Solar cell module and disconnection detection method for solar cell module

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a solar cell module which can be manufactured more easily and stably and has high long-term durability. In addition, the present invention also addresses the problem of providing a disconnection detection method which is for a solar cell module and detects the disconnection of such a solar cell module.　This solar cell module (1), in which a solar cell is disposed between a light-receiving-side substrate (10) and a rear-surface-side substrate (17) and a sealing material (13) is disposed between the solar cell and the rear-surface-side substrate (17), is configured such that: the rear-surface-side substrate (17) has an extraction wiring part (15) and a terminal box (3) having a wiring extraction hole (40) and a terminal block (82); the extraction wiring part (15) has an upright part (15b) rising toward the terminal block (82) side of the terminal box (3); the upright part (15b) is disposed, between the rear-surface-side substrate (17) and the light-receiving-side substrate (10), at a position facing the wiring extraction hole (40), has a rising angle (θ1) that is an acute angle with respect to a first virtual surface, and is further inside an opening than an opening edge of the wiring extraction hole (40) when viewed in a plan view; and the extraction wiring part (15), when viewed in a cross-sectional view, extends in an arc shape from the upright part (15b) to at least the rear-surface-side substrate (17) and is connected to the terminal block (82).

Description

Solar cell module and method for detecting disconnection in solar cell module

[0001] The present invention relates to a solar cell module and a method for detecting a break in a solar cell module.

[0002] Conventionally, solar cell modules formed by attaching a terminal box to a solar cell panel formed by laminating a glass substrate, an encapsulant sheet, a solar cell string, an encapsulant sheet, and a back sheet in this order have been widely known. In such solar cell modules, the solar cell string and a portion of the output wiring are enclosed within the solar cell panel. The output wiring extends from the inside of the solar cell panel to the external terminal box through an output through-hole formed in the back sheet. For example, there is a solar cell module disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0003] In the solar cell module of Patent Document 1, the solar cell panel has a plate-shaped or film-shaped extracting wiring (extraction-side wiring member). The extracting wiring is bent and extends in the thickness direction of the solar cell panel inside the extracting through-hole. That is, the extracting wiring has a rising portion that rises in the thickness direction of the solar cell panel, and a bent portion is located on the base end side of the rising portion. Furthermore, this bent portion is bent so that the angle of the corner portion is 90 degrees.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-080413

[0005] However, bending the extracting wires to form the above-described corners is time-consuming, and there has been a desire to manufacture solar cell modules more easily. Furthermore, conventional extracting wires can break and become damaged when used outdoors for a long period of time, and there has been a desire to prevent such damage. Therefore, the present inventors conceived of forming no corners on the rising portions of the extracting wires, and instead making the rising portions curved and extending. However, when such solar cell panels are actually manufactured, the extracting wires can become damaged, making stable manufacturing difficult.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a solar cell module that can be manufactured more easily and stably and has high long-term durability, and to provide a method for detecting a break in such a solar cell module.

[0007] To solve the above problem, the present inventors conducted extensive research and found that when the rising portions of the extracting wires are curved, the extracting wires are damaged during a lamination process. The lamination process involves heating and pressing a laminate, which is a work-in-progress of a solar cell panel. The present inventors also discovered that increasing the bending radius of the rising portions (reducing the curvature of the curved surface of the curved and extending portions) can suppress (prevent) the occurrence of such damage to the extracting wires during the lamination process. Furthermore, the present inventors discovered that increasing the bending radius of the rising portions can improve the breakage resistance of the wires when subjected to expansion and contraction loads due to temperature cycles, heat generation caused by current flow, and the like. The present inventors also discovered that improving the breakage resistance of the wires in this way can suppress the occurrence of damage caused by temperature cycle loads during long-term power generation outdoors. One aspect of the present invention for solving the above problem, which is provided based on such knowledge, is a solar cell module in which solar cells are arranged between a light-receiving-side substrate and a back-side substrate, and a sealing material is arranged between the solar cells and the back-side substrate, wherein the back-side substrate has a wiring outlet hole and a terminal box having a terminal block, and an output wiring portion that passes through the wiring outlet hole and connects the solar cells to the terminal block of the terminal box, and the output wiring portion has a rising portion that rises toward the terminal block side of the terminal box, and the rising portion is between the back-side substrate and the light-receiving-side substrate and when a first imaginary plane is defined as an imaginary plane that is arranged at a position opposite the wiring outlet hole, that extends in a plane adjacent to the light-receiving side substrate side of the base end portion of the rising portion, and that is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the base end portion of the rising portion, the rising portion has a rise angle that is an acute angle with respect to the first imaginary plane, and is located more inside the opening than the opening edge of the wiring outlet hole when viewed in plan, and the outlet wiring portion extends in an arc from the rising portion to at least the back side substrate when viewed in cross section, and is connected to the terminal block.

[0008] The solar cell module of this aspect can suppress (prevent) breakage of the output wires during manufacturing and during long-term outdoor use.

[0009] Preferably, the terminal box has a first wall portion and a second wall portion, and the output wiring portion passes between the first wall portion and the second wall portion and is connected to the terminal block.

[0010] This aspect can prevent the extracting wiring portion from coming into unintentional contact with other wiring, and can more reliably prevent damage to the solar cell module.

[0011] More preferably, the output wiring portion does not contact the first wall portion and the second wall portion.

[0012] More preferably, the terminal box has a wiring insertion hole through which a portion of the extraction wiring portion passes, the first wall portion is a portion of the inner wall portion of the wiring insertion hole, and at least a portion of the second wall portion is positioned away from the first wall portion and is positioned so as to overlap with the wiring insertion hole in a planar view from the outside.

[0013] These features can prevent damage caused by contact of the extracting wiring portion with the wall portion.

[0014] Preferably, the extraction wiring portion has a horizontal extension portion and an extraction side portion, the rising portion is located between the horizontal extension portion and the extraction side portion, the horizontal extension portion extends in a direction parallel to the main surface of the light-receiving side substrate, and when the extension direction of the horizontal extension portion toward the rising portion is defined as a first extension direction, the rising portion rises from the horizontal extension portion and extends while curving toward the first extension direction as it approaches the rising direction, and the extraction side portion extends while curving in the opposite direction to the first extension direction as it approaches the rising direction.

[0015] More preferably, the terminal box has a main body and an auxiliary member housed in the main body, the main body having a wiring insertion hole through which a portion of the extraction wiring portion passes, a first wiring insertion portion formed between a first wall portion which is a portion of the inner wall portion of the wiring insertion hole and a portion of the peripheral wall portion of the auxiliary member, and a second wiring insertion portion formed between a side wall portion of the terminal block and a second wall portion which is another portion of the peripheral wall portion of the auxiliary member, and the curved extending portion of the extraction wiring portion extends through the first wiring insertion portion and the second wiring insertion portion.

[0016] These features can more reliably prevent damage to the extracting wiring portion.

[0017] More preferably, the extraction side portion extends through the first wire insertion portion and the second wire insertion portion.

[0018] More preferably, the output wiring portion does not contact the first wall portion and the second wall portion.

[0019] These features can more reliably prevent damage to the extracting wiring portion.

[0020] More preferably, the auxiliary member is placed on the two extracting wiring portions and is positioned between a part of one of the two extracting wiring portions and a part of the other of the two extracting wiring portions, and is arranged so that the peripheral wall portion does not come into contact with the two extracting wiring portions.

