0093] In the solar cell module 1A according to the second embodiment, the second substrate 80 is bonded to the first end E1 and the second end E2. Here, for example, the second substrate 80 is located closer to the back surface Fr2 than the back surface portion P2 of the first substrate 10. The second substrate 80 is bonded to the surface of the first end E1 facing the back surface Fr2 and to the surface of the second end E2 facing the back surface Fr2. This configuration can reduce the penetration of moisture into the solar cell module 1A from the back surface Fr2 side of the solar cell module 1A. In this case, the second substrate 80 and the first end E1 may be connected by bonding or the like, and the second substrate 80 and the second end E2 may be connected by bonding or the like. More specifically, the second substrate 80 and the first end E1 may be welded, pressure-bonded, or bonded using an adhesive. The second substrate 80 and the second end E2 may be welded, pressure-bonded, or bonded using an adhesive. Here, if the second substrate 80 is joined to the first end E1 in an overlapping state in the -Z direction (the 1B direction) and the second substrate 80 is joined to the second end E2 in an overlapping state in the -Z direction (the 1B direction), the occurrence of misalignment of the first end E1 with respect to the second end E2 can be reduced. This can improve the durability of the solar cell module 1A.

[0094] In the solar cell module 1A according to the second embodiment, for example, the first end E1 and the second end E2 do not have to be in contact with each other or joined together. From another perspective, the solar cell module 1A according to the second embodiment can be considered to be a configuration in which the portion of the first base material 10 that overlaps the second end E2, corresponding to the first end E1, is a physically separate member (a member corresponding to the second base material 80) in the solar cell module 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0095] The manufacturing method of the solar cell module 1A according to the second embodiment may be, for example, a manufacturing method based on the manufacturing method of the solar cell module 1 according to the first embodiment, but with a different content of step S7. Specifically, in step S7, instead of joining the first end E1 and the second end E2, the second substrate 80 may be joined to the first end E1 and the second substrate 80 may be joined to the second end E2. More specifically, the second substrate 80 may be joined to the surface of the first end E1 facing the back surface Fr2, and the second substrate 80 may be joined to the surface of the second end E2 facing the back surface Fr2. The joining of the second substrate 80 to the first end E1 and the joining of the second substrate 80 to the second end E2 may or may not be performed simultaneously. The joining of the second substrate 80 to the first end E1 may be performed first, and then the joining of the second substrate 80 to the second end E2 may be performed, or the joining of the second substrate 80 to the second end E2 may be performed first, and then the joining of the second substrate 80 to the first end E1 may be performed.

[0096] 3. Third Embodiment Here, differences between a solar cell module 1B according to a third embodiment and the solar cell module 1 according to the first embodiment will be mainly described. The solar cell module 1B according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 to 23. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross section of the solar cell module 1B according to the third embodiment. FIG. 22 is an end view schematically showing an example of a virtual cut surface of the solar cell module 1B taken at position XXII-XXII in FIG. 21 , viewed in the −X direction. FIG. 23 is an end view schematically showing an example of a virtual cut surface of the solar cell module 1B taken at position XXIII-XXIII in FIG. 21 , viewed in the −X direction.

[0097] The solar cell module 1B according to the third embodiment may be based on the solar cell module 1 according to the first embodiment, and may have a configuration in which an opening in the first substrate 10 that leads to the internal space IS is covered by a third substrate (also referred to as a third substrate or a side substrate) 100. From another perspective, the solar cell module 1B according to the third embodiment may be based on the solar cell module 1 according to the first embodiment, and may have a configuration in which an opening in the first substrate 10 that leads to the internal space IS is blocked by the side substrate 100. The opening in the first substrate 10 that leads to the internal space IS may be an opening (also referred to as a first opening) O1 on the +Y direction side of the first substrate 10, which corresponds to the 3A direction, that leads to the internal space IS, or an opening (also referred to as a second opening) O2 on the −Y direction side of the first substrate 10, which corresponds to the 3B direction, that leads to the internal space IS. The side substrate 100 may be, for example, a single substrate in which a portion that blocks the first opening O1 and a portion that blocks the second opening O2 are connected. For example, the side surface substrate 100 may be a single substrate in which the portion covering the first opening O1 and the portion covering the second opening O2 are connected by a connecting portion located on the +X-direction side as the second A direction of the solar cell module 1B or a connecting portion located on the −X-direction side as the second B direction of the solar cell module 1B. Here, the portion covering the first opening O1 and the portion covering the second opening O2 may be separate members of the side surface substrate 100. In this case, the side surface substrate 100 covering the first opening O1 may be referred to as the first side surface substrate 101, and the side surface substrate 100 covering the second opening O2 may be referred to as the second side surface substrate 102.

