Solar battery module and method for installing same

Abstract

In order to provide a solar cell module and an installation method with which it is possible to prevent curling and peeling due to strong wind during high-speed travel of a vehicle while overcoming height restrictions in attachment to the vehicle, a solar cell module (100, 200) according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of cell groups (10) in which a plurality of solar cells (1) are connected. The solar cell module (100, 200) comprises: a first region (R1) in which a outer peripheral edge portions of the plurality of cell groups (10) are defined by an edge seal (3), and which comprises a first sealing structure (2A) sealed between a front sheet and a back sheet; a second region (R2) including a wiring connection portion (4) for connecting the plurality of cell groups (10) and an external cable (E4); and a collector wire (E3) extending from the first region (R1) to the second region (R2) and connecting the plurality of cell groups (10) and the wiring connection portion (4).

Description

Solar cell module and its installation method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a thin sheet-like solar cell module and a method for installing it on a vehicle.

[0002] In recent years, in order to promote the decarbonization of logistics, the number of examples of installing solar panels on the roofs of vehicles such as trucks has been increasing. However, due to height restrictions on vehicle-mounted objects due to regulations and vehicle height restrictions specific to commercial vehicles, it is often difficult to install conventional thick solar panels. For this reason, cases of applying thin solar panels suitable for the roofs of vehicles are known. For example, Non-Patent Document 1 introduces a method of providing holes in the peripheral portion of a thin solar panel and attaching and fixing it to a roof rail or the like via a predetermined metal fitting.

[0003] "Electronic Footprint: Vehicle-in-Parking Remodeling Solar Panel Installation"; [Searched on January 9, 2025], Internet <URL: https: / / e-footprints.info / stay_car / solar_panel / solar_panel.html#gsc.tab=0>

[0004] However, in such an attachment method using such a metal fitting, it takes time and labor, and additional equipment is also required. Therefore, recently, a method of directly attaching a lightweight, film-sealed, thin sheet-like solar cell module to a vehicle with an adhesive or the like has been expected. However, in current solar cell module products, the thickness (height) of the junction box for wiring connection and power extraction has been a problem and has been an obstacle when installing on a vehicle. Furthermore, in order to prevent peeling and peeling due to strong winds during high-speed driving of the vehicle, it is necessary to take additional safety measures such as caulking, windshields, and bolting, so an increase in cost and the complexity of the attachment work have become problems.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a solar cell module capable of overcoming height restrictions in attachment to a vehicle and preventing peeling and peeling due to strong winds during high-speed driving of the vehicle, and a method for installing it on a vehicle.

[0006] [1] In order to solve the above problems, a solar cell module according to an example of the present disclosure includes a first region having a first sealing structure that includes a plurality of cell groups in which a plurality of solar cells are connected, the outer edges of the plurality of cell groups are defined by edge seals and sealed between a front sheet and a back sheet; a second region including a wiring connection portion for connecting the plurality of cell groups and an external cable; and a current collector line that extends from the first region to the second region and connects the plurality of cell groups and the wiring connection portion.

[0007] In this configuration, the solar cell module can be attached to a vehicle by spreading out the first region, which contains a power generation structure with multiple cell groups and is protected by the first sealing structure, into a thin sheet shape and placing it on the upper surface of the vehicle, for example, the cargo bed roof, and attaching it by surface adhesion with an appropriate adhesive. The power generated by the solar cell module is sent through a power collection line to the wiring connection part of the second region, and from there can be supplied to the vehicle or other equipment via an external cable. In this case, the wiring connection part, which tends to be relatively thick and bulky, is provided in the second region, and if the part of the second region including the wiring connection part is placed on the side of the cargo bed of the vehicle, the height restriction when attaching the solar cell module to the vehicle can be overcome (avoided). In particular, if the part of the second region including the wiring connection part is placed on the front side of the vehicle and fixed with adhesive as necessary, the second region will be pressed against the vehicle by wind pressure from the front as the vehicle moves, and wind can be prevented from entering the gap between the first region and the vehicle. This prevents the solar cell modules from peeling off or detaching from the vehicle, even when the vehicle is traveling at high speeds.