[0021] This aspect can prevent unintentional contact between one of the two extracting wiring portions and the other.

[0022] More preferably, the lead-out wiring portion extends without contacting the inner wall portion of the wiring insertion hole, the side wall portion of the terminal block, and the auxiliary member.

[0023] This aspect can more reliably prevent damage to the extracting wiring portion.

[0024] Preferably, a solar cell string is provided between the light-receiving side substrate and the back side substrate, in which a plurality of solar cells are connected in series, and the solar cell string has an upstream end and a downstream end in the direction of electrical flow connected via a regulating portion, and the regulating portion allows electrical flow from the upstream end to the downstream end and blocks electrical flow from the downstream end to the upstream end, and the extraction wiring portion has a positive electrode side wiring portion electrically connected to the upstream end and a negative electrode side wiring portion electrically connected to the downstream end, and the positive electrode side wiring portion and the negative electrode side wiring portion are each connected to the terminal block of the terminal box.

[0025] This aspect makes it possible to detect whether or not the output wiring portion is broken.

[0026] Preferably, the light-receiving side substrate has a partition wall portion between the rear surface side substrate and the light-receiving side substrate and facing the wiring outlet hole, and the rising portion is arranged at a position overlapping the partition wall portion and has a rising angle that is an acute angle with respect to the partition wall portion.

[0027] This aspect can more reliably prevent damage to the extracting wiring portion.

[0028] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for detecting a disconnection in a solar cell module according to the above-described preferred aspect, in which a voltage is applied between the negative electrode side wiring portion and the positive electrode side wiring portion so that electricity flows from the upstream end side to the downstream end side.

[0029] This aspect makes it possible to easily detect whether or not there is a break in the output wiring portion.

[0030] The above aspects may be made dependent on each other, or some of the configurations may be quoted or substituted for each other, as long as they are included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0031] The present invention can provide a solar cell module that can be manufactured more easily and stably and has high long-term durability, as well as a method for detecting a break in such a solar cell module.

[0032] 4 is a perspective view showing a solar cell module according to an embodiment of the present invention, where (a) shows the state as seen from the light-receiving surface side, and (b) shows the state as seen from the back surface side. It is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the structure of the solar cell module of FIG. 1. It is a plan view schematically showing the solar cell string and output wiring of FIG. 1 as seen from the light-receiving surface side, with the output wiring shown in a see-through manner. It is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the solar cell module of FIG. 1 in an exploded state. It is a perspective view schematically showing the main body part of FIG. 4 and its periphery. It is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of electricity in the solar cell string of FIG. 1, where (a) shows the flow of electricity during normal power generation, (b) shows the flow of electricity during abnormal power generation, and (c) shows the flow of electricity when detecting a disconnection. It is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the process of manufacturing a solar cell module, showing the state in which two output wirings are introduced into the main body part of the terminal box and electrically connected to separate terminal blocks, and an auxiliary member is placed on the two output wirings. 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the main parts around the terminal box of FIG. 1 , with some hatching omitted for ease of understanding.

[0034] FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing the main parts of a solar cell module according to an embodiment different from the solar cell module of FIG. 1 , where (a) is a perspective view showing the attachment of an auxiliary member to the main body of the terminal box.

[0035] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the main parts around the terminal box with the auxiliary member attached, with some hatching omitted for ease of understanding.

[0036] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a solar cell module according to an embodiment different from FIGS. 1 and 9 , where (a) shows the view from the light-receiving surface side, and (b) shows the view from the back side.

[0037] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of electricity during normal power generation in the solar cell module of FIG. 10 .

[0038] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the solar cell module of FIG. 10 in an exploded state.

[0039] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a solar cell module according to an embodiment different from FIGS. 1, 9, and 10 , where (a) shows the view from the light-receiving surface side, and (b) shows the view from the back side.

[0039] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of electricity during normal power generation in the solar cell module of FIG. 13 . FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the solar cell module of FIG. 13 in an exploded state.

[0033] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0034] 1, the solar cell module 1 of this embodiment has a solar cell panel 2 and a terminal box 3, with the terminal box 3 attached to the back side of the solar cell panel 2. That is, the solar cell module 1 has a first main surface, which is the front surface, as the light-receiving surface, and the terminal box 3 is provided on a second main surface, which is the back surface. The solar cell module 1 also has two output cables, a first output cable 5 and a second output cable 6. The first output cable 5 and the second output cable 6 extend from inside the terminal box 3 to the outside and are cables that can be connected to the output cables (first output cable 5, second output cable 6) of other solar cell modules 1 or to external devices.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2 , the solar cell panel 2 is formed by stacking, from the light-receiving surface side, a light-transmitting substrate 10 (light-receiving side substrate), a first sealing material 11 (sealing material), solar cell strings 12, a second sealing material 13 (sealing material), a partition member 14 (partition portion), extracting wiring 15 (extracting wiring portion), a third sealing material 16 (sealing material), and a back surface protection member 17 (back surface side substrate).

[0036] The light-transmitting substrate 10 is a plate-like or sheet-like member having insulating properties and light-transmitting properties, and in this embodiment, a glass substrate (windshield) is used.

[0037] The first sealing material 11, the second sealing material 13, and the third sealing material 16 are sealing materials that seal the solar cell string 12 and a portion of the extracting wire 15. The first sealing material 11, the second sealing material 13, and the third sealing material 16 of this embodiment are resin sheets made from a resin containing a thermoplastic resin. As an example, the first sealing material 11, the second sealing material 13, and the third sealing material 16 can be resin sheets made from a resin whose main ingredient is ethylene vinyl acetate resin, or the like.

[0038] 1(a), the solar cell string 12 has a plurality of solar cell cells 25 (solar cells), two end electrode wirings 26, a plurality of intermediate electrode wirings 27, and two extraction-side wiring members 28. The end electrode wirings 26, the intermediate electrode wirings 27, and the extraction-side wiring members 28 are conductive wiring members that extend in a flat, strip-like or sheet-like shape. For convenience of drawing, reference numerals are assigned to only some of the solar cell cells 25, and reference numerals for the others are omitted. Furthermore, when the same components are depicted multiple times, some of the reference numerals are omitted as necessary.

