Vertical solar panel device and solar panel system having the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vertical solar panel device (10) for vertically oriented photovoltaic power generation, comprising a plurality of flexible solar cells (11) which are arranged in a row at a distance from one another and are electrically connected to one another. According to the invention, the flexible solar cells (11) are bifacial, having a primary and a secondary photovoltaic surface, and are each fixed by means of a transparent adhesive (12) to a flexible first and second carrier layer (13, 15) made of a transparent polymer-based material.

Description

[0001] Vertical solar panel device and solar panel system with the same

[0002] The present invention relates to a vertical solar panel device for vertically oriented photovoltaic power generation, and a vertical solar panel system for vertically oriented photovoltaic power generation, comprising the vertical solar panel device multiple times.

[0003] Technical field of the invention

[0004] The vertical solar panel device is used in renewable electricity generation through photovoltaics, especially in the area of ​​fencing properties.

[0005] Background of the invention

[0006] Various applications of vertical photovoltaics are known, including smaller-scale and lower-powered systems used by households and end consumers. These include, for example, systems commonly known as balcony power plants.

[0007] Furthermore, several new system products under the umbrella term "vertical photovoltaics" have recently been introduced to the market. These are often classified in a limited power range and designed to facilitate self-installation by the end user. This expands the range of suitable surfaces for mounting photovoltaic systems vertically, which are more easily accessible than building roofs. Moreover, the simplified installation reduces the investment required for construction and commissioning. This makes smaller photovoltaic systems affordable and profitable for a larger number of households, enabling a growing number of end users to contribute to the energy transition in regional energy supply through renewable energy generation.

[0008] In the aforementioned application area of ​​vertical photovoltaics, fence surfaces are increasingly being used as alternative or additional installation spaces, as existing and generally easily accessible areas. In some cases, solar modules with sufficient mechanical strength are installed as a whole between fence posts, replacing traditional fence panels. Alternatively, such or conventional solar modules are attached to or in front of one side of an existing fence. With the latter option, the problem arises that the permissible load on the fence structure is quickly exceeded by the weight of several adjacent solar modules.

[0009] In the three German utility models DE 20 2017 103 757 U1, DE 20 2023 002 026 U1 and DE 20 2023 102 994 U1, a new class of flexible solar modules has been described, at least in the context of descriptions of alternative embodiments. Such flexible solar modules are designed to be threaded horizontally between the bars of a fence, similar to the known installation of privacy screens, which are threaded into a fence mesh panel in the form of woven strips.

[0010] The aforementioned documents provide guidance on the basic characteristics of a suitable solar module or solar panel for this specific application, although there is a particular need for technical improvements in the current early phase of this new type of solar panel.

[0011] Summary of the invention

[0012] One object of the invention is to provide a technique that improves the efficiency of a solar panel of the type mentioned above. Alternatively, another object of the invention is to provide a technique that improves the durability or maintenance of a corresponding photovoltaic system with solar panels of the type mentioned above.

[0013] The foregoing problem is solved by a vertical solar panel device having the features of claim 1. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0014] The vertical solar panel device according to the invention serves for vertically oriented photovoltaic power generation. The solar panel device comprises a plurality of flexible solar cells arranged in a row at intervals from one another and electrically connected to each other; and a flexible first support layer made of a transparent polymer-based material; wherein the solar cells are fixed to a primary photovoltaic surface on the first support layer by means of a transparent adhesive. According to the invention, the solar cells are bifacially configured, with a secondary photovoltaic surface facing the primary photovoltaic surface; wherein the vertical solar panel device comprises a flexible second support layer made of a transparent polymer-based material, and the solar cells are fixed to the secondary photovoltaic surface on the second support layer by means of the transparent adhesive.

[0015] The invention thus provides for the first time a flexible and bifacial solar panel device which is particularly advantageous for vertical installation on a fence, in which the solar panel device in its flexible extension is threaded between vertical bars or fence slats from both opposite sides of the fence.