[0008] [2] In the above configuration, the first region and the second region are arranged adjacent to each other, and the minimum bending radius of at least the boundary portion in the second region that connects to the first region may be smaller than the minimum bending radius of the edge seal portion including the edge seal in the first region (the boundary portion has greater flexibility and pliability than the edge seal portion). Note that the larger the value of the "minimum bending radius" (the limit bending radius at which no fracture, crack, or void occurs in the material), the more "difficult to bend" the material is, and the smaller the value, the more "easy to bend" the material is. The "edge seal portion" mainly consists of an edge seal, a front sheet, a back sheet, and an appropriate sealing material (bonding material) as needed. In this case, in the edge seal portion, the adhesion between the front sheet and back sheet and the edge seal is usually not as high as, for example, the sealing material, so voids are likely to occur due to delamination when bent. For this reason, the minimum bending radius in the edge seal portion tends to be larger than that of the portion without the edge seal (the boundary portion).

[0009] With this configuration, the wiring connection section included in the second region can be positioned closer to the first region, thereby reducing the area of ​​the second region (making it more compact), and also making it easier to fold the second region forward at the boundary of the vehicle. This further suppresses the curling and peeling of the second region caused by wind pressure during high-speed vehicle operation. In addition, it more effectively prevents wind from entering the gap between the edge seal section and the first region and the vehicle, making it easier to prevent the curling and peeling of the first region located on the upper surface of the vehicle.

[0010] In other words, the first and second regions may be formed integrally, and the minimum bending radius of the first region may be greater than that of the second region, or the boundary between the second region and the first region may be configured to have a greater curvature than the first region and be more easily bent. As a result, the boundary between the second region and the first region can be bent to adjust the relative positional relationship between the first and second regions, and both regions can be easily bent forward at their boundary so as to form a certain angle.

[0011] [3] In this case, more specifically, the minimum bending radius of the current collector section, including the current collector wire at the boundary, can be configured to be smaller than the minimum bending radius of the edge seal section, including the edge seal in the first region. In other words, the edge seal section and the current collector section may be configured to have cross-sectional shapes, cross-sectional areas, thicknesses, and material properties that satisfy such a relationship of minimum bending radii. In this case, the current collector section can bend the second region toward the front of the vehicle.

[0012] [4] More specifically, there are no particular restrictions on the type of current collector wire, but it is preferable that at least the portion of the current collector wire at the boundary is made of, for example, a conductor having a flat braided structure (more specific examples will be described later). Here, "flat braided wire" is a type of electric wire made by braiding multiple conductors such as copper wires in parallel, and generally has a flat and uniform braided structure. This makes it possible to give flexibility and pliability to at least the portion of the current collector wire at the boundary while improving bending resistance, vibration resistance, and conductivity, making it useful as external wiring for solar cell modules mounted on vehicles.

[0013] [5 and 6] In the above configuration, the edge seal in the first region may be provided so as to straddle (cross) the portion of the current collector wire located in the first region. More specifically, the edge seal in the first region may be configured to sandwich (clamp) and seal the portion of the current collector wire located in the first region. This prevents moisture from entering from the surrounding area of ​​the current collector wire, thereby improving the environmental resistance and lifespan of the solar cell module.

[0014] [7] In the above configuration, the second region has a second sealing structure in which the current collector wire and wiring connection part are sealed between the front sheet and the back sheet, and the thickness of the second sealing structure may be smaller than the thickness of the first sealing structure. In this way, the current collector wire and wiring connection part, which are structures for extracting power, can be protected from the external environment by the second sealing structure without excessively impairing the flexibility of the second region, and the environmental resistance and lifespan of the solar cell module can be further improved.

[0015] [8] In addition, the width of the second sealing structure may be configured to be greater than the width of the first sealing structure. In this way, when the second region is folded toward the front of the vehicle, the wider portion of the second sealing structure that may protrude toward the side of the vehicle can be folded toward the side of the vehicle, for example, the cargo bed (towards the rear of the vehicle), and attached and fixed there. This increases the surface area on which the solar cell module can be attached to the vehicle, making it possible to attach the solar cell module more firmly to the vehicle.