[0098] The first side surface substrate 101 may be bonded to, for example, each of the upper third end E3u and the lower third end E3l. This configuration can reduce the intrusion of moisture into the interior of the solar cell module 1B from the +Y direction, which corresponds to the third A direction of the solar cell module 1B. In this case, for example, the first side surface substrate 101 may be welded, pressure-bonded, or adhesively bonded to the upper third end E3u and / or the lower third end E3l. The second side surface substrate 102 may be bonded to, for example, each of the upper fourth end E4u and the lower fourth end E4l. This configuration can reduce the intrusion of moisture into the interior of the solar cell module 1B from the -Y direction, which corresponds to the third B direction of the solar cell module 1B. In this case, for example, the second side substrate 102 may be welded, pressed, or adhered using an adhesive to the upper fourth end E4u and / or the lower fourth end E4l.

[0099] Here, the material of the side substrate 100 may be, for example, glass, acrylic, polycarbonate, or PET, as with the first substrate 10. The material of the side substrate 100 may be, for example, butyl rubber. The thickness of the side substrate 100 may be set to, for example, approximately 0.01 mm to 5 mm. When manufacturing the solar cell module 1B according to the third embodiment, in step S7 described above, instead of joining the upper third end E3u and the lower third end E3l and the upper fourth end E4u and the lower fourth end E4l, the side substrate 100 may be joined to the first substrate 10. For example, after the lamination process using a laminator, the first side substrate 101 may be joined to each of the upper third end E3u and the lower third end E3l, and the second side substrate 102 may be joined to each of the upper fourth end E4u and the lower fourth end E4l. Furthermore, for example, the first side substrate 101 and the second side substrate 102 may be arranged before the lamination process using a laminator, and during the lamination process using a laminator, the first side substrate 101 may be joined to each of the upper third end E3u and the lower third end E3l by thermocompression bonding, and the second side substrate 102 may be joined to each of the upper fourth end E4u and the lower fourth end E4l by thermocompression bonding.

[0100] 4. Fourth Embodiment Here, differences between a solar cell module 1C according to a fourth embodiment and the solar cell module 1 according to the first embodiment will be mainly described. The solar cell module 1C according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 24 and 25. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross section of the solar cell module 1C according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross section of the solar cell module 1C according to the fourth embodiment, taken at position XXV-XXV in FIG. 24 , when viewed in the −Z direction.

[0101] In the solar cell module 1C according to the fourth embodiment, the first end E1 and the second end E2 face each other and are in contact with each other along the X direction, which is the first direction. From another perspective, for example, in the +Z direction, which is the first A direction, the position of the inner circumferential surface Fis at the first end E1 may coincide with the position of the inner circumferential surface Fis at the second end E2. Furthermore, for example, in the +Z direction, which is the first A direction, the position of the outer circumferential surface Fes at the first end E1 may coincide with the position of the outer circumferential surface Fes at the second end E2. In other words, for example, in the +Z direction, which is the first A direction, the position of the first end face Ef1 at the first end E1 may coincide with the position of the second end face Ef2 at the second end E2. By adopting such a structure, the amount of first substrate 10 required can be reduced when manufacturing the solar cell module 1C according to the fourth embodiment compared to when manufacturing the solar cell module 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0102] Here, the first end E1 and the second end E2 may be physically connected. In other words, the first end E1 and the second end E2 may be bonded. In other words, the first end E1 and the second end E2 may be in contact with each other or may be bonded. More specifically, the first end face Ef1 of the first end E1 and the second end face Ef2 of the second end E2 may be in contact with each other or may be bonded. For example, the first end E1 and the second end E2 may be connected by welding. More specifically, the first end face Ef1 and the second end face Ef2 may be connected by welding. Furthermore, the first end E1 and the second end E2 may be connected by adhesive bonding via an adhesive layer located between the first end E1 and the second end E2. The first end face Ef1 and the second end face Ef2 may be connected by adhesive bonding via an adhesive layer located between the first end face Ef1 and the second end face Ef2. The adhesive layer may be, for example, a part of the filler 60. For example, the adhesive layer may be formed by welding the first end face E1, the second end face E2, and the filler 60 located between the first end face E1 and the second end face E2, with a part of the sheet 60s that forms the filler 60 located between the first end face Ef1 and the second end face Ef2. More specifically, for example, the adhesive layer may be formed by welding the first end face E1, the second end face E2, and the filler 60 located between the first end face Ef1 and the second end face Ef2, with a part of the sheet 60s that forms the filler 60 located between the first end face Ef1 and the second end face Ef2.