[0039] More specifically, the solar cell string 12 has a plurality of solar cell rows 35. Each solar cell row 35 is formed by connecting a plurality of (three in FIG. 1 ) solar cells 25 in series via interconnectors (wiring members). The solar cell string 12 has the plurality of solar cell rows 35 connected in series via intermediate electrode wiring 27. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3 , the solar cell module 1 has two solar cell rows 35 forming one cluster 36. The plurality of intermediate electrode wirings 27 of the solar cell module 1 are composed of first intermediate electrode wiring 27a connecting the solar cell rows 35 belonging to the same cluster 36 and second intermediate electrode wiring 27b connecting different clusters 36. The solar cell string 12 of this embodiment has three clusters 36, each composed of a first cluster 36a, a second cluster 36b, and a third cluster 36c, arranged in this order from one side of the positive electrode and one side of the negative electrode of the entire solar cell string 12. The three clusters 36 are connected in series via the second intermediate electrode wiring 27b. Furthermore, one of the two end electrode wirings 26 is connected to the positive electrode side end of the solar cell row 35 (cluster 36) located on the most positive electrode side, and the other is connected to the negative electrode side end of the solar cell row 35 (cluster 36) located on the most negative electrode side. In other words, the solar cell string 12 has a group of solar cell 25 formed by connecting a plurality of solar cell 25 in series, and one of the two end electrode wirings 26 is a positive electrode side wiring connected to the positive electrode side end of the group of solar cell 25. Furthermore, the other of the two end electrode wirings 26 is a negative electrode side wiring connected to the negative electrode side end of the group of solar cell 25. The two output side wiring members 28 are wiring members connected to different end electrode wirings 26. In other words, one of the two output side wiring members 28 is a positive electrode side wiring and the other is a negative electrode side wiring.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 2, the partition member 14 is a plate- or sheet-like member having a generally planar shape, at least a portion of its surface being formed from an insulating material. The partition member 14 of this embodiment is an insulating resin sheet. Specifically, the partition member 14 has a partition first main surface portion 14a, which is the main surface on the back surface side, and a partition second main surface portion 14b, which is the main surface on the light-receiving surface side. In addition to the resin sheet described above, the partition member 14 may also be a member obtained by, for example, forming an insulating plating layer on a metal plate-like member by performing surface treatment.

[0041] The partition member 14 is a member that has higher heat resistance (higher heat distortion temperature) than the first sealing material 11, the second sealing material 13, and the third sealing material 16. Specifically, in the laminating process described below, the first sealing material 11, the second sealing material 13, and the third sealing material 16 melt, while the partition member 14 is a member that does not undergo thermal deformation (does not melt and deform), or does not substantially undergo thermal deformation. Note that "substantially not undergoing thermal deformation" here includes not only a member that does not undergo thermal deformation at all, but also a member that undergoes slight thermal deformation to the extent that its functionality is not impaired (a member that is deformed by a few percent). In other words, the partition member 14 has heat resistance at laminating temperatures (e.g., 120 to 150 degrees Celsius).

[0042] The output wiring 15 is a wiring member extending in a flat belt-like or sheet-like shape, and as shown in FIG. 2, has a horizontally extending portion 15a, a rising portion 15b, and an output side portion 15c.

[0043] The horizontally extending portion 15a is a portion whose thickness direction is the same as the thickness direction of the solar cell module 1, and extends in a direction parallel to (orthogonal to) the light-receiving surface of the solar cell module 1. That is, one main surface of the horizontally extending portion 15a (the lower surface in FIG. 2 ) serves as a contact surface portion 38 that comes into surface contact with the surface of the installation location (the partition wall first main surface portion 14a in this embodiment).

[0044] The rising portion 15b is a portion that is continuous with one side end of the horizontal extending portion 15a in the extension direction, rises in the thickness direction of the solar cell module 1, and is a portion that is located between the horizontal extending portion 15a and the extraction side portion 15c. When the extension direction of the horizontal extending portion 15a, that is, the direction toward the rising portion 15b side, is defined as a first extension direction, the rising portion 15b is a portion that extends while curving toward the first extension direction as it moves toward the outside in the thickness direction of the solar cell module 1 (upward in FIG. 8 ). Note that the "direction toward the rising portion 15b side" is the direction from left to right in the case of the extraction wiring 15 on the left side of FIG. 8 .

[0045] In this embodiment, the rising portion 15b is formed so that the rising angle θ1 (see FIG. 8) is an acute angle. As shown in FIG. 8, the "rising angle θ1 of the rising portion 15b" in this embodiment is the angle between the first surface D1 and the second surface D2. The first surface D1 is a virtual horizontal plane that extends in a plane and includes the surface on which the horizontally extending portion 15a is placed (the partition wall first main surface portion 14a). The second surface D2 is a tangent plane to an arbitrary point P on the outer surface of the rising portion 15b (the surface connected to the contact surface portion 38).

[0046] Here, the first surface D1 is also a virtual surface adjacent to the light-transmitting substrate 10 side of the extracting wiring 15. In detail, the first surface D1 is adjacent to one main surface of the horizontally extending portion 15a (the lower main surface in FIG. 8 ) and to the light-transmitting substrate 10 side of the boundary portion between the horizontally extending portion 15a and the rising portion 15b. Therefore, it can be said that the first surface D1 is adjacent to the light-transmitting substrate 10 side of the end of the horizontally extending portion 15a on the rising portion 15b side located at the boundary portion and the end of the rising portion 15b on the horizontally extending portion 15a side (the base end side end in the extension direction of the rising portion 15b). The first surface D1 is also a surface orthogonal to the thickness direction of the horizontal extension portion 15a and the thickness direction of the boundary between the horizontal extension portion 15a and the rising portion 15b (the thickness direction of the end of the horizontal extension portion 15a on the rising portion 15b side and the end of the rising portion 15b on the horizontal extension portion 15a side). Furthermore, the first surface D1 in this embodiment is a surface parallel to both main surfaces of the light-transmitting substrate 10 and both main surfaces of the back surface protection member 17.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 2 , the solar cell module 1 of this embodiment has four extracting wires 15 (a first extracting wire 46, a second extracting wire 47, a third extracting wire 48, and a fourth extracting wire 49). As shown in Fig. 3 , the first extracting wire 46 is connected to one of the two extracting side wiring members 28 (see Fig. 3 ). The second extracting wire 47 is connected to one of the two second intermediate electrode wires 27b (see Fig. 3 ). Specifically, the first extracting wire 46 is connected to the extracting side wiring member 28 that is connected to the end electrode wire 26 that is connected to the first cluster 36a, of the two extracting side wiring members 28. The second extracting wire 47 is connected to the second intermediate electrode wire 27b that is interposed between the first cluster 36a and the second cluster 36b, of the two second intermediate electrode wires 27b.

[0048] 3 , the third extracting wire 48 is connected to the other of the two extracting wiring members 28. Furthermore, the fourth extracting wire 49 is connected to the other of the two second intermediate electrode wires 27b. Specifically, the third extracting wire 48 is connected to the extracting wiring member 28 that is connected to the end electrode wire 26 that is connected to the third cluster 36c, of the two extracting wiring members 28. The fourth extracting wire 49 is connected to the second intermediate electrode wire 27b that is located between the second cluster 36b and the third cluster 36c, of the two second intermediate electrode wires 27b.

[0049] As described above, one of the two end electrode wirings 26 is a positive electrode side wiring and the other is a negative electrode side wiring. Therefore, one of the first extracting wiring 46 and the third extracting wiring 48 functions as a positive electrode side wiring portion that is electrically connected to the positive electrode side wiring, and the other functions as a negative electrode side wiring portion that is electrically connected to the negative electrode side wiring.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 2, the rear surface protective member 17 is an insulating plate-like or sheet-like member, and a back glass or a back sheet can be used. Note that, in this embodiment, a back glass is used as the rear surface protective member 17. Note that, although not particularly limited, the solar cell module 1 of this embodiment is a monofacial solar cell module 1 that uses a rear surface protective member 17 with a low total light transmittance. That is, the total light transmittance of the rear surface protective member 17 in this embodiment is 0 to 30%, which is lower than that of the translucent substrate 10.

