Solar cell module

Abstract

The present invention provides a solar cell module comprising: a plurality of solar cells; wires connecting the plurality of solar cells; a first substrate disposed facing one surface of the plurality of solar cells; a second substrate disposed facing the other surface of the plurality of solar cells and including an opening through which the wires pass; a first encapsulation layer disposed between the plurality of solar cells and the first substrate; a second encapsulation layer disposed between the plurality of solar cells and the second substrate; and a protective member disposed between the second substrate and the plurality of solar cells so as to correspond to the opening.

Description

solar cell module

[0001] The present invention relates to a solar cell module, and more specifically, to a solar cell module that can prevent moisture from penetrating into the solar cell, thereby significantly improving lifespan, reliability, and solar cell efficiency.

[0002] In order to address the depletion of fossil fuels and the global environmental problems caused by their use, research on renewable and clean alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power is actively underway.

[0003] Among these, interest in solar cells, which directly convert sunlight into electrical energy, is increasing significantly. Here, a solar cell refers to a battery that generates current and voltage by utilizing the photovoltaic effect, which absorbs light energy from sunlight to generate electrons and holes.

[0004] Recently, attempts have been made to manufacture tandem solar cells by stacking a perovskite solar cell capable of absorbing light in the short wavelength range on top of a crystalline silicon solar cell.

[0005] These perovskite / silicon tandem solar cell modules must include hole processing in the back substrate to connect the electrodes forming the electrical circuit between multiple solar cells to the junction box.

[0006] However, if moisture penetrates through this hole, it can adversely affect the reliability of moisture-sensitive perovskite / silicon tandem solar cell modules.

[0007] Therefore, in order to ensure long-term reliability, it is necessary to devise a technology to hermetically seal the holes of perovskite / silicon tandem solar cell modules.

[0008] The present invention was devised to overcome the aforementioned problems and aims to provide a solar cell module with improved durability and reliability by protecting the perovskite solar cell module from external moisture and foreign substances.

[0009] The technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0010] One embodiment of the present invention provides a solar cell module comprising a plurality of solar cells, wiring connecting the plurality of solar cells, a first substrate disposed toward one side of the plurality of solar cells, a second substrate disposed toward the other side of the plurality of solar cells and including an opening through which the wiring passes, a first encapsulation layer disposed between the plurality of solar cells and the first substrate, a second encapsulation layer disposed between the plurality of solar cells and the second substrate, and a protective member disposed between the second substrate and the plurality of solar cells to correspond to the opening.

[0011] As an optional embodiment, the solar cell may be a perovskite solar cell or a tandem solar cell comprising a perovskite solar cell.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first substrate or the second substrate may include glass.

[0013] As an optional embodiment, the protective member may include a resin-based material.

[0014] In one embodiment, the area of ​​the protective member may be formed to be larger than the opening area.

[0015] In one embodiment, the protective member may have a thickness smaller than the thickness of the second sealing layer.

[0016] As an example, the method may further include a bag material positioned to wrap the sides of the first bag layer and the second bag layer.

[0017] As an embodiment, a sealing portion may be further included that corresponds to the opening and is positioned to face the opposite side of the surface of the second substrate facing the first substrate.

[0018] In one embodiment, the sealing portion may include a third substrate having the same material as the second substrate and a sealant disposed between the third substrate and the opening.

[0019] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a solar cell module comprising a plurality of solar cells, wiring connecting the plurality of solar cells, a first substrate disposed toward one side of the plurality of solar cells and including an opening through which the wiring passes, a second substrate disposed toward the other side of the plurality of solar cells, a first encapsulation layer disposed between the plurality of solar cells and the first substrate, a second encapsulation layer disposed between the plurality of solar cells and the second substrate, and a protective member disposed between the second substrate and the plurality of solar cells to correspond to the opening, wherein the method comprises the step of sequentially stacking the first substrate, the first encapsulation layer, the plurality of solar cells, the protective member, the second encapsulation layer, and the second substrate.

[0020] Other aspects, features, and advantages other than those described above will become clear from the following drawings, claims, and detailed description of the invention.

[0021] A solar cell module according to one embodiment of the present invention can provide a solar cell module with improved durability and reliability by minimizing the inflow of external moisture into the solar cell.

[0022] In addition, a solar cell module according to one embodiment of the present invention can reduce product defects, thereby improving mass producibility and work efficiency.

[0023] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a solar cell module of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a solar cell module of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 schematically shows a solar cell of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of area A in Figure 2.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a solar cell module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a solar cell module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a solar cell module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments; specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. The effects and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but can be implemented in various forms.