[0016] The flexible, bifacial solar panel according to the invention improves the yield of photovoltaic power generation because reflected light from different directions is also absorbed on a primary and a secondary photovoltaic side and converted into electrical energy. The flexible bifacial solar panel according to the invention offers particular potential for increasing yield in the present specific application of vertical photovoltaics, where it is largely unobstructed on both sides by the supporting structure in the form of a fence.

[0017] In other words, the combination of the mechanical flexibility and bifaciality features of the vertical solar panel device allows for a significant increase in efficiency and yield, since the properties of a mounting option with approximately equivalent shade-free exposure on both opposite sides of a fence and the property of photovoltaic power generation on both sides of the fence by one and the same solar panel device are advantageously made available and usable at the same time.

[0018] A major advantage of the invention is that, depending on the orientation of the fence at different times of day, the same solar panel installation can utilize sunlight from the east and later from the west, per unit area of ​​the fence. This significantly improves the efficiency of the solar panel installation and considerably increases the yield of a system with multiple solar panel installations on the same fence.

[0019] In this context, the invention offers further advantages. Firstly, the flexible nature of the solar panel device according to the invention allows for easy attachment by threading it through vertical elements of a fence, without the assistance of a specialist and, in a simple design, also without the need for fasteners or tools.

[0020] Secondly, the flexible and therefore relatively thin and lightweight design of the solar panel device according to the invention allows an entire fence area to be covered with such solar panels without exceeding the permissible load-bearing capacity of the fence. In other words, the permissible load is significantly undercut, which in turn benefits the durability of the anchoring of the fence posts and the attachment of the mesh panels to the fence posts.

[0021] Due to the bifacial design of the solar panel device according to the invention, it is not necessary to attach two opposing solar modules or solar panels on both sides of the fence, thereby saving system costs and weight in relation to the fence area.

[0022] Compared to a hypothetical construction where a conventional rigid bifacial solar module is installed on one side of a fence, the flexible bifacial solar panel device according to the invention offers the advantages of being lighter and, when installed as intended, not subjecting the fence structure to any one-sided load or permanent one-sided moment. In particular, the flexible bifacial solar panel according to the invention allows for mounting with less shading in the aforementioned comparison, since, in the one-sided installation of a conventional rigid bifacial solar module or solar panel on one side of the fence, all elements of the fence, such as posts or fence slats, contribute to shading and reduced efficiency on the side of the conventional solar module or solar panel facing the fence.According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the solar cells can have essentially identical dimensions, wherein, in a horizontally oriented longitudinal direction in which the solar cells are arranged spaced apart from one another in a row, an arrangement interval within which an arrangement of adjacent solar cells repeats is 40 mm to 60 mm, preferably 50 mm. This dimension corresponds to a spacing of vertical bars in a standardized pattern on a widely used so-called double-wire fence. By matching the dimensions between the arrangement of the solar cells and the fence pattern, one-sided obstruction of the solar cell surfaces by vertical bars is prevented or minimized, thereby improving the efficiency of the solar panel.

[0023] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, a dimension in a vertically oriented transverse direction, running perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, can be from 180 mm to 200 mm, preferably 190 mm. This dimension corresponds to a spacing of horizontal double bars of the standardized pattern on the widely used double-wire fence. Matching the dimensions between the arrangement of the solar cells and the fence pattern allows for maximizing the surface area of ​​the solar cells within the available space between the horizontal double bars, thereby improving the efficiency of the solar panel.