[0051] The rear surface protective member 17 has a plurality of wiring outlet holes 40. The plurality of wiring outlet holes 40 are through holes that penetrate the rear surface protective member 17 in the thickness direction, and in this embodiment, each of the wiring outlet holes 40 is composed of two wiring outlet holes 40: a first wiring outlet hole 40a and a second wiring outlet hole 40b.

[0052] 4, the terminal box 3 has a box-shaped main body 70 with one open side, and a lid 71. By attaching the lid 71 to the main body 70, the terminal box 3 can be used with the open side of the main body 70 closed.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 5, the main body 70 has a bottom plate 75 and a sidewall forming portion 76 that stands upright from the bottom plate 75 and continues in an annular shape (a rectangular annular shape in this embodiment).

[0054] The sidewall forming portion 76 has two long wall portions 76a and two short wall portions 76b. The two long wall portions 76a are spaced apart and face each other, and the two short wall portions 76b are also spaced apart and face each other. One short wall portion 76b extends between one end of the two long wall portions 76a in the extension direction, and the other short wall portion 76b extends between the other end of the two long wall portions 76a in the extension direction. The direction in which the two long wall portions 76a face each other and face each other is defined as a first direction, and the direction in which the two short wall portions 76b face each other and face each other is defined as a second direction. The first direction is a predetermined direction parallel to the light receiving surface of the solar cell module 1 (a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction). Furthermore, the second direction is a direction parallel to the light receiving surface of the solar cell module 1 (a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the solar cell module 1) and is a direction different from the first direction (a direction perpendicular to the first direction in this embodiment).

[0055] The terminal box 3 has a wiring insertion hole 78 formed in the bottom plate 75. The wiring insertion hole 78 is a hole that penetrates the bottom plate 75 in the thickness direction and communicates the internal space of the main body 70 with the outside. The wiring insertion hole 78 in this embodiment is a hole with a circular opening shape (circular in plan view), although this is not particularly limited. That is, the wiring insertion hole 78 is a hole that is surrounded by an inner circumferential wall 80 (inner circumferential surface, first wall portion) that is continuous in an annular shape. The terminal box 3 in this embodiment has two wiring insertion holes 78, and the two wiring insertion holes 78 are formed at positions spaced apart in the second direction.

[0056] A plurality of terminal block portions 82 (terminal block) and a plurality of bypass diodes 83 (regulating portions) are housed inside the main body portion 70. The main body portion 70 of this embodiment also houses an auxiliary member 84 inside.

[0057] The terminal block 82 is a generally rectangular parallelepiped portion and has a contact forming portion 85 formed by attaching a plate-shaped conductive member. The terminal block 82 protrudes inward in a cantilevered manner from the inner surface of the long wall portion 76a. That is, the terminal block 82 has sidewall portions on three sides: the inner end in the first direction and both end portions in the second direction. These three sidewall portions are connected in a generally U-shape. Of these sidewall portions, the sidewall portion on the inner end side in the first direction constitutes a hole-side sidewall forming portion 86 that forms the sidewall portion closer to the wire insertion hole 78.

[0058] The hole-side sidewall forming portion 86 is formed at a position spaced above the upper surface of the bottom plate portion 75. In detail, the hole-side sidewall forming portion 86 is formed at a position spaced above the portion of the bottom plate portion 75 adjacent to the wire insertion hole 78.

[0059] The terminal box 3 of this embodiment has four terminal block sections 82 consisting of a first terminal block section 82a, a second terminal block section 82b, a third terminal block section 82c, and a fourth terminal block section 82d.

[0060] The first terminal block 82a and the second terminal block 82b are formed at positions spaced apart in the first direction. Specifically, the first terminal block 82a and the second terminal block 82b are located on either side of at least a portion of the wiring insertion hole 78 (for example, the center portion of the wiring insertion hole 78) in a plan view, and in this embodiment, are located on either side of the entire wiring insertion hole 78. In other words, the first terminal block 82a and the second terminal block 82b are arranged at positions that do not overlap with the wiring insertion hole 78 in a plan view.

[0061] The third terminal block 82c and the fourth terminal block 82d are formed at positions spaced apart in the second direction from the first terminal block 82a and the second terminal block 82b, respectively. The third terminal block 82c and the fourth terminal block 82d are also formed at positions spaced apart in the first direction. That is, the third terminal block 82c and the fourth terminal block 82d are located on either side of at least a portion of the wiring insertion hole 78 (e.g., the center portion of the wiring insertion hole 78) in a plan view. In this embodiment, the third terminal block 82c and the fourth terminal block 82d are located on either side of the entire wiring insertion hole 78. That is, the third terminal block 82c and the fourth terminal block 82d are arranged at positions that do not overlap the wiring insertion hole 78 in a plan view.

[0062] The first terminal block 82a is the terminal block 82 to which the first output cable 5 is electrically connected, and the third terminal block 82c is the terminal block 82 to which the second output cable 6 is electrically connected.

[0063] The terminal box 3 of this embodiment has three bypass diodes 83, consisting of a first bypass diode 83a, a second bypass diode 83b, and a third bypass diode 83c. As shown in FIG. 6 , one bypass diode 83 is attached to each cluster 36, forming a detour for the current path through which current flows during power generation. That is, in the solar cell module 1, during normal power generation in which each solar cell 25 generates power, a current path is formed through each solar cell 25 belonging to each cluster 36, as shown in FIG. 6( a). At this time, the generated current does not flow through the bypass diode 83. On the other hand, during abnormal power generation in which a solar cell 25 belonging to one of the clusters 36 is not generating power due to a failure or the like, the bypass diode 83 electrically isolates the cluster 36 to which the non-generating solar cell 25 belongs, as shown in FIG. 6( b). That is, the bypass diode 83 prevents current from flowing into the cluster 36 to which the non-generating solar cell 25 belongs from another cluster 36.

[0064] That is, each bypass diode 83 is interposed between the upstream end and downstream end in the direction of electricity flow during power generation. During power generation, each bypass diode 83 allows electricity to flow from the upstream end to the downstream end in the direction of electricity flow, and blocks (substantially blocks) the flow of electricity in the opposite direction.

[0065] 5, the first bypass diode 83a is a bypass diode 83 electrically connected to the first terminal block 82a and the second terminal block 82b. The second bypass diode 83b is a bypass diode 83 electrically connected to the second terminal block 82b and the third terminal block 82c. The third bypass diode 83c is a bypass diode 83 electrically connected to the third terminal block 82c and the fourth terminal block 82d.

[0066] The auxiliary member 84 is an insulating member having a generally cylindrical shape. That is, the auxiliary member 84 of this embodiment has an auxiliary-side peripheral wall portion 84a (second wall portion) between the top surface and the bottom surface. The auxiliary-side peripheral wall portion 84a of this embodiment is a continuous upright wall portion in an annular (circular ring) shape. This auxiliary-side peripheral wall portion 84a also forms the side wall of the auxiliary member 84. Furthermore, the auxiliary member 84 of this embodiment is made of an elastic material such as rubber.

[0067] Next, a method for manufacturing the solar cell module 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0068] The method for manufacturing the solar cell module 1 of this embodiment mainly includes a solar cell panel manufacturing process for manufacturing the solar cell panel 2 and a terminal box attachment process for attaching the terminal box 3 to the manufactured solar cell panel 2.