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0032] In the following embodiments, terms such as first, second, etc. are used not in a limiting sense, but for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component.

[0033] In the following examples, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0034] In the following embodiments, terms such as "include" or "have" mean that the features or components described in the specification are present, and do not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

[0035] In the following embodiments, when a part such as a region or component is described as being in front of, behind, on, or under another part, it includes not only cases where it is in direct contact with the other part, but also cases where another region or component is interposed in between.

[0036] In the drawings, the size of components may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience of explanation. For example, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are depicted arbitrarily for convenience of explanation, so the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is illustrated.

[0037] In addition, it is stated in advance that in the drawings, some components may be omitted, only a part of a component may be depicted, or a component may be schematically represented where it is deemed sufficient or necessary to explain areas, components, etc., or for the purpose of simplifying the drawings.

[0038] In the following embodiments, when regions, components, etc. are described as being connected, this includes not only cases where regions and components are directly connected, but also cases where other regions and components are interposed between regions and components to be indirectly connected.

[0039] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a solar cell module of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing a solar cell module of the present invention. In addition, FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a solar cell of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of area A of FIG. 2.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, as an embodiment, a solar cell module (1) may include a plurality of solar cells (100), a first substrate (200), a second substrate (300), a first encapsulation layer (400), and a second encapsulation layer (500).

[0041] The solar cell (100) can convert solar energy into electrical energy. That is, the solar cell (100) receives sunlight and generates electricity.

[0042] As one embodiment, the solar cell (100) may include a perovskite solar cell or a tandem solar cell including a perovskite solar cell. Here, the tandem solar cell refers to a solar cell using various photoactive materials including perovskite.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 3, a tandem solar cell (100) including a perovskite solar cell may include a perovskite solar cell and a silicon solar cell.

[0044] A perovskite solar cell may include electrodes on both sides arranged with a perovskite layer in between, for example, may include transparent electrodes on both sides.

[0045] As an optional embodiment, the perovskite solar cell may further include one or more charge transport layers, and may include, for example, an electron transport layer (ETL) or a hole transport layer (HTL).

[0046] As a specific example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a perovskite solar cell may include a hole transport layer (HTL) positioned toward one side of the perovskite layer, an electron transport layer (ETL) positioned toward the other side of the perovskite layer, and transparent electrodes positioned toward one side of the hole transport layer (HTL) and one side of the electron transport layer (ETL), respectively.

[0047] The perovskite layer may include various perovskite series materials, and for example, may include a perovskite material represented by the following chemical formula 1.

[0048] [Chemical Formula 1]

[0049] ABX3

[0050] In the above Chemical Formula 1, A is formamidinium, methylammonium, cesium, rubidium, potassium, sodium, lithium, guanidinium, butylammonium, ethylammonium, or phenethylammonium; B is lead, tin, germanium, cadmium, zinc, or manganese; and X is iodide, bromide, chloride, fluoride, thiocyanate, cyanate, selenocyanate, formate, or It is acetate.

[0051] And, as a preferred embodiment of Chemical Formula 1, FAPbI x Br 3-x (0≤x≤3), MAPbI x Br 3-x (0≤x≤3), Cs 1-y-z MA y FAz PbI x Br 3-x (0≤x≤3, 0≤y≤1, 0≤z≤1, 0≤ y+z≤1), CH3NH3PbX3(X= Cl, Br, I, BrI2, or Br2I), CH3NH3SnX3(X= Cl, Br or I), CH(=NH)NH3PbX3(X= Cl, Br, I, BrI2, or Br2I) or CH(=NH)NH3SnX3(X= Cl, Br or I).

[0052] As an optional embodiment, the perovskite layer may be a single layer composed of the same perovskite material or a multilayer structure in which multiple layers composed of different perovskite materials are stacked, and may include a different type of perovskite material different from the one type of perovskite material having a pillar shape such as a column shape, plate shape, needle shape, wire shape, or rod shape inside a light absorption layer composed of one type of perovskite material.

[0053] The electron transporting layer (ETL) is a layer that transports electrons formed in the perovskite layer while blocking the movement of holes, and may include one or more selected from tin oxide (SnO2), titanium dioxide (TiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), barium tin oxide (BaSnO3), niobium hydroxide (NbOH), and niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5).

[0054] The transparent electrode may be a transparent thin film deposited with ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), FTO (Fluorine-doped Tin Oxide), ATO (Sb2O3-doped Tin Oxide), GTO (Gallium-doped Tin Oxide), ZTO (tin-doped zinc oxide), ZTO:Ga (gallium-doped ZTO), IGZO (Indium-gallium-zinc oxide), IZO (Indium-doped zinc oxide), or AZO (Aluminum-doped zinc oxide).