[0016] [9] Furthermore, the method for installing the solar cell module according to the present disclosure is an effective method when mounting the solar cell module according to the present disclosure to a vehicle, and involves preparing the solar cell module according to the present disclosure, placing and attaching (adhering) the first region to the upper surface of the roof of the vehicle, and folding and placing (adhering) the second region toward the front of the vehicle.

[0017] The solar cell module and method for installing it on a vehicle according to this disclosure include a first region defined by an edge seal containing multiple cell groups, a second region including wiring connection parts, and a current collector wire provided across the first and second regions. This makes it possible to overcome height restrictions when mounting on a vehicle while also preventing peeling or detachment due to strong winds when the vehicle is traveling at high speeds.

[0018] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a solar cell 1 in a solar cell module according to the present disclosure. This is a schematic plan view showing an example of the configuration of a solar cell module 100 (first embodiment) according to the present disclosure. This is a side view showing the solar cell module 100 mounted on a vehicle 300. This is a schematic plan view showing an example of the configuration of a solar cell module 200 (second embodiment) according to the present disclosure. This is a side view showing the solar cell module 200 mounted on a vehicle 300.

[0019] <Definitions of Terms, etc.> A solar cell module according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. For convenience, in this document, in Figure 1, which shows the configuration of solar cells in a solar cell module, the direction in which each layer is stacked relative to the substrate will be referred to as "upwards," the opposite direction will be referred to as "downwards," and both of these directions (coordinate axis directions) will be collectively referred to as "up and down directions." Also, in the same figure, the left side will be simply referred to as "left side" or "left," and the right side will be simply referred to as "right side" or "right."

[0020] Furthermore, in this book, in order to explain the relative directional relationships of the installation target (e.g., a vehicle), for convenience, in the coordinate axes shown in Figure 3, the left direction is referred to as "front X1," the opposite direction as "rear X2," and both of these directions are collectively referred to as "front-rear direction X." In addition, in the coordinate axes shown in the same figure, the direction towards the viewer is referred to as "left Y1," the opposite direction as "right Y2," and both of these directions are collectively referred to as "left-right direction Y." Furthermore, in the coordinate axes shown in the same figure, the upward direction is referred to as "upward Z1," the opposite direction as "downward Z2," and both of these directions are collectively referred to as "up-down direction Z." In addition, a front view refers to the viewpoint of the installation target seen from front X1 towards rear X2, and a rear view is the opposite viewpoint. Also, a left side view refers to the viewpoint of the installation target seen from left Y1 towards right Y2, and a right side view is the opposite viewpoint. Furthermore, a top view refers to a viewpoint from which the solar cell module is viewed from above Z1 towards below Z2, while a bottom view is the opposite viewpoint.

[0021] Furthermore, in this book, when each layer, or the semiconductor contained in each layer, is referred to by the name of a compound, this includes not only the pure compound itself, but also compounds doped with trace amounts of elements or chemical species, to the extent that the properties of the compound are not lost. Moreover, in this book, since elements in each layer can exist in different oxidation states, all oxidation states are referred to by the name of the element unless otherwise explicitly stated. For example, "hydrogen element" and its chemical symbol "H" can mean hydrogen atom, hydrogen ion, hydride ion, hydrogen radical, hydrogen in a compound, and hydrogen in its elemental state.

[0022] <Example of Solar Cell Configuration> Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a solar cell in a solar cell module according to this disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the solar cell 1 has electrodes 11 and 13 and a power generation element layer 12 provided between them. A solar cell 1 having such a laminated structure typically generates electricity by receiving light from the upper surface side of the electrode 13. Furthermore, the solar cell 1 is configured as a flexible cell with flexibility due to the laminated structure shown below.