[0103] In FIG. 18 , the boundary between the first end E1 and the second end E2 is shown as a straight line extending along the Y direction (the third direction). However, the shape of the boundary between the first end E1 and the second end E2 is not limited to this. For example, when the first end E1 and the second end E2 are viewed in a planar perspective view in the −Z direction (the first B direction), the shape of the boundary between the first end E1 and the second end E2 may be curved, linear, or bent with respect to the Y direction (the third direction). Furthermore, when the first end E1 and the second end E2 are viewed in a planar perspective view in the −Z direction (the first B direction), the shape of the boundary between the first end E1 and the second end E2 may be such that the first end E1 has a portion protruding toward the second end E2, or such that the second end E2 has a portion protruding toward the first end E1. In other words, for example, when the first end E1 and the second end E2 are viewed in plan view in the -Z direction as the first B direction, the shape of the boundary between the first end E1 and the second end E2 may be a shape in which there is a recessed portion from the first end E1 side toward the second end E2 side, or a shape in which there is a recessed portion from the second end E2 side toward the first end E1 side.

[0104] 5. Other Embodiments As described above, the solar cell module of the present disclosure has been described using various drawings and embodiments. However, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations based on the various embodiments described above. Therefore, various forms realized by modifications and alterations based on these various embodiments are included within the scope of the solar cell module of the present disclosure. For example, in the solar cell modules according to the various embodiments described above, the various functional units may be rearranged within a logically consistent range, multiple functional units may be combined into a single functional unit, or one or more of the multiple functional units may be further divided into multiple functional units. Furthermore, the various embodiments described above are not limited to configurations that faithfully implement the specific embodiments described above. They may be implemented by combining features of the various embodiments or omitting parts of the various embodiments as appropriate. In other words, the descriptions of the various embodiments of the present disclosure described above are illustrative in all aspects, and this disclosure is not limited to the above descriptions. Furthermore, the various examples described above may be combined and applied as long as they are not mutually inconsistent. And countless examples not illustrated may be envisioned without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0105] 6. Summary of the present disclosure The present disclosure includes the following contents.

[0106] In one embodiment, (1) a solar cell module includes a power generating section that receives light and generates electricity, a filler material in contact with the power generating section, and a base material made of a single translucent material, the base material covering the power generating section and the filler material from the light-receiving surface of the solar cell module to the back surface of the solar cell module.

[0107] (2) In the solar cell module of (1) above, the base material is a single base material that is bent from the light-receiving surface side toward the back surface side.

[0108] (3) In the solar cell module of any one of (1) and (2), the base material includes a light-receiving surface portion base material located closer to the light-receiving surface than an imaginary plane that is equidistant from the light-receiving surface and the back surface. The base material includes a back surface portion base material located closer to the back surface than the imaginary plane. The base material includes a side surface portion base material connecting the light-receiving surface portion base material and the back surface portion base material.

[0109] (4) In any of the solar cell modules (1) to (3) above, the side substrate is bent along a circumference centered on a virtual line along a second direction perpendicular to a first direction from the light receiving surface toward the back surface.

[0110] (5) The solar cell module according to any one of (1) to (4) above further includes a back surface base material that covers the power generating section and the filler from the back surface side of the solar cell module itself.

[0111] (6) In the solar cell module of any one of (1) to (5) above, the base material has a first end portion located on the back surface side and a second end portion different from the first end portion and located on the back surface side, and the first end portion is in contact with the second end portion.

[0112] (7) Any of the solar cell modules (1) to (6) above further includes an extraction electrode located within the space covered by the substrate and in contact with the substrate at the first end or the second end.

[0113] (8) Any of the solar cell modules (1) to (7) above further includes a transparent electrode located within the space covered by the substrate, contacting the substrate from the light-receiving surface side to the back surface side, and electrically connecting the extraction electrode and the power generation unit.

[0114] (9) Any of the solar cell modules (1) to (8) above further includes a reflector located inside the space covered by the base material and located between either the first end or the second end and the power generating unit.