[0024] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the solar panel device can comprise offset end sections extending in the horizontally oriented longitudinal direction, wherein the offset end sections are subdivided into at least two sections with respect to the vertically oriented transverse direction, and the at least two sections each extend outwards in the longitudinal direction with different lengths. The differently extending ends result in an offset overlap at a transition between horizontally adjacent solar panel devices, which enables a mechanical interlocking or mutual fastening, similar to a puzzle. This creates a mutual fixation that helps to prevent or largely suppress the occurrence of fluttering of the free horizontal ends of each solar panel device under wind load.This reduces the dynamic load on the ends of the flexible solar panel devices on a fence, thereby improving durability and reducing maintenance requirements. According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the solar panel device can comprise a first flexible protective layer made of a transparent polymer-based material, arranged on an outward-facing side of the first support layer, and a second flexible protective layer made of a transparent polymer-based material, also arranged on an outward-facing side of the second support layer. The additional flexible protective layers arranged on both sides provide further protection for the solar panel device against weathering and, in particular, mechanical impacts. This improves durability and reduces the maintenance requirements of the solar panel device or a corresponding photovoltaic system.

[0025] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the transparent polymer-based material of the first and / or second support layer can comprise ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). When used as a support layer, ethylene vinyl acetate is characterized by its high transparency, good UV resistance, and mechanical flexibility, thus preventing the delamination of individual layers in the solar panel assembly and improving structural integrity. This, in turn, improves durability and reduces the maintenance requirements of the solar cell assembly or a corresponding photovoltaic system.

[0026] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the transparent polymer-based material of the first protective layer and / or the second protective layer can comprise polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), or preferably polyvinyl fluoride (PVF). When used as a protective layer, these three materials are characterized by high weather resistance, high transparency, good UV resistance, mechanical flexibility, and high impact strength. This improves the durability and reduces the maintenance requirements of the solar cell device or a corresponding photovoltaic system.

[0027] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the first protective layer and / or the second protective layer can comprise an outwardly facing surface in which a pattern of concavely graduated cavities with a diameter of 1000 to 5000 micrometers, preferably 3000 to 3500 micrometers, and a depth of 100 to 500 micrometers, preferably 250 to 350 micrometers, is formed. This surface structure reduces the deposition of dirt and limescale that adhere to the surface from water droplets such as rain or condensing humidity. Furthermore, the surface structure acts like a plurality of plano-concave diverging lenses, optically scattering light rays from different directions and directing them more evenly onto the solar cells with a more homogeneous distribution of angles of incidence.This improves efficiency and reduces maintenance effort for cleaning the solar cell device or a corresponding photovoltaic system.

[0028] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the solar panel device can have at least one electrical connector that provides an electrical connection between an electrical interconnection of the solar cells and terminals for electrically connecting the solar panel device with further solar panel devices; wherein the electrical connector comprises an electrical bypass switchable by means of a switching element, which provides a bridge between the terminals that is electrically isolated from the interconnection of the solar cells. In the event of shading of the solar panel device, the switchable bypass allows this solar panel device to be bypassed in an interconnection of several solar panel devices, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of a solar panel system with several solar panel devices.

[0029] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, at least at one end section of the solar panel device, the solar cells, the first support layer, and the second support layer can be covered on an outer surface of the solar panel device by the first protective layer and / or by the second protective layer. The protective layer provides improved protection against weathering, so that it preferably also covers an open cross-section of the layer structure of the solar panel device and protects against penetrating moisture.

[0030] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, a vertical solar panel device can be designed such that the solar cells along the row, which extends transversely to the fence posts in a fence system with vertically oriented fence posts when installed, have a width of 45 mm to 55 mm. In this way, the width of the individual solar cells preferably correlates with the corresponding spacing of the fence posts, which in a corresponding fence system also have a spacing of approximately 45 mm to 55 mm. This correlation offers the advantage that each solar cell, when exposed to frontal sunlight, is always illuminated by a maximum of only one fence post. This prevents both sides from being shaded and avoids completely unobstructed areas between the posts. This has a positive effect on the uniformity of the solar panels' exposure from both sides and on the symmetry of the energy yield.