[0069] The solar cell panel manufacturing process includes a wiring extraction process and a lamination process, which are carried out in this order.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 2 , the wiring extraction process is a process of forming a laminate in which a first sealing material 11, a solar cell string 12, a second sealing material 13, a partition member 14, an extraction wiring 15, a third sealing material 16, and a back surface protective member 17 are stacked on a light-transmitting substrate 10. At this time, a portion of the extraction wiring 15 is extracted from the interior of the laminate (between the light-transmitting substrate 10 and the back surface protective member 17) through the wiring extraction hole 40 in the back surface protective member 17, resulting in a state in which a portion of the extraction wiring 15 protrudes outside the back surface protective member 17 (see FIG. 4 , etc.). That is, the portion of the extraction side portion 15c of the extraction wiring 15 located outside the wiring extraction hole 40 becomes the protruding portion of the extraction wiring 15. The laminating process is a process in which the laminate formed in the wiring extraction process is used as an object and the object is pressed and heated to harden the sealing material. By hardening the sealing material in this manner, a solar cell panel 2 is formed.

[0071] (Terminal Box Mounting Process) As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7 , the terminal box mounting process is a process of introducing the protruding portions of the output wiring 15 from the solar cell panel 2 into the main body 70 of the terminal box 3 through the wiring insertion holes 78 and electrically contacting a portion (end portion) of the output wiring 15 with the terminal block 82. That is, the terminal box mounting process includes a wiring introduction process of introducing a portion of the output wiring 15 into the main body 70 and electrically contacting it with the terminal block 82. Here, as shown in FIG. 4 , the first output wiring 46 and the second output wiring 47 are paired output wirings 15 that are taken out to the outside from the same wiring outlet hole 40. Similarly, the third output wiring 48 and the fourth output wiring 49 are paired output wirings 15. Note that, as shown in FIG. 8 , the horizontally extending portions 15 a of the paired output wirings 15 extend in directions approaching each other. The rising portions 15b extend toward each other while facing outward (upward in FIG. 8 ) in the thickness direction of the solar cell module 1. The extraction side portions 15c extend away from each other while curved.

[0072] 7 , in the terminal box attachment step, the pair of output wires 15 are introduced into the main body 70 through the same wire insertion hole 78 and are brought into electrical contact with different terminal block portions 82. Specifically, the first output wire 46 is in electrical contact with the first terminal block portion 82a, and the second output wire 47 is in electrical contact with the second terminal block portion 82b. Furthermore, although not shown in detail, the third output wire 48 is in electrical contact with the third terminal block portion 82c, and the fourth output wire 49 is in electrical contact with the fourth terminal block portion 82d.

[0073] In the terminal box attachment process, after the wiring introduction process, an auxiliary member placement process is performed in which an auxiliary member 84 is placed on the paired extracting wires 15, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 . That is, as shown in FIG. 8 , the auxiliary member 84 is placed between a portion of one of the paired extracting wires 15 and a portion of the other of the paired extracting wires 15, and the auxiliary member 84 is placed on the two paired extracting wires 15. At this time, the auxiliary member 84 is placed such that its lower corner portion, i.e., the boundary portion between the auxiliary-side peripheral wall portion 84 a and the bottom portion, contacts the extracting wires 15, but the auxiliary-side peripheral wall portion 84 a does not contact the extracting wires 15. By placing the auxiliary member 84 in this manner, unintentional contact (electrical contact) between one and the other of the paired extracting wires 15 can be prevented.

[0074] Here, with the thickness direction of the solar cell module 1 as the line of sight, in a plan view from the back side (a plan view from above in FIG. 8 , detailed illustration omitted), the rising portion 15b is located inside the opening edge of the wiring insertion hole 78. Furthermore, the auxiliary member 84 is arranged so that its inner end (lower end in FIG. 8 ) is located inside the outer opening of the wiring insertion hole 78 in the thickness direction (vertical direction in FIG. 8 ) of the solar cell module 1. Furthermore, the auxiliary member 84 is arranged so that its outer end (upper end in FIG. 8 ) is located outside the inner end of the hole-side sidewall forming portion 86 (terminal block portion 82) in the thickness direction (vertical direction in FIG. 8 ) (above the lower end in FIG. 8 ).

[0075] As described above, the terminal box 3 has a first wire insertion portion 90 formed between the inner peripheral wall portion 80 and the auxiliary-side peripheral wall portion 84a. Furthermore, a second wire insertion portion 91 is formed between the hole-side sidewall forming portion 86 and the auxiliary-side peripheral wall portion 84a. The first wire insertion portion 90 and the second wire insertion portion 91 are gaps, and the output wires 15 extend in a curved manner while passing through the first wire insertion portion 90 and the second wire insertion portion 91 in that order from the inside in the thickness direction of the solar cell module 1. In other words, the first wire insertion portion 90 and the second wire insertion portion 91 are arranged as curved and extending portions of the output wires 15. In this way, the terminal box 3 has the auxiliary member 84, and by arranging the auxiliary member 84 within the main body portion 70, unintended contact between one and the other of a pair of output wires 15 can be prevented.

[0076] The solar cell module 1 of this embodiment is capable of detecting whether or not the wiring member (extraction wiring 15) is broken (damaged). Next, a disconnection detection method for detecting a disconnection in the solar cell module 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 6( c), the disconnection detection method of this embodiment involves connecting two output cables (the first output cable 5 and the second output cable 6) to an external device and passing a current through the solar cell module 1 when it is not generating power. Specifically, a voltage application step is performed in which a voltage is applied between the first output wiring 46 and the third output wiring 48 so that a current flows in the same direction as during power generation. Here, the solar cell 25 not generating power acts as a resistor, so that if the output wiring 15 is not damaged, the voltage application step causes a current to flow through the bypass path via each bypass diode 83. That is, in parallel with the voltage application step, the disconnection detection method also involves a current confirmation step in which an external current detector or the like is used to confirm whether a current is flowing through the bypass path. This current confirmation step is also a step of confirming whether there is continuity between the first output wiring 46 and the third output wiring 48. If a current is flowing as a result of the current confirmation step, it is determined that no disconnection has occurred in the wiring member. If no current is flowing, it is determined that a disconnection has occurred in the wiring member.

[0078] In the first embodiment described above, an example has been shown in which a plurality of bypass diodes 83 are arranged inside the main body 70 of the terminal box 3, but the present invention is not limited to this. The bypass diodes 83 may be sealed inside the solar cell panel 2. That is, each bypass diode 83 may be electrically connected to two extracting wires 15 inside the solar cell panel 2.

[0079] In the first embodiment described above, an example is shown in which the auxiliary members 84 are placed on the paired extracting wires 15, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, the auxiliary members 284 may be attached to the main body 270 of the terminal box. Next, a solar cell module of a second embodiment will be described in detail.

[0080] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9( a), the wiring insertion hole 278 of the main body 270 is different from the above-described wiring insertion hole 78. The wiring insertion hole 278 in this embodiment is formed integrally with a mounting hole 278a located toward the center and two small holes 278b. The two small holes 278b extend in a first direction from the mounting hole 278a toward the respective terminal block portions 82. That is, although detailed illustration is omitted, the two small holes 278b extend toward the respective terminal block portions 82 in a plan view from the back surface side (upper side in FIG. 9( a)) with the thickness direction of the solar cell module 1 (the vertical direction in FIG. 9( a)) as the viewing direction.