[0023] (Electrode 11) The electrode 11 is composed of a conductive substrate 111 and a lower electrode layer 112 formed thereon. The material used to form the conductive substrate 111 is not particularly limited and can be, for example, a metal substrate such as titanium foil, stainless steel foil, or aluminum foil, or a conductive resin film. Its thickness is preferably, for example, about 10 to 500 μm, and more preferably about 30 to 100 μm. The lower electrode layer 112 is not particularly limited and can be, for example, a metal conductive layer made of Mo, Cr, Ti, etc., a conductive inorganic compound conductive layer other than metal, or a conductive organic compound conductive layer. The thickness of the lower electrode layer 112 is also not particularly limited and is preferably, for example, about 200 to 800 nm.

[0024] (Power generation element layer 12) The power generation element layer 12 is composed of a p-type hole transport layer 121, a light absorption layer 122, and an n-type electron transport layer 123, which are sequentially stacked on the lower electrode layer 112 of the electrode 11. The material for forming the p-type hole transport layer 121 is not particularly limited and can be, for example, an inorganic compound such as molybdenum selenide or molybdenum oxide, or an organic compound such as a fluorene derivative. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more. The thickness of the p-type hole transport layer 121 is also not particularly limited and is preferably, for example, about 20 to 100 nm. The material for forming the light absorption layer 122 is also not particularly limited and can be, for example, (Cs,FA)PbI ３ Perovskite compounds such as Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S) ２ chalcopyrite compounds such as Cu ２ ZnSnS ４Examples of kesterite compounds include those listed above, which may be used individually or in combination of two or more. The thickness of the light absorption layer 122 is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 0.5 to 5 μm. Furthermore, the material for forming the n-type electron transport layer 123 is not particularly limited, and is, for example, Zn(O,S,OH)x, CdS, In ２ S ３ Examples include ZnTiOx, and these may be used individually or in combination of two or more. The thickness of the n-type electron transport layer 123 is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 20 to 150 nm.

[0025] (Electrode 13) The electrode 13 is composed of an upper electrode layer 131 and a grid electrode 132, which are sequentially stacked on the n-type electron transport layer 123 of the power generation element layer 12. The upper electrode layer 131 is not particularly limited and examples include transparent electrode layers such as ITO, IOH, FTO, ZnO:B, and ZnO:Al. The thickness of the upper electrode layer 131 is not particularly limited and is preferably, for example, about 0.1 to 2 μm. The grid electrode 132 is not particularly limited and examples include a metal conductive layer made of Mo, Cr, Ag, etc., a conductive inorganic compound conductive layer other than metal, a conductive organic compound conductive layer, etc. The thickness of the grid electrode 132 is also not particularly limited and is preferably, for example, about 5 to 50 μm.

[0026] <Example of Solar Cell Module Configuration (First Embodiment)> Figure 2 is a schematic plan (top) view showing an example of the configuration of the first embodiment of the solar cell module according to the present disclosure. The solar cell module 100 includes a sheet member 2A formed by bonding a front sheet and a back sheet with a sealing material, within which a plurality of cell groups 10 are arranged in multiple rows in a region R1 (corresponding to an example of the "first region" in this disclosure). In this embodiment, the sheet member 2A corresponds to an example of the "first sealing structure" in this disclosure. Furthermore, of the sheet member 2A, at least the sheet located on the light-receiving surface side (upward Z1 side) of the front sheet and back sheet is light-transmitting.

[0027] Each cell group 10 is configured as a string in which, for example, multiple rectangular solar cell cells 1 are connected (joined) in series via a conductive adhesive layer (conductive tape, etc.) not shown. In this embodiment, the multiple cell groups 10 are divided into two groups in the left-right direction Y, and in each group, multiple cell groups 10 are connected in series by electrodes not shown. Furthermore, the two groups are connected in series at the rear X2 end, for example, as shown, by internal wiring E1 such as ribbon wiring, and internal wiring E2 is provided at the front X1 end of each group. In addition, an edge seal 3 is provided along the outer edge of each cell group 10 so as to surround the two groups of cell groups 10, thereby defining the power generation structure of the solar cell module 100.