[0031] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, a solar panel system for vertically oriented photovoltaic power generation can comprise at least one of the aforementioned vertical solar panel devices, as well as a fence element with vertically oriented, parallel-spaced bars and horizontally oriented, parallel-spaced bars; wherein the at least one vertical solar panel device is arranged within a spacing of the horizontally oriented bars, threaded alternately between several of the vertically oriented bars. This provides a particularly simple and, with regard to light irradiation from both sides, very effective installation of the vertical solar panel device according to the invention.

[0032] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the solar panel system can have a pattern of alternatingly threaded arrangements of at least one vertical solar panel device with respect to two opposite sides of the fence element; wherein the uneven distribution preferably comprises a predominant extent in the longitudinal direction of the vertical solar panel device where the primary photovoltaic surface of the solar cells faces away from the vertically oriented bars of the fence element. This minimizes any potential obstruction of the solar cell surface by the vertical bars of the fence, particularly on the primary side of the bifacial solar cells, and improves the efficiency of the solar panel system, comprising the solar panel devices and the fence.

[0033] Brief description of the drawing

[0034] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. The drawings schematically show:

[0035] Fig. 1 shows a cross-section through a layer structure of the flexible bifacial solar panel device according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0036] Fig. 2 shows a top view of a side surface of solar panel devices according to different embodiments of the invention;

[0037] Fig. 3 shows a top view of a side surface of solar panel devices threaded into a fence, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0038] Fig. 4A shows a cross-section through a layer structure at an end section of the solar panel device according to an exemplary embodiment; and

[0039] Fig. 4B shows a cross-section through a layer structure at an end section of the solar panel device according to an alternative embodiment.

[0040] Detailed description of the embodiments

[0041] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-section through a layered structure of the flexible solar panel device 10 in a region where a solar cell 11 is arranged. The solar cell 11 is located in the center of the layered structure and is bifacial, allowing it to absorb sunlight from both sides and generate a voltage between two electrodes (not explicitly shown). The solar cell 11 is designed as a mechanically flexible film made of known photoactive materials. The bifacial solar cell 11 typically, but not necessarily, has a primary side and a secondary side, with the performance or efficiency of the primary side being slightly higher than that of the secondary side.

[0042] The primary and secondary sides of the solar cell 11 are bonded to a first support layer 13 and a second support layer 15 by means of a transparent adhesive 12, i.e., a suitable polymer adhesive. The first support layer 13 and the second support layer 15 are transparent, mechanically flexible, and preferably made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). EVA has preferred properties for this application because it is UV-resistant, prevents the delamination of individual layers, and thus increases the structural integrity of the layer structure.

[0043] Preferably, an EVA layer with the following properties is used for the support layers 13 and 15: FIRST F406P / F806P (PID-resistant, VA 28 ± 2%, gel > 75%); thickness 0.45 mm. The high PID protection meets the requirement of less than 5% performance loss after 96 hours of testing at 85°C, which, in the context of the application mentioned, is considered a special material property for long-term stability. Furthermore, the material has an optical transmission of more than 91% in the wavelength range of 380–1100 nm and a UV blocking of more than 80% below 380 nm, resulting in an excellent compromise between protection and efficiency in the application mentioned. Furthermore, the high gel rate of more than 75% in the manufacturing process allows for a short lamination time of approximately 18-20 minutes without adhesive failure, thus saving time and costs in production.

[0044] A first protective layer 14 and a second protective layer 16 are laminated onto the first support layer 13 and the second support layer 15. The first protective layer 14 and the second protective layer 16 are also transparent, mechanically flexible, and preferably made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), or polyvinyl fluoride (PVF). PET, ETFE, and PVF are weather-resistant, UV-resistant, and exhibit high impact strength, thus providing good protection for the internal solar cells 11 against external influences.