[0081] The auxiliary member 284 of this embodiment also has a generally cylindrical shape and includes an auxiliary-side peripheral wall portion 284a between its top and bottom surfaces. The auxiliary member 284 is formed slightly thicker than the mounting hole 278a (i.e., its outer diameter is slightly larger than that of the mounting hole 278a). Therefore, by slightly elastically deforming the auxiliary member 284 and forcing it into the mounting hole 278a, a portion of the auxiliary-side peripheral wall portion 284a comes into close contact with the inner wall surface that discontinuously surrounds the mounting hole 278a. This results in the auxiliary member 284 being attached to the mounting hole 278a (main body 270) (see FIG. 9(b)). At this time, a portion of the auxiliary-side peripheral wall portion 284a located within the wiring insertion hole 278 faces the small hole portion 278b. As shown in FIG. 9(b) , the small hole portion 278b serves as a portion through which the output wire 15 passes.

[0082] In this embodiment, too, a first wire insertion portion 90 is formed between a small hole inner wall portion 280 (first wall portion), which is the wall surface surrounding the small hole portion 278b on the terminal block portion 82 side, and a portion of the auxiliary-side peripheral wall portion 284a. A second wire insertion portion 91 is formed between the hole-side sidewall forming portion 86 and another portion (second wall portion) of the auxiliary-side peripheral wall portion 284a. In this case, the outer portion of the auxiliary-side peripheral wall portion 284a in the thickness direction of the solar cell module 1 (the upper portion in FIG. 9B ) serves as the second wall portion. In this embodiment, too, the output wire 15 extends without contacting either the small hole inner wall portion 280 or the portion of the auxiliary-side peripheral wall portion 284a. Note that the "portion of the auxiliary-side peripheral wall portion 284a" here refers to the outer portion of the auxiliary-side peripheral wall portion 284a in the thickness direction of the solar cell module 1 (the upper portion in FIG. 9B ). With this configuration, the solar cell module 1 of this embodiment can more reliably prevent damage to the extracting wires 15 .

[0083] Although the solar cell module 1 of the above-described embodiment has been described as an example in which the partition member 14 is provided at a position adjacent to the light-receiving surface side of the extracting wiring 15, the present invention is not limited thereto. The solar cell module of the present invention does not necessarily have to include the partition member 14. Furthermore, while the solar cell module 1 of the above-described embodiment has the wiring outlet hole 40 formed at a position overlapping the solar cell 25 in the thickness direction of the solar cell panel 2, the wiring outlet hole 40 does not have to be formed at a position overlapping the solar cell 25. Similarly, the rising portion 15b does not have to be positioned overlapping the solar cell 25. Next, a solar cell module 301 of a third embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the solar cell module 301 of this embodiment does not have a partition member 14.

[0084] As shown in Fig. 10 , the solar cell module 301 of this embodiment differs from the solar cell module 1 of the first embodiment described above in the structure of the solar cell string 312. The solar cell module 301 of this embodiment also differs from the solar cell module 1 of the first embodiment described above in that it has a plurality of terminal boxes 303. As shown in Fig. 12 , the number of wiring extraction holes 340, the number of extraction wirings 315 (extraction wiring portions), etc. differ from the solar cell module 1 of the first embodiment described above.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 11 , the solar cell module 301 of this embodiment has three bypass diodes 383 (regulators) consisting of a first bypass diode 383a, a second bypass diode 383b, and a third bypass diode 383c. The bypass diodes 383 of this embodiment also form a detour for the current path through which current flows during power generation, and no generated current flows through the bypass diodes 383 during normal power generation. On the other hand, although not shown in detail, the bypass diodes 383 electrically isolate clusters (cell strings) containing solar cell cells 325 that are not generating power during abnormal power generation. The solar cell string 312 of this embodiment is similar to the solar cell string 12 described above in that it includes multiple solar cell strings, two end electrode wirings, and multiple intermediate electrode wirings (not shown in detail). That is, the solar cell string 312 differs from the solar cell string 12 described above in the number of solar cell strings, the number of intermediate electrode wirings, the connection structure of the multiple solar cell strings, and the direction of electricity flow during normal power generation, but shares the above points.

[0086] The solar cell module 301 of this embodiment can also perform a wire break detection method substantially similar to the wire break detection method described above. That is, the wire break detection method of this embodiment also performs a step of connecting two output cables to an external device and passing a current through the solar cell module 301 when it is not generating power. Furthermore, the wire break detection method of this embodiment also performs a current confirmation step of checking whether or not a current is flowing through the detour. If the current confirmation step shows that a current is flowing, it is determined that no wire break has occurred in the wiring member. On the other hand, if the current confirmation step shows that no current is flowing, it is determined that a wire break has occurred in the wiring member.

[0087] 12, the solar cell module 301 of this embodiment has three wiring outlet holes 340. All three wiring outlet holes 340 are located near the center in the length direction of the long side of the solar cell module 301 in a plan view. All three wiring outlet holes 340 are formed so as to be aligned at intervals in the length direction of the short side of the solar cell module 301 in a plan view. All three wiring outlet holes 340 are formed in positions in the thickness direction of the solar cell panel 302 so as not to overlap with the solar cell cells 325.

[0088] The solar cell module 301 has six extracting wires 315, each consisting of a first extracting wire 346, a second extracting wire 347, a third extracting wire 348, a fourth extracting wire 349, a fifth extracting wire 350, and a sixth extracting wire 351. Although not shown in detail, the extracting wire 315 of this embodiment has a horizontally extending portion 15a, a rising portion 15b, and an extracting side portion 15c, similar to the extracting wire 15 described above.

[0089] The first output wiring 346 and the second output wiring 347 are paired output wirings 315, and are taken out to the outside from the same wiring output hole 340. Similarly, the third output wiring 348 and the fourth output wiring 349, and the fifth output wiring 350 and the sixth output wiring 351 are paired output wirings 315, respectively.

[0090] The first extracting wiring 346 is a wiring electrically connected to a positive electrode side end of the solar cell 325 located most positive in the solar cell string 312. The sixth extracting wiring 351 is a wiring electrically connected to a negative electrode side end of the solar cell 325 located most negative in the solar cell string 312. The second extracting wiring 347, the third extracting wiring 348, the fourth extracting wiring 349, and the fifth extracting wiring 350 are each connected to intermediate electrode wirings (wirings that electrically connect solar cell rows) of the solar cell string 312. Specifically, the second extracting wiring 347, the third extracting wiring 348, the fourth extracting wiring 349, and the fifth extracting wiring 350 are connected, in this order, to intermediate electrode wirings located more downstream in the direction of electricity flow during normal power generation.

[0091] The solar cell module 301 of this embodiment has multiple terminal boxes 303 consisting of a first terminal box 303a, a second terminal box 303b, and a third terminal box 303c. The first terminal box 303a and the second terminal box 303b are terminal boxes 303 to which one and the other of two output cables are attached, respectively. The third terminal box 303c is the terminal box 303 located between the first terminal box 303a and the second terminal box 303b in the arrangement direction of the three terminal boxes 303.

[0092] The first terminal box 303a, the second terminal box 303b, and the third terminal box 303c each have two terminal block portions therein (detailed illustration is omitted).