[0028] Furthermore, the solar cell module 100 includes a junction box 4 for extracting power (corresponding to an example of a "wiring connection section" in this disclosure) and a region R2 (corresponding to an example of a "second region" in this disclosure) in which a part of the external cable E4 is arranged, within a sheet member 2B formed by bonding a front sheet and a back sheet with a sealing material. In this embodiment, the sheet member 2B corresponds to an example of a "second sealing structure" in this disclosure. Also, the sheet member 2B may or may not be light-transmitting.

[0029] Furthermore, regions R1 and R2 are arranged adjacent to each other, and a current collector wire E3 is provided spanning from region R1 to region R2, connecting each internal wiring E2 in region R1 to the junction box 4 in region R2. That is, the current collector wire E3 is drawn out from the internal wiring E2 in sheet member 2A (region R1), extends to the junction box 4 in sheet member 2B (region R2), and is connected to the external cable E4 via the junction box 4. Here, the current collector wire E3 is not particularly limited and can include, for example, single-layer or multi-layer flat braided wire (multiple conductors such as copper wires braided in parallel), stranded wire (thin wires bundled and twisted together), Litz wire (thin insulated wires from a stranded wire twisted together), printed wiring (metal wiring formed on a thin insulating sheet (such as polyimide)), coiled wiring (wiring formed into a coil shape to give it elasticity), flat wiring (ribbon-shaped with multiple wires placed parallel to each other), tubular wiring (flat braided wire or stranded wire housed in a flexible tube), mesh wiring (wires woven into a mesh shape), etc. It is preferable that such a wire structure be applied to at least the portion of the current collector wire E3 that is included in the boundary between region R1 and region R2, which will be described later.

[0030] The solar cell module 100 configured in this way can be manufactured, for example, by the following procedure. First, multiple cell groups 10 are formed by joining solar cells 1 in series, these cell groups 10 are joined in series to divide them into two groups, the rear X2 ends of both groups are connected with internal wiring E1, internal wiring E2 is provided at the front X1 end of each group, and current collector wires E3 are connected to each internal wiring E2 to pre-fabricate the power generation structure of the solar cell module 100. Next, the back sheet and sealing material constituting the sheet member 2A are placed in this order on a suitable platform or the like, and the first edge seal 3, the pre-fabricated power generation structure, and the second edge seal 3 are installed in this order at predetermined positions on it. As a result, the edge seals 3, 3 are bonded together along the outer edge of the cell group 10 and straddling the two current collector wires E3 connected to the internal wiring E2.

[0031] Next, the sealing material and the front sheet constituting the sheet member 2A are placed on top of it in this order. In the above, it is desirable to place the sealing material while avoiding the area of ​​the edge seal 3. This results in a configuration in which the outer edges of the multiple cell groups 10 are defined by the edge seal 3, and a configuration in which the portion of the current collector wire E3 located within region R1 is sandwiched between the edge seals 3, 3 (see Figure 2). Then, the front sheet and back sheet of the sheet member 2A are bonded together using a standard sheet laminator or the like, sealing the power generation structure inside the sheet member 2A. Finally, region R1 is formed by appropriately cutting the outer edge of the sheet member 2A using a suitable cutting device such as a cutter.

[0032] Meanwhile, a structure for extracting power is created by connecting the current collection line E3 and the external cable E4 to the junction box 4. Next, the back sheet and sealing material constituting the sheet member 2B are placed in this order on a suitable platform or the like, the prepared power extraction structure is placed in a predetermined position on it, and then the sealing material and front sheet constituting the sheet member 2B are stacked on top of it in this order. Then, using a suitable cutting device such as a cutter, the outer periphery of the sheet member 2B is cut appropriately to form region R2.

[0033] Here, the materials and properties of the constituent members of the sheet members 2A and 2B (back sheet, front sheet, and sealing material), as well as the edge seal 3, are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected and used from those commonly used. For example, as the front sheet, ETFE, PMMA, PET, etc. with a thickness of 50 to 300 μm can be used, and as the back sheet, PET, etc. with a thickness of 50 to 300 μm can be used. As the sealing material, EVA, polyolefin, silicone, etc. with a thickness of 50 to 400 μm can be used. Furthermore, as the edge seal 3, polyisobutylene, butyl rubber, etc. with a thickness of 300 to 800 μm can be used.