[0045] Preferably, a PVF layer with the following specifications is used for the protective layers 14, 16: DuPont PVF, thickness 0.40 mm; maximum bending angle 270° (U-shaped). PVF exhibits even higher UV and hydrolysis resistance than PET or ETFE and synergizes with the microstructures of other layers, leading to improved integrity of the laminated layer structure. In various embodiments, a fluorinated polymer, in particular PVF, with a thickness of 0.30–0.50 mm can be used as the protective layer.

[0046] Thus, in a symmetrical layered structure from top to bottom, the following preferred dimensions result: first protective layer 14 made of PVF with 0.40 mm, first support layer 13 made of EVA with 0.45 mm, solar cell 11 with 0.20 mm, second support layer 15 made of EVA with 0.45 mm, and second protective layer 16 made of PVF with 0.40 mm. In this embodiment, the layered structure has a total thickness of approximately 1.9 mm when the support layers 13 and 15 made of EVA each have a thickness of 0.40–0.50 mm, and the protective layers 14 and 16 made of PVF have a thickness of 0.35–0.45 mm. Including the transparent adhesive 12, a product of the solar panel device 10 with the specifications and dimensions in the aforementioned embodiment has a total thickness of approximately 2 mm.

[0047] The outer surfaces of the first protective layer 14 and the second protective layer 16 are provided with a surface structure (not shown) featuring a multitude of concave, gradually formed cavities, similar to the structure and shape of a hammered finish paint surface. The cavities have, for example, dimensions of approximately 3300 micrometers and 3.3 millimeters, respectively, and a maximum depth at a central point of the concave cavity of approximately 300 micrometers and 0.3 millimeters, respectively. The cavities have a positive effect both on reducing the formation of protective deposits of limescale, pollen, and other particles that are deposited on the surface by moisture and humidity, and on ensuring the uniform scattering of light reflected and incident from different directions onto the underlying solar cells 11, acting as a plano-concave diverging lens with respect to each cavity.

[0048] Furthermore, optionally, tensile fibers made of glass fiber or carbon fiber, i.e., Kevlar, can be laminated or integrated into the two protective layers 14, 16. These fibers have a length of more than 5 mm and a tensile strength of more than 1 GPa. Such embedded fiber reinforcement in the two protective layers 14, 16 better absorbs tensile forces, which can occur particularly during assembly when the solar panel assembly 10, threaded between the fence posts, is pulled taut.

[0049] Furthermore, in another embodiment, predetermined breaking lines can be provided at regular intervals in the longitudinal direction L, facilitating the cutting of the solar panel devices 10 to length. The predetermined breaking lines can preferably be designed as pre-cut slits after every four solar cells, or after a smaller number of cells. For this embodiment, a product assembly method is also provided, in which the solar panel device 10 is wound onto a drum as a continuous length and can be easily cut to individual dimensions at the installation site or at a distribution point for a customer.

[0050] In addition, the surface of the solar panel device may be provided with 10 preferably integrally formed, elastic locking tabs, so-called TPU click tabs, for improved fastening and easier assembly.

[0051] Fig. 2 shows a schematic top view of two embodiments of the solar panel device 10, which differ in the shape of their end sections 18, 18A, 18B. In both figures, the solar panel device 10 is designed as a flexible flat strip, which in the upper figure has a rectangular shape with end sections 18. In the lower figure, complementary end sections 18A and 18B are provided, which, divided in the transverse direction Q, extend to different degrees in the longitudinal direction L and fit together like a puzzle. This allows for better mutual fixation of the free ends of adjacent solar panel devices 10, which helps to prevent fluttering of the free ends in the wind.

[0052] The solar panel device 10 comprises a longitudinally extending row L of solar cells 11. The bifacial solar cells 11 are preferably of cell type M6 166 mm with 9 busbars and dimensions of 166 x 41.5 mm. The solar panel device 10 can comprise 56 cells with a vertical cell spacing of 1.2 mm for a longitudinal extension L of 2.5 m, or 44 cells with a vertical cell spacing of 1.5 mm for a longitudinal extension L of 2 m. This minimizes shading by fence posts. For the purpose of assembling a solar module, the solar panel device 10 preferably comprises 44 to 60 sub-cells connected in series. A partial cell width is preferably 41 - 43 mm, resulting in an interval per solar cell 11 and a respective distance of preferably 50 mm with a tolerance of + / - 0.5 mm.