[0055] The hole transport layer (HTL) contains nanoparticles with a NiOx chemical composition, and the NiOx hole transport layer can reduce the resistance between the two layers by forming a dense thin film along the surface of the transparent electrode without any separation at the interface. Additionally, the hole transport layer (HTL) can form a NiO:BN composite containing boron nitride, and the NiO:BN containing boron nitride can increase charge collection efficiency and suppress charge recombination by more effectively extracting and transporting holes from the perovskite layer.

[0056] Silicon solar cells may include an n-type silicon wafer or a p-type silicon wafer as a photoelectric conversion material.

[0057] A tandem solar cell (100) including such perovskite solar cells can improve the efficiency of the solar cell by about 30% or more by overlapping perovskite solar cells on top of a silicon solar cell to absorb sunlight of different wavelengths to produce electricity.

[0058] In one embodiment, the first substrate (200) may be positioned toward one side of a plurality of solar cells (100). Additionally, the second substrate (300) may be positioned toward the other side of a plurality of solar cells (100). Additionally, the second substrate (300) may include an opening (TH) through which wiring (800) passes.

[0059] The present embodiment includes a high-efficiency glass-to-glass (GTG) solar cell module, and such a glass-to-glass module may include a shape that can increase the amount of power generated by simultaneously generating power on one side of the solar cell module (1) and absorbing reflected or scattered light that comes into contact with the ground on the other side of the solar cell module (1).

[0060] To this end, as shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of solar cells (100) constituting a solar cell module (1) need to be connected by wiring (800), and an opening (TH) can be processed in a second substrate (300) to pass through the wiring (800). At this time, the wiring (800) includes one or more conductive members, and may include, for example, a metal wire (ribbon).

[0061] In one embodiment, the first substrate (200) or the second substrate (300) may include glass. In this case, the glass may include low iron tempered glass or general tempered glass, etc.

[0062] This is because, in order for a solar cell (100) disposed between a first substrate (200) and a second substrate (300) of a solar cell module (1) to receive sunlight and generate electricity, the first substrate (200) or the second substrate (300) is required to be formed of a material having a transmittance of 90% or more, as well as durability and heat resistance. At this time, the first substrate (200) and the second substrate (300) may include different types of glass.

[0063] A first encapsulant layer (400, front encapsulant) may be disposed between a plurality of solar cells (100) and a first substrate (200), and a second encapsulant layer (500, rear encapsulant) may be disposed between a plurality of solar cells (100) and a second substrate (300).

[0064] The first encapsulation layer (400) and the second encapsulation layer (500) may include a polymer material. More specifically, the first encapsulation layer (400) and the second encapsulation layer (500) may include a thermosetting resin, for example, an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) resin, polyvinyl butyral, a silicon resin, an ester-based resin, an olefin-based resin, etc.

[0065] By forming the first encapsulation layer (400) and the second encapsulation layer (500) with a material having excellent thermal and adhesive properties, good stability and light transmittance at high temperatures, and excellent moisture resistance, the inside of the solar cell module (1) can be filled to prevent leakage of current and protect the solar cell (100) from electric shock.

[0066] Additionally, the first encapsulation layer (400) and the second encapsulation layer (500) may protect the solar cell (100) from temperature changes, excessive light and ultraviolet rays, wind or external physical impact, external moisture and foreign substances.

[0067] And the first encapsulation layer (400) and the second encapsulation layer (500) are placed between the first substrate (200), the second substrate (300), and the solar cell (100) and can serve to bond each component.

[0068] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a solar cell module (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a solar cell module (2) according to another embodiment of the present invention. In addition, FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a solar cell module (3) according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] As an example of one embodiment, referring to FIG. 5, the solar cell module (1) of the present invention may include a protective member (700, see FIG. 5) disposed between a pair of solar cells (100) arranged adjacent to each other. Additionally, the protective member (700) may be disposed to correspond to an opening (TH) formed in a second substrate (300).

[0070] As an optional embodiment, the protective member (700) may be disposed between the first encapsulation layer (400) and the second encapsulation layer (500).

[0071] In addition, as another optional embodiment not illustrated, the protective member (700) may be disposed between the second encapsulation layer (500) and the second substrate (300).

[0072] Through this, the protective member (700) can protect the solar cell (100) from external moisture or foreign substances that may enter through the opening (TH) formed in the second substrate (300).