[0034] Furthermore, the minimum bending radius M2 of at least the boundary portion in region R2 connected to region R1 (here, the current collector portion which includes the sheet member 2B and the current collector wire E3) is smaller than the minimum bending radius M1 of the edge seal portion in region R1 which includes the sheet member 2A, the current collector wire E3, and the edge seal 3 (M2 < M1). This boundary portion is the part that is bent when the solar cell module 100 is installed on the vehicle 300, which will be described later, and has greater flexibility and pliability than the edge seal portion. In other words, when regions R1 and R2 are formed integrally as shown in Figure 2, the minimum bending radius M1 of region R1 is larger than the minimum bending radius M2 of region R2, or the boundary portion in region R2 with region R1 has a greater curvature than region R1 and is easier to bend. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape, cross-sectional area, and material properties may be configured to satisfy the relationship that the minimum bending radius M2 of the current collector portion is smaller than the minimum bending radius M1 of the edge seal portion. In this case, for example, the sheet member 2B can be formed such that its thickness T2 is smaller than the thickness T1 of the sheet member 2A (T2 < T1).

[0035] As described above, the solar cell module 100 can be mounted on a vehicle 300, as shown in Figure 3. Here, Figure 3 is a side view (left side view) showing the solar cell module 100 mounted on a vehicle 300. When installing the solar cell module 100 on a vehicle 300 as described above, first, the area R1, in which the power generation structure is protected by the sheet member 2A, is spread out into a thin sheet shape and placed on the upper surface 30U of the vehicle 300, for example, the cargo bed roof. Then, the area R2, in which the structure for extracting power is protected by the sheet member 2B, is folded and placed on the side of the vehicle other than the roof (in this case, the front 30F). Then, the solar cell module 100 can be mounted on the vehicle 300 by surface-bonding areas R1 and R2 to the upper surface 30U and front 30F, respectively, using an appropriate adhesive. The power obtained by this solar cell module 100 is sent from area R1 to area R2 by the power collection line E3 and can be supplied to the vehicle 300 or other equipment via the junction box 4 and external cable E4.

[0036] In this configuration, the junction box 4, which is relatively thick and tends to be bulky, is positioned on the side (front 30F) of the cargo bed of the vehicle 300, thus overcoming (avoiding) the height restriction when attaching the solar cell module 100 to the vehicle 300. Furthermore, as the vehicle 300 moves, the area R2, which is positioned and fixed on the front X1 side of the vehicle 300, is pressed against the vehicle 300 by the wind pressure from the front X1 side in the direction of travel, and wind is prevented from entering the gap between area R1 and the vehicle. Therefore, even when the vehicle 300 is traveling at high speed, the solar cell module 100 can be effectively prevented from peeling off or detaching from the vehicle 300. In addition, the power generation structure is defined by the edge seal 3, and areas R1 and R2 are sealed by sheet members 2A and 2B, respectively. This allows the power generation structure and the structure for extracting power to be suitably protected from the external environment, improving the reliability and environmental resistance of the solar cell module 100 and extending its lifespan.

[0037] Furthermore, regions R1 and R2 are arranged adjacent to each other, and the minimum bending radius M2 of at least the boundary portion in region R2 connected to region R1 (the current collector portion including the sheet member 2B and the current collector wire E3) is smaller than the minimum bending radius M1 of the edge seal portion including the sheet member 2A, the current collector wire E3, and the edge seal 3, and consequently, region R1. As a result, as shown in Figure 2, the current collector wire E3 and the junction box 4 included in region R2 can be positioned closer to region R1, thereby reducing the area of ​​region R2 (making it more compact), and making it easier to fold region R2 forward of the vehicle. As a result, the curling and peeling of region R1 caused by wind pressure during high-speed driving of the vehicle 300 can be further suppressed. In addition, since wind can be more effectively prevented from entering the gap between the edge seal portion and region R1 and the vehicle, it becomes easier to further prevent the curling and peeling of region R1, which is positioned on the upper surface of the vehicle 300.