[0053] In an embodiment with a length of 2.5 m, the weight is approximately 1.1 kg, with a tolerance of + / - 0.4 kg depending on variations in material and wiring. The area-specific mass of the solar panel device 10 is less than 0.45 kg / m². -1 , resulting in a low load on fence posts, which is less than 50% of a permissible limit value according to DIN EN 1991-1-4.

[0054] The solar cells are electrically interconnected. An electrical connector 17 is arranged at at least one of the end sections 18, 18A, 18B, which, for example, provides two terminals for connection to an adjacent solar panel device 10 arranged above and below it. The electrical connector is designed as a so-called junction box, which is applied to the outer surface of the first protective layer 14 or the second protective layer 16, and includes terminals such as MC4 connectors or a similar common format. The electrical connector 17 establishes an electrical connection between the interconnection of the internal solar cells 11 and the terminals. Optionally, the electrical connector 17 includes a switchable bypass that directly connects the terminals to adjacent solar panel devices 10 and disconnects the interconnection of the solar cells 11 from the terminals.The relevant solar panel device 10 in a group of several solar panel devices 10 is bypassed. This allows solar panel devices 10 that experience partial or complete shading and would thus impair the efficiency of the entire solar panel system to be bypassed. The switchable bypass can be switched in accordance with output signals of a known optimizer device such as a Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT).

[0055] Preferably, the solar panel device 10 is connected in a bypass configuration, wherein preferably 4 to 8 series-connected sub-cells are bridged by a bypass diode. This reduces the risk of hot spots and yield losses due to situations with uneven surface distribution of irradiance and power generation.

[0056] Regarding the design of the electrical conductors inside the solar panel device 10, these can be implemented using conventional solder strips or partially or completely using layers of electrically conductive adhesives. This increases the permissible bending radius of the flexible solar panel device 10 and reduces the risk of microcracks forming in the conductor structure. In one embodiment, a complete conductor structure, or at least electrical connections for the serial interconnection of the adjacent solar cells 11, are implemented using a conductive epoxy adhesive system.

[0057] Fig. 3 schematically shows a solar panel system in which, by way of example, two solar panel devices 10 are installed on a fence element 20. The fence element 20 is provided in the form of a so-called double-wire fence with a standardized pattern. This has vertical bars 21 running in the transverse direction Q at a distance of 5 cm and horizontal bars 22 or double bars running in the longitudinal direction L at a distance of 20 cm.

[0058] The arrangement of the solar cells 11 in the solar panel devices 10 is 1.2 to 1.5 mm, which provides a spatial alignment of the arrangement to the standardized pattern of a double wire fence, and minimizes shading of the solar cells 11 by the bars 21, 22 of a fence element 20.

[0059] As previously mentioned, the solar panel devices 10 with the above-mentioned preferred layer structure, comprising two support layers 13, 15 made of EVA and two protective layers 14, 16 made of PVF, exhibit a special flexibility of more than 270° without any loss of performance.

[0060] The solar panel devices 10 are threaded through the vertical bars 21 of the fence element 20 in an arbitrary, preferably uniform, sequence between both opposite sides of the fence element 20. The sequence can preferably be selected such that the primary side, or an orientation towards a more productive direction of solar radiation, is chosen such that the primary side is obscured by fewer vertical bars 21 than the secondary side. In the illustrated embodiment, the side shown in the top view is the primary side of the bifacial solar cells 11.