[0115] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C: Solar cell module 2: Solar cell unit 3: Solar cell element 10: First substrate 20: Transparent electrode (first electrode) 21: Conductive portion 211: First conductive portion 212: Second conductive portion 30: Electricity-emitting portion 40: Back electrode (second electrode) 50: Extraction electrode 51: First extraction electrode 52: Second extraction electrode 60: Filler 70: Reflective material E1: First end E2: Second end Ef1: First end surface Ef2: Second end surface Fr1: Light-receiving surface Fr2: Back surface Fr3: First side surface Fr4: Second side surface IS: Internal space (first space) OS: External space P1: Light-receiving surface (first part) P2: Back surface (second part) P3: First side surface (third part) P4: Second side face (Part 4)

Claims

1. A solar cell module, The solar cell assembly includes a solar cell unit, a first substrate, and a filler, the solar cell module has an outer circumferential surface including a light-receiving surface, a back surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface; the light receiving surface is located at an end of the solar cell module in a first A direction, the back surface is located at an end of the solar cell module in a first B direction opposite to the first A direction, the first side surface is located at an end of the solar cell module in a second A direction perpendicular to the first A direction, and connects the light receiving surface and the back surface, the second side surface is located at an end of the solar cell module in a second B direction opposite to the second A direction, and connects the light receiving surface and the back surface, the first base material is made of a single material having light-transmitting properties and includes a first portion, a second portion, a third portion, and a fourth portion; the first portion is a portion of the first base material located on the light receiving surface side, the second portion is a portion of the first base material located on the back surface side, the third portion is a portion of the first base material located on the first side surface side, the fourth portion is a portion of the first base material located on the second side surface side, the solar cell module has a first space surrounded by the first portion, the second portion, the third portion, and the fourth portion, the solar cell unit and the filling material are located in the first space, the solar cell unit includes one or more solar cell elements, each of the one or more solar cell elements is located along a surface of the first portion facing the second portion; The filler covers the solar cell portion from the second portion side.

2. The solar cell module according to claim 1, The solar cell module, wherein the first base material is a single member bent from the light-receiving surface side toward the back surface side.

3. The solar cell module according to claim 2, A solar cell module, wherein the first substrate is bent along an imaginary arc centered on an imaginary line along a third A direction that is perpendicular to each of the first A direction and the second A direction.

4. The solar cell module according to claim 1 or 2, a second substrate; the second portion has a first end surface facing the second B direction and a second end surface facing the second A direction, and includes a first end portion and a second end portion; the first end includes the first end surface and is located along the first end surface; the second end includes the second end surface and is located along the second end surface; A solar cell module, wherein the second substrate is located on the back surface side of the second portion, and is bonded to the back surface side surface of the first end portion and to the back surface side surface of the second end portion.

5. The solar cell module according to claim 1 or 2, the second portion has a first end surface facing the second B direction and a second end surface facing the second A direction, and includes a first end portion and a second end portion; the first end includes the first end surface and is located along the first end surface; the second end includes the second end surface and is located along the second end surface; The solar cell module, wherein the first end is in contact with or joined to the second end.

6. The solar cell module according to claim 1 or 2, a first conductive part, a second conductive part, a first extraction electrode, and a second extraction electrode; the first conductive portion is electrically connected to the solar cell portion and is located along a surface of each of the first portion, the third portion, and the second portion facing the first space; the second conductive portion is electrically connected to the solar cell portion and is located along a surface of each of the first portion, the fourth portion, and the second portion facing the first space; the first extraction electrode is joined to a portion of the first conductive portion that is located along the second portion, the second extraction electrode is joined to a portion of the second conductive portion that is located along the second portion, the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion are located in the first space, a solar cell module, wherein the first extraction electrode and the second extraction electrode are each located from within the first space to an external space on an opposite side of the first base material from the first space;

7. The solar cell module according to claim 6, a reflective material; The reflective material is located in the first space between the solar cell unit and the first and second extraction electrodes, and reflects light from the solar cell unit side toward the solar cell unit.

8. The solar cell module according to claim 1 or 2, each of the one or more solar cell elements includes a first electrode, a power generating portion, and a second electrode; the first electrode is located along a surface of the first portion on a side of the second portion, the second electrode is located between the first electrode and the second portion; The power generating unit is located between the first electrode and the second electrode and receives light to generate electricity.

9. A solar cell module according to claim 1, The solar cell module, wherein the first portion or the second portion includes a flat surface.