[0038] In other words, regions R1 and R2 are integrally formed such that the minimum bending radius M1 of region R1 is larger than the minimum bending radius M2 of region R2, and the boundary portion (collecting line portion) between region R1 and region R2 in region R2 is configured to be more easily bent with a curvature than region R1. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the boundary portion (collecting line portion) between region R1 and region R2 in region R2 can be bent to adjust the relative positional relationship between regions R1 and R2, and regions R1 and R2 have the advantage of being easily bent forward to the X1 side of the vehicle 300 at their boundary portion so as to form a certain (specific) angle (about 90° in this case).

[0039] Furthermore, by configuring at least the portion of the collecting line E3 in the above-mentioned boundary portion (collecting line portion) as described above with a flat knitting wire or the like, it is possible to impart flexibility and softness to at least the portion of the collecting line E3 in the above-mentioned boundary portion, while enhancing bending resistance, vibration resistance, and conductivity. As a result, the collecting line E3 becomes particularly useful as an external wiring of the solar cell module 100 mounted on the vehicle 300, and the reliability and environmental resistance of the solar cell module 100 can be further improved.

[0040] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the edge seal 3 in region R1 is provided so as to straddle (cross) and further sandwich (hold) the portion of the collecting line E3 located in region R1. Thereby, by preventing the intrusion of moisture from the peripheral portion of the collecting line E3, the environmental resistance and lifespan of the solar cell module 100 can be further enhanced.

[0041] In addition, if the thickness T2 of the sheet member 2B is formed to be smaller than the thickness T1 of the sheet member 2A, it becomes easier to make the minimum bending radius M2 of region R2 smaller than the minimum bending radius M1 of region R1, and a structure for extracting electric power (a part of the collecting line E3, the junction box 4, and the external cable E4) can be protected from the external environment without excessively impairing the flexibility (softness) of region R2. As a result, the environmental resistance and lifespan of the solar cell module 100 can be further enhanced.

[0042] <Example of Solar Cell Module Configuration (Second Embodiment)> Figure 4 is a schematic plan (top) view showing an example of the configuration of a second embodiment of the solar cell module according to the present disclosure. The solar cell module 200 is configured in the same way as the solar cell module 100 shown in Figure 2, except that the sheet member 2B constituting the second region R2 has a wide portion 2Bw that protrudes in the left-right direction Y beyond the width of the sheet member 2A.

[0043] With this configuration, in this embodiment, the width W2 (length in the left-right direction Y) of the sheet member 2B is made larger than the width W1 of the sheet member 2A. In this way, as shown in Figure 5, when the region R2 is folded toward the front X1 side of the vehicle 300, the wide portion 2Bw of the sheet member 2B that may protrude to the side (left-right direction Y) of the vehicle 300 can be folded and attached to, for example, the side 30S of the cargo bed of the vehicle 300 (towards the rear X2 side of the vehicle 300). This increases the adhesive area of ​​the solar cell module 200 to the vehicle 300. Consequently, the solar cell module 200 can be attached more firmly to the vehicle, and peeling or detachment of the solar cell module 200 can be further suppressed.

[0044] The embodiments have been described above with reference to specific examples, but these are for the purpose of facilitating understanding of this disclosure and are not intended to limit its interpretation. In other words, this disclosure is not limited to these specific examples, and designs modified by those skilled in the art are also included within the technical scope of this disclosure, as long as they retain the features of this disclosure. Furthermore, the elements, arrangements, materials, conditions, shapes, dimensions, scales, etc., of each of the aforementioned specific examples are not limited to those exemplified unless otherwise specified, and can be modified as appropriate. Moreover, the elements of each of the aforementioned specific examples can be combined in different ways as appropriate, as long as no technical inconsistencies arise.