[0061] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the solar cells 11 are arranged in series within the solar panel device 10 at an interval A of 5 cm, whereby the dimensions and arrangement of the solar cells are aligned with the standardized 5 cm spacing of the vertical bars 21. Alternatively, the solar cells 11 can extend longitudinally over a multiple of the arrangement interval, i.e., over 10 cm, 15 cm, or 20 cm, etc. The two illustrated solar panel devices 10, which are arranged one above the other on the fence element 20, are electrically connected by connecting cables 19. The connecting cables 19 are connected to the terminals of the electrical connectors 17 by plug connectors such as the previously mentioned MC4 connectors.

[0062] Figures 4A and 4B show two alternative embodiments of a layer structure at an end section of the solar panel device 10. The first protective layer 14 and the second protective layer 16 provide improved weather protection compared to the first support layer 13 and the second support layer 15. This is particularly true if the first protective layer 14 and the second protective layer 16 consist of ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) or, preferably, polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), and the first support layer 13 and the second support layer 15 are made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). The first protective layer 14 and the second protective layer 16 are arranged such that they also cover all other elements located further inside the solar panel device 10, i.e., the solar cells 11 and the outer ends of the first support layer 13 and the second support layer 15.Thus, preferably, there is no open cross-section of the layer structure at any of the end edges of the solar panel device 10 through which moisture or other external influences could penetrate and impair the lamination of the layer structure. Any gaps between the ends of the individual layers can be filled and thus sealed by the adhesive 12.

[0063] Fig. 4A shows a planar arrangement of all layers, in which the first protective layer 14 and the second protective layer 16 are each wrapped halfway around a thickness direction of the layer structure at the end of the solar panel device 10 and sealed together. The same applies to a tapered layer arrangement in Fig. 4B, in which the first protective layer 14 and the second protective layer 16 are joined at a central axis of the layer structure at the end of the solar panel device 10 and cover an outer surface. Likewise, other hybrid forms can be provided as alternative embodiments, in which, for example, the thickness of the layer structure decreases in steps, with the first protective layer 14 and the second protective layer 16 not coming into sealing contact at the end faces as in Fig. 2A, but rather on the inside.Likewise, asymmetrical embodiments can be provided in which the first protective layer 14 and the second protective layer 16 do not meet in the area of ​​the central axis of the layer structure, but one of the two protective layers 14, 16 is guided to a greater extent or completely around the open cross-section of the layer structure at a free end.

[0064] As a further optional aspect of an embodiment, a mechanical stress sensor can be integrated into an edge section of the solar panel device 10, which monitors any strain of the solar panel device 10. The mechanical stress sensor is designed to output a signal that is fed to a data processing system to notify a user, preferably via a software interface on an end device used to display performance parameters of the solar panel device 10. A detected strain of more than 0.3% is provided as a threshold for this functionality.

[0065] The preceding descriptions of the embodiments describe the present invention solely by way of example. Naturally, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided this is technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0066] Reference symbol list

[0067] 10 Solar panel device

[0068] 11 solar cell

[0069] 12 adhesives

[0070] 13 first T carrier layer

[0071] 14 first protective layer

[0072] 15 second carrier layer

[0073] 16 second protective layer

[0074] 17 electrical connectors

[0075] 18 Final section

[0076] 18A offset tapered end section

[0077] 18B offset tapered end section (complementary)

[0078] 19 connecting cables

[0079] 20 fence elements

[0080] 21 vertical bars

[0081] 22 horizontal bars (double bars)

[0082] A Arrangement interval

[0083] L Longitudinal direction

[0084] Q transverse direction

Claims

Patent claims 1. Vertical solar panel device (10) for vertically oriented photovoltaic power generation, comprising: a plurality of flexible solar cells (11) arranged spaced apart from one another in a row and electrically connected to one another; a flexible first support layer (13) made of a transparent polymer-based material; wherein the solar cells (11) are fixed to a primary photovoltaic surface on the first support layer (13) by means of a transparent adhesive (12); characterized in that the flexible solar cells (11) are bifacial, with a secondary photovoltaic surface facing the primary photovoltaic surface;wherein the vertical solar panel device comprises a flexible second support layer (15) made of a transparent polymer-based material, and the flexible solar cells (11) are fixed to the secondary photovoltaic surface by means of the transparent adhesive (12) on the second support layer (15).