[0073] As an optional embodiment, the protective member (700) may include a resin-based material. Specifically, it may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) resins, which are materials with low moisture permeability, are easy to process, and are low-cost.

[0074] As an optional embodiment, the area of ​​the protective member (700) may be formed to be larger than the area of ​​the opening (TH).

[0075] Specifically, the area of ​​the protective member (700) can be formed to be 1.1 to 1.5 times the planar area of ​​the opening (TH).

[0076] If the area of ​​the protective member (700) is formed to be smaller than 1.1 times the area of ​​the opening (TH), the protective member (700) may not be able to provide sufficient protection against moisture and foreign substances entering from the opening (TH).

[0077] Meanwhile, there is a recent trend in developing solar cell modules (1) to enable double-sided light reception to improve photoelectric efficiency. However, if the area of ​​the protective member (700) exceeds 1.5 times the area of ​​the aperture (TH), the area capable of receiving light passing through the second substrate (300) is reduced, which causes a problem in that the efficiency of producing electrical energy of the solar cell module (1) is reduced.

[0078] As an optional embodiment, the protective member (700) may have a thickness smaller than the thickness of the second sealing layer (500).

[0079] Specifically, the thickness of the protective member (700) can be formed to be 5% to 10% of the thickness of the second encapsulation layer (500). At this time, the thickness of the second encapsulation layer (500) can be formed to be approximately 500 µm to 700 µm, and thus, the thickness of the protective member (700) can be formed to be approximately 25 µm to 70 µm.

[0080] If the thickness of the protective member (700) is formed to be thinner than 5% of the thickness of the second encapsulation layer (500), it is difficult to handle the protective member (700) formed too thinly during the process of manufacturing the solar cell module (1), and there is a concern that productivity will decrease or the defect rate will increase.

[0081] Meanwhile, if the thickness of the protective member (700) is formed to be thicker than 10% of the thickness of the second encapsulation layer (500), a large difference in thickness occurs in the area where the protective member (700) is placed in the solar cell module (1), causing defects when performing a lamination process that applies high temperature pressure during the manufacturing process of the solar cell module (1), and consequently, a vulnerable area to moisture penetration may be formed.

[0082] Additionally, as an embodiment, the solar cell module (1) of the present invention may include a sealing portion (600) that corresponds to an opening (TH) and is positioned to face the opposite side of the surface of the second substrate (300) that faces the first substrate (200).

[0083] Referring to FIG. 6, as an optional embodiment, the solar cell module (2) may further include a sealing material (900) arranged to wrap the sides of the first sealing layer (400) and the second sealing layer (500).

[0084] Additionally, as an optional embodiment, the sealing material (900) may include a material capable of preventing the penetration of moisture, such as butyl rubber or silicone resin.

[0085] Butyl rubber can be maintained stably without cracking over a wide temperature range due to the material's inherent properties, and because it possesses elasticity, it can mechanically protect the solar cell module from external impacts and has high resistance to chemicals such as acids and alkalis. In addition, butyl rubber has the advantage of having excellent adhesion to glass or metal used as the first substrate (200) and second substrate (300) of the solar cell module (2) of the present invention.

[0086] When the encapsulating material (900) of the solar cell module (2) of the present invention is formed of butyl rubber, it can have the excellent advantage of having a very low moisture permeability of less than 0.01 g / (㎡·day), more preferably 0.001 to 0.01 g / (㎡·day).

[0087] Thus, the packaging material (900) can perform the function of protecting the solar cell module (2) by preventing moisture or foreign matter from penetrating from the side cross-section of the solar cell module (2) to the solar cell module (2).

[0088] As an optional embodiment, with reference to FIG. 7, the sealing portion (600) of the solar cell module (3) may include a third substrate (610) having the same material as the second substrate. Additionally, as an optional embodiment, the sealing portion (600) may further include a sealing material (620) disposed between the third substrate (610) and the opening (TH).

[0089] At this time, the sealant (620) may include a material that can prevent the penetration of moisture, such as butyl rubber or silicone resin.

[0090] Butyl rubber can be maintained stably without cracking over a wide temperature range due to the material's inherent properties, and because it possesses elasticity, it can mechanically protect the solar cell module from external impacts and has high resistance to chemicals such as acids and alkalis. In addition, butyl rubber has the advantage of having excellent adhesion to glass or metal used as the material for the second substrate (300) and the third substrate (610) of the solar cell module (3) of the present invention.

[0091] If the sealant (620) of the solar cell module (3) of the present invention is formed of butyl rubber, it can have the excellent advantage of having a very low moisture permeability of less than 0.01 g / (m²·day), more preferably 0.001 to 0.01 g / (m²·day).