[0045] That is, for example, the solar cell 1 may include layers other than the above-described layers, or may include a plurality of the above-described layers. Further, each layer constituting the solar cell 1 may contain various additives such as a binder and a surfactant in addition to the above-described main constituent materials. Furthermore, the p-type hole transport layer 121 and the grid electrode 132 of the solar cell 1 may not be provided, and two or more light absorption layers 122 may be provided. Moreover, the installation targets and applications of the solar cell modules 100 and 200 are not limited to the vehicle 300, and can be preferably used as power generation devices by being attached to roofs, windows, and wall surfaces of buildings and other moving bodies and flying bodies. In addition, among others, it can also be used as a streetlight, a sensor, an independent power supply device for digital signage, a mobile energy device, or a power generation device in space or the stratosphere.

[0046] Further, the total number and the number of columns of the solar cells 1 constituting the cell group 10 can be arbitrarily selected. Furthermore, the edge seal 3 may extend to the outer periphery of the sheet member 2A, and the distance between the outer peripheral edge of each cell group 10 and the edge seal 3 may or may not be empty. Moreover, the connection of the current collector line E3 may be made at any site as long as the total generated power of the solar cell modules 100 and 200 can be taken out. Furthermore, in the production of the solar cell modules 100 and 200, the procedures for sealing the regions R1 and R2 with the sheet members 2A and 2B may be performed simultaneously. In addition, the edge seal 3 may be a single layer instead of a two-layer (double) layer, and the sealing of the region R2 with the sheet member 2B may not be provided.

[0047] 1...Solar cell, 2A...Sheet member (first sealing structure), 2B...Sheet member (second sealing structure), 2Bw...Wide section, 3...Edge seal, 4...Junction box (wiring connection section), 10...Cell group, 11, 13...Electrodes, 12...Power generation element layer, 30F...Front surface, 30S...Side surface, 30U...Top surface, 100, 200...Solar cell module, 111...Conductive substrate, 112...Lower electrode layer, 121...p-type Hole transport layer, 122... Light absorption layer, 123... N-type electron transport layer, 131... Upper electrode layer, 132... Grid electrode, 300... Vehicle, E1, E2... Internal wiring, E3... Current collector wire, E4... External cable, R1 ...Area (first region), R2...Area (second region), W1, W2...Width,

Claims

1. A solar cell module comprising: a first region having a first sealing structure that includes a plurality of cell groups in which a plurality of solar cells are connected, the outer edges of the plurality of cell groups being defined by edge seals and sealed between a front sheet and a back sheet; a second region including a wiring connection portion for connecting the plurality of cell groups and an external cable; and a current collector line extending from the first region to the second region and connecting the plurality of cell groups and the wiring connection portion.

2. The solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the first region and the second region are arranged adjacent to each other, and the minimum bending radius of at least the boundary portion in the second region that connects to the first region is smaller than the minimum bending radius of the edge seal portion in the first region that includes the edge seal.

3. The solar cell module according to claim 2, wherein the minimum bending radius of the current collection wire portion, including the current collection wire at the boundary portion, is smaller than the minimum bending radius of the edge seal portion, including the edge seal, in the first region.

4. The solar cell module according to claim 2, wherein at least the portion of the current collector wire at the boundary is made of a conductor having a flat braid structure.

5. The solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the edge seal in the first region is provided so as to straddle the portion of the current collector wire located in the first region.

6. The solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the edge seal in the first region is provided to sandwich and seal the portion of the current collector wire located in the first region.

7. The solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the second region has a second sealing structure in which the current collector wire and the wiring connection portion are sealed between the front sheet and the back sheet, and the thickness of the second sealing structure is smaller than the thickness of the first sealing structure.

8. The solar cell module according to claim 7, wherein the width of the second sealing structure is greater than the width of the first sealing structure.

9. A method for installing a solar cell module on a vehicle, comprising: a first region having a first sealing structure in which a plurality of cell groups, each containing multiple connected solar cells, is defined by an edge seal on the outer edge of the plurality of cell groups, and the plurality of cell groups and the edge seal are sealed between a front sheet and a back sheet; a second region including a wiring connection portion for connecting the plurality of cell groups and an external cable; and a current collector line extending from the first region to the second region and connecting the plurality of cell groups and the wiring connection portion; wherein the first region is placed and attached to the upper surface of the roof of the vehicle, and the second region is folded toward the front of the vehicle and placed and attached.

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