[0093] The first terminal box 303a is the terminal box 303 into which the first output wiring 346 and the second output wiring 347 are introduced. The first output wiring 346 and the second output wiring 347 are electrically connected to separate terminal block sections within the first terminal box 303a. The structure for introducing the first output wiring 346 and the second output wiring 347 into the first terminal box 303a and the structure for connecting them to the terminal block sections are similar to those in the first embodiment described above, and therefore detailed illustrations are omitted. The terminal block section to which the first output wiring 346 is electrically connected is also the terminal block section to which one end of an output cable attached to the first terminal box 303a is electrically connected (detailed illustrations are omitted). The first terminal box 303a also includes the first bypass diode 383a (see FIG. 11 ) and is in electrical contact with each of the two terminal block sections within the first terminal box 303a (detailed illustrations are omitted).

[0094] The second terminal box 303b is the terminal box 303 into which the fifth output wiring 350 and the sixth output wiring 351 are introduced. The fifth output wiring 350 and the sixth output wiring 351 are electrically connected to separate terminal block sections within the second terminal box 303b. The structure for introducing the fifth output wiring 350 and the sixth output wiring 351 into the second terminal box 303b and the structure for connecting them to the terminal block sections are similar to those in the first embodiment, and therefore detailed illustrations are omitted. The terminal block section to which the sixth output wiring 351 is electrically connected is also the terminal block section to which one end of an output cable attached to the second terminal box 303b is electrically connected (detailed illustrations are omitted). The second terminal box 303b also includes the third bypass diode 383c (see FIG. 11 ) built therein and is in electrical contact with each of the two terminal block sections within the second terminal box 303b (detailed illustrations are omitted).

[0095] The third terminal box 303c is the terminal box 303 into which the third output wiring 348 and the fourth output wiring 349 are introduced. The third output wiring 348 and the fourth output wiring 349 are electrically connected to separate terminal block portions within the third terminal box 303c. Note that the structure for introducing the third output wiring 348 and the fourth output wiring 349 into the third terminal box 303c and the structure for connecting them to the terminal block portions are similar to those in the first embodiment, and therefore detailed illustrations are omitted. The third terminal box 303c also includes the second bypass diode 383b (see FIG. 12 ) described above, which is in electrical contact with each of the two terminal block portions within the third terminal box 303c (detailed illustrations are omitted).

[0096] Next, a solar cell module 401 according to a fourth embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 13 to Fig. 15. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the solar cell module 401 according to this embodiment does not include the partition member 14.

[0097] As shown in Fig. 13 , the solar cell module 401 of this embodiment differs from the solar cell module 1 of the first embodiment described above in the structure of the solar cell string 412. The solar cell module 401 of this embodiment also differs from the solar cell module 1 of the first embodiment described above in that it has a plurality of terminal boxes 403. As shown in Fig. 15 , the number of wiring extraction holes 440, the number of extraction wirings 415 (extraction wiring portions), etc. differ from the solar cell module 1 of the first embodiment described above.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 14 , the solar cell module 401 of this embodiment has three bypass diodes 483 (regulators) consisting of a first bypass diode 483a, a second bypass diode 483b, and a third bypass diode 483c. The bypass diodes 483 of this embodiment also form a detour for the current path through which current flows during power generation, and no generated current flows through the bypass diodes 483 during normal power generation. On the other hand, although not shown in detail, the bypass diodes 483 electrically isolate clusters (cell strings) containing solar cell cells 425 that are not generating power during abnormal power generation. The solar cell string 412 of this embodiment is similar to the solar cell string 12 described above in that it includes multiple solar cell strings, two end electrode wirings, and multiple intermediate electrode wirings (not shown in detail). That is, the solar cell string 312 differs from the solar cell string 12 described above in the number of solar cell cells 425, but shares the above points.

[0099] The solar cell module 401 of this embodiment can also perform a wire break detection method similar to the wire break detection method described above. That is, the wire break detection method of this embodiment also performs a step of connecting two output cables to an external device and passing a current through the solar cell module 401 when it is not generating power. Furthermore, the wire break detection method of this embodiment also performs a current confirmation step of checking whether or not a current is flowing through the detour. If the result of the current confirmation step shows that a current is flowing, it is determined that a wire break has not occurred in the wiring member. On the other hand, if the result of the current confirmation step shows that no current is flowing, it is determined that a wire break has occurred in the wiring member.

[0100] 15 , the solar cell module 401 of this embodiment has three wiring outlet holes 440. All three wiring outlet holes 440 are located near one short side of the solar cell module 401 in a plan view. The three wiring outlet holes 440 are also formed so as to be aligned at intervals in the length direction of the short side of the solar cell module 401 in a plan view. All three wiring outlet holes 440 are formed at positions in the thickness direction of the solar cell panel 402 that do not overlap with the solar cell cells 425.

[0101] The solar cell module 401 of this embodiment has six extracting wires 415 consisting of a first extracting wire 446, a second extracting wire 447, a third extracting wire 448, a fourth extracting wire 449, a fifth extracting wire 450, and a sixth extracting wire 451. Although not shown in detail, the extracting wire 415 of this embodiment has a horizontally extending portion 15a, a rising portion 15b, and an extracting side portion 15c, similar to the extracting wire 15 described above.

[0102] The first and second output wirings 446 and 447 are paired output wirings 415 and are taken out to the outside through the same wiring outlet hole 440. Similarly, the third and fourth output wirings 448 and 449, and the fifth and sixth output wirings 450 and 451 are paired output wirings 415, respectively.

[0103] The first extracting wiring 446 is a wiring electrically connected to a positive electrode side end of the solar cell 425 located most positive in the solar cell string 412. The sixth extracting wiring 451 is a wiring electrically connected to a negative electrode side end of the solar cell 425 located most negative in the solar cell string 412. The second extracting wiring 447, the third extracting wiring 448, the fourth extracting wiring 449, and the fifth extracting wiring 450 are each connected to intermediate electrode wiring (wiring that electrically connects solar cell rows) of the solar cell string 412. Specifically, the second extracting wiring 447, the third extracting wiring 448, the fourth extracting wiring 449, and the fifth extracting wiring 450 are connected, in this order, to intermediate electrode wiring located more downstream in the direction of electricity flow during normal power generation.

[0104] The solar cell module 401 of this embodiment has a plurality of terminal boxes 403, including a first terminal box 403a, a second terminal box 403b, and a third terminal box 403c. The first terminal box 403a and the second terminal box 403b are terminal boxes 403 to which one and the other of two output cables are attached, respectively. The third terminal box 403c is the terminal box 403 located between the first terminal box 403a and the second terminal box 403b in the arrangement direction of the three terminal boxes 403.

[0105] The first terminal box 403a, the second terminal box 403b, and the third terminal box 403c each have two terminal block portions therein (detailed illustration is omitted).

[0106] The first terminal box 403a is the terminal box 403 into which the first output wiring 446 and the second output wiring 447 are introduced. The first output wiring 446 and the second output wiring 447 are electrically connected to separate terminal block sections within the first terminal box 403a. The structure for introducing the first output wiring 446 and the second output wiring 447 into the first terminal box 403a and the structure for connecting them to the terminal block sections are similar to those in the first embodiment, and therefore detailed illustrations are omitted. The terminal block section to which the first output wiring 446 is electrically connected is also the terminal block section to which one end of an output cable attached to the first terminal box 403a is electrically connected (detailed illustrations are omitted). The first terminal box 403a also includes the first bypass diode 483a (see FIG. 14 ) and is in electrical contact with each of the two terminal block sections within the first terminal box 403a (detailed illustrations are omitted).