[0092] Thus, the sealant (620) can perform the function of protecting the solar cell modules by preventing moisture or foreign matter from penetrating between the solar cell modules (3) through the opening (TH) formed in the second substrate (300).

[0093] As described above, the solar cell module according to the embodiments of the present invention can improve the moisture permeability of the solar cell, thereby extending the lifespan and improving the reliability of the solar cell module.

[0094]

[0095] Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing a solar cell module (1) for manufacturing the aforementioned solar cell module (1) will be described. However, details that are identical to those described in the aforementioned embodiment or that can be applied by modifying them similarly as needed may be omitted.

[0096] In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a solar cell module (1) may include the step of sequentially stacking a first substrate (200), a first encapsulation layer (400), a plurality of solar cells (100), a protective member (700), a second encapsulation layer (500), and a second substrate (300).

[0097] In another embodiment, a method for manufacturing a solar cell module (1) may include the step of sequentially stacking a first substrate (200), a first encapsulation layer (400), a plurality of solar cells (100), a second encapsulation layer (500), a protective member (700), and a second substrate (300).

[0098] Through this, the protective member (700) functions to hermetically seal the opening (TH) of the second substrate between a pair of adjacent solar cells (100), thereby protecting the solar cell module (1) from the intrusion of external moisture and foreign substances, and thus providing a solar cell module (1) with improved durability and reliability.

[0099] As an example, the method for manufacturing a solar cell module (1) may further include the step of laminating a sealing portion (600) on a second substrate to correspond to an opening.

[0100] As an optional embodiment, the step of laminating the sealing portion (600) may further include the step of sequentially laminating a sealing material (620) and a third substrate (610) on the second substrate (300) to correspond to the opening (TH).

[0101] Through this, a sufficient light-receiving area of ​​the solar cell module (1) can be secured, and the inside of the solar cell module (1) can be sealed to protect it from the outside.

[0102] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented in this specification. Those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the present invention may easily propose other embodiments within the scope of the same spirit by adding, changing, deleting, or adding components, and such embodiments shall also be considered to fall within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

[0103]

[0104] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0105] 1 : Solar cell module

[0106] 100 : Solar cell

[0107] 200 : First substrate

[0108] 300 : Second substrate

[0109] 400 : 1st bag layer

[0110] 500 : 2nd bag layer

[0111] 600 : Sealing part

[0112] 700 : Protective element

[0113] 800 : Wiring

Claims

1. Multiple solar cells; Wiring connecting the above plurality of solar cells; A first substrate positioned toward one side of the plurality of solar cells; A second substrate disposed toward another side of the plurality of solar cells and including an opening through which the wiring passes; A first encapsulation layer disposed between the plurality of solar cells and the first substrate; A second encapsulation layer disposed between the plurality of solar cells and the second substrate; and A solar cell module comprising: a protective member disposed between the plurality of solar cells to correspond to the opening.

2. In Paragraph 1, A solar cell module in which the above solar cell is a perovskite solar cell or a tandem solar cell comprising a perovskite solar cell.

3. In Paragraph 1, A solar cell module in which the first substrate or the second substrate comprises glass.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above protective member comprises a resin-based material, and is a solar cell module.

5. In Paragraph 1, A solar cell module comprising a protective member having an area larger than the area of ​​the opening.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above protective member is a solar cell module having a thickness smaller than the thickness of the second encapsulation layer.

7. In Paragraph 1, A solar cell module further comprising a sealing material arranged to wrap the sides of the first sealing layer and the second sealing layer.

8. In Paragraph 1, A solar cell module further comprising a sealing portion that corresponds to the opening and is positioned to face the opposite side of the surface of the second substrate facing the first substrate.

9. In Paragraph 8, The sealing portion comprises a third substrate having the same material as the second substrate; and A solar cell module comprising a sealant disposed between the third substrate and the opening.

10. A method for manufacturing a solar cell module comprising a plurality of solar cells, wiring connecting the plurality of solar cells, a first substrate disposed facing one side of the plurality of solar cells and including an opening through which the wiring passes, a second substrate disposed facing the other side of the plurality of solar cells, a first encapsulation layer disposed between the plurality of solar cells and the first substrate, a second encapsulation layer disposed between the plurality of solar cells and the second substrate, and a protective member disposed between the second substrate and the plurality of solar cells to correspond to the opening. A method for manufacturing a solar cell module comprising the step of sequentially stacking the first substrate, the first encapsulation layer, the plurality of solar cells, the protective member, the second encapsulation layer, and the second substrate.

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