2. Vertical solar panel device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the solar cells (11 ) have substantially the same dimensions, and wherein in a horizontally oriented longitudinal direction (L) in which the solar cells (11 ) are arranged spaced apart from each other in a row, an arrangement interval (A) within which an arrangement of adjacent solar cells (11 ) is repeated is 40 mm to 60 mm, preferably 50 mm.

3. Vertical solar panel device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, having a dimension in a vertically oriented transverse direction (Q) which runs transverse to the longitudinal direction (L) of 180 mm to 200 mm, preferably 190 mm.

4. Vertical solar panel device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, with offset end sections (18A, 18B) extending in the horizontally oriented longitudinal direction (L), wherein the offset end sections (18A, 18B) are subdivided into at least two sections with respect to the vertically oriented transverse direction (Q), and the at least two sections each extend outwards in the longitudinal direction (L) with different lengths.

5. Vertical solar panel device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a first flexible protective layer (14) made of a transparent polymer-based material, arranged towards an outward-facing side of the first support layer (13), and a second flexible protective layer (16) made of a transparent polymer-based material, arranged towards an outward-facing side of the second support layer (15).

6. Vertical solar panel device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transparent polymer-based material of the first support layer (13) and / or the second support layer (15) comprises ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).

7. Vertical solar panel device (10) according to one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the transparent polymer-based material of the first protective layer (14) and / or the second protective layer (16) comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) or preferably polyvinyl fluoride (PVF).

8. Vertical solar panel device (10) according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the first protective layer (14) and / or the second protective layer (16) comprises an outwardly facing surface in which a pattern of concavely graduated cavities with a diameter of 1000 to 5000 micrometers, preferably 3000 to 3500 micrometers and a depth of 100 to 500 micrometers, preferably 250 to 350 micrometers, is formed.

9. Vertical solar panel device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one electrical connector (17) which provides an electrical connection between an electrical interconnection of the solar cells (11) and electrical terminals for an electrical connection of the solar panel device (10) with further solar panel devices (10); wherein the electrical connector (17) comprises an electrical bypass that can be switched by means of a switching element and provides a bridge between the electrical connections that is separate from the interconnection of the solar cells (11).

10. Vertical solar panel device (10) according to one of claims 5 to 9, wherein at least one end section of the solar panel device (10) the solar cells (11), the first support layer (13) and the second support layer (15) are covered towards an outside of the solar panel device (10) by the first protective layer (14) and / or by the second protective layer (16).

11. Vertical solar panel device (10) according to one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the solar cells (11) along the row which extends transversely to the fence posts in the mounting situation in a fence system with vertically extending fence posts, have a width of 45 mm to 55 mm.

12. Vertical solar panel system for vertically oriented photovoltaic power generation, comprising: at least one of the vertical solar panel devices (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10; a fence element (20) with vertically oriented, parallel-spaced bars (21 ) and horizontally oriented, parallel-spaced bars (22); wherein the at least one vertical solar panel device (10) is arranged within a distance of the horizontally oriented bars (22), threaded alternately between several of the vertically oriented bars (21 ).

13. Vertical solar panel system according to claim 11, wherein a pattern of the alternately threaded arrangement of the at least one vertical solar panel device (10) has a non-uniform distribution with respect to two opposite sides of the fence element (20); and wherein the non-uniform distribution preferably comprises a predominant extension of the vertical solar panel device (10) with respect to the longitudinal direction (L) in which the primary photovoltaic surface of the solar cells (11) faces away from the vertically oriented bars (21) of the fence element (20).

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