[0107] The second terminal box 403b is the terminal box 403 into which the fifth output wiring 450 and the sixth output wiring 451 are introduced. The fifth output wiring 450 and the sixth output wiring 451 are electrically connected to separate terminal block sections within the second terminal box 403b. The structure for introducing the fifth output wiring 450 and the sixth output wiring 451 into the second terminal box 403b and the structure for connecting them to the terminal block sections are similar to those of the first embodiment described above, and therefore detailed illustrations are omitted. The terminal block section to which the sixth output wiring 451 is electrically connected is also the terminal block section to which one end of an output cable attached to the second terminal box 403b is electrically connected (detailed illustrations are omitted). The second terminal box 403b also includes the third bypass diode 483c (see FIG. 14 ) built therein and electrically connects to each of the two terminal block sections within the second terminal box 403b (detailed illustrations are omitted).

[0108] The third terminal box 403c is the terminal box 403 into which the third output wiring 448 and the fourth output wiring 449 are introduced. The third output wiring 448 and the fourth output wiring 449 are electrically connected to separate terminal block portions within the third terminal box 403c. Note that the structure for introducing the third output wiring 448 and the fourth output wiring 449 into the third terminal box 403c and the structure for connecting them to the terminal block portions are similar to those in the first embodiment, and therefore detailed illustrations are omitted. The third terminal box 403c also includes the second bypass diode 483b (see FIG. 14 ) described above, which is in electrical contact with each of the two terminal block portions within the third terminal box 403c (detailed illustrations are omitted).

[0109] In the above-described embodiments, each component can be freely substituted or added between the respective embodiments as long as it falls within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0110] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,301,401 Solar cell module 3,303,403 Terminal box 10 Light-transmitting substrate (light-receiving side substrate) 11 First sealing material (sealing material) 12,312,412 Solar cell string 13 Second sealing material (sealing material) 14 Partition member (partition portion) 15,315,415 Extraction wiring (extraction wiring portion) 15b Rising portion 16 Third sealing material (sealing material) 17 Rear surface protection member (rear surface side substrate) 40,340,440 Wiring extraction hole 80 Inner peripheral wall portion (first wall portion) 82 Terminal block portion (terminal block) 83,383 Bypass diode (restriction portion) 84a Auxiliary side peripheral wall portion (second wall portion) 280 Small hole inner wall portion (first wall portion) 284a Auxiliary side peripheral wall portion (second wall portion) D1 First surface (first virtual surface)

Claims

1. A solar cell module in which solar cells are disposed between a light-receiving side substrate and a back-side substrate, and a sealing material is disposed between the solar cells and the back-side substrate, wherein the back-side substrate has a wiring outlet hole, and has a terminal box with a terminal block, and an outlet wiring portion that passes through the wiring outlet hole and connects the solar cells to the terminal block of the terminal box, the outlet wiring portion has a rising portion that rises toward the terminal block side of the terminal box, the rising portion is disposed between the back-side substrate and the light-receiving side substrate and in a position facing the wiring outlet hole, and the rising portion is an imaginary plane that extends in a plane adjacent to the light-receiving side substrate side of the base end side end of the rising portion, and when an imaginary plane that is a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction of the base end side end of the rising portion is defined as a first imaginary plane, the rising angle of the rising portion is an acute angle with respect to the first imaginary plane, and the rising portion is located more inward than the opening edge of the wiring outlet hole in a plan view, The solar cell module, wherein the output wiring portion extends in an arc shape from the rising portion to at least the rear surface side substrate and is connected to the terminal block when viewed in cross section.

2. The solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the terminal box has a first wall portion and a second wall portion, and the output wiring portion passes between the first wall portion and the second wall portion and is connected to the terminal block.

3. The solar cell module according to claim 2, wherein the extracting wiring portion is not in contact with the first wall portion and the second wall portion.

4. The solar cell module described in claim 3, wherein the terminal box has a wiring insertion hole through which a portion of the extraction wiring portion passes, the first wall portion is a portion of the inner wall portion of the wiring insertion hole, and at least a portion of the second wall portion is positioned away from the first wall portion and is positioned so as to overlap the wiring insertion hole in a planar view seen from the outside.

5. The solar cell module described in claim 1, wherein the extraction wiring portion has a horizontal extension portion and an extraction side portion, the rising portion is located between the horizontal extension portion and the extraction side portion, the horizontal extension portion extends in a direction parallel to the main surface of the light-receiving side substrate, and when the extension direction of the horizontal extension portion toward the rising portion is defined as a first extension direction, the rising portion rises from the horizontal extension portion and extends while curving toward the first extension direction as it approaches the rising direction, and the extraction side portion extends while curving in the opposite direction to the first extension direction as it approaches the rising direction.

6. The solar cell module described in claim 5, wherein the terminal box has a main body and an auxiliary member housed in the main body, the main body having a wiring insertion hole through which a portion of the extraction wiring portion passes, a first wiring insertion portion is formed between a first wall portion which is a portion of the inner wall portion of the wiring insertion hole and a portion of the peripheral wall portion of the auxiliary member, and a second wiring insertion portion is formed between a side wall portion of the terminal block and a second wall portion which is another portion of the peripheral wall portion of the auxiliary member, and a curved extending portion of the extraction wiring portion extends through the first wiring insertion portion and the second wiring insertion portion.

7. The solar cell module according to claim 6, wherein the extraction side portion extends through the first wiring insertion portion and the second wiring insertion portion.

8. The solar cell module according to claim 6, wherein the extracting wiring portion is not in contact with the first wall portion and the second wall portion.

9. A solar cell module as described in claim 6, wherein the auxiliary member is placed on the two extracting wiring sections and is positioned between one part and the other part of the two extracting wiring sections, and the peripheral wall portion is arranged so as not to come into contact with the two extracting wiring sections.

10. A solar cell module as described in claim 6, wherein the extraction wiring portion extends without contacting the inner wall portion of the wiring insertion hole, the side wall portion of the terminal block, and the auxiliary member.

11. A solar cell module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a solar cell string in which a plurality of solar cells are connected in series between the light-receiving side substrate and the back side substrate, wherein the solar cell string has an upstream end and a downstream end in the direction of electrical flow connected via a regulating part, wherein the regulating part allows electrical flow from the upstream end to the downstream end and blocks electrical flow from the downstream end to the upstream end, wherein the extraction wiring part has a positive electrode side wiring part electrically connected to the upstream end and a negative electrode side wiring part electrically connected to the downstream end, and wherein the positive electrode side wiring part and the negative electrode side wiring part are each connected to the terminal block of the terminal box.

12. A solar cell module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a partition wall portion between the back surface substrate and the light receiving surface substrate and facing the wiring outlet hole, the rising portion being positioned so as to overlap with the partition wall portion and having an acute angle relative to the partition wall portion.

13. A method for detecting a disconnection in a solar cell module according to claim 11, comprising applying a voltage between the negative electrode side wiring portion and the positive electrode side wiring portion so that electricity flows from the upstream end side to the downstream end side.

Images