Thin-film solar cell module
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PXP CORP
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-30
Smart Images
Figure JP2025038284_30072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Thin-film solar cell module
[0001] The present invention relates to a thin-film solar cell module.
[0002] In recent years, various studies have been made on thin-film solar cells with a thinner film thickness than silicon solar cells. For example, in Non-Patent Document 1, a thin-film solar cell module that can be used outdoors and carried around, taking advantage of the characteristics of thin-film solar cells, such as being lightweight and flexible, is disclosed. It is described that it can be used during disasters or camping, and the module can be rolled up and carried compactly.
[0003] "Product manufactured by BELLOF, Thin-film solar sheet charger 15W"; [Searched on January 12, 2025], Internet <URL: https: / / www.bellof.co.jp / products / solarsheet-_charger / >
[0004] A plurality of rivet fittings are attached to the outer edge of the thin-film solar cell module as disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1, and the module can be fixed to the ground or the like by passing a rope or the like through this fitting. However, the module is thin and lightweight, and has low rigidity. Therefore, when the module is fixed and used outdoors, the module is swayed by strong winds or the like, stress is concentrated on the rivet fitting part, and it has been found that the thin-film solar cell module is likely to be damaged from the rivet fitting part.
[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a thin-film solar cell module that is difficult to be damaged when fixed and used.
[0006] The present inventors have diligently studied to solve the above problems. As a result, they have found that the above problems can be solved by a thin-film solar cell module comprising: a thin-film solar cell; a rod-shaped member; a fixing member provided on the rod-shaped member and capable of being fixed to another; and an adhesive member for attaching the rod-shaped member to the end of the thin-film solar cell, the adhesive member having a first adhesive surface that adheres to a first surface of the thin-film solar cell and the rod-shaped member, and a second adhesive surface that adheres to a second surface different from the first surface of the thin-film solar cell and the rod-shaped member, wherein the first adhesive surface and the second adhesive surface have an adhesive region between the end and the rod-shaped member where the first adhesive surface and the second adhesive surface adhere to each other.
[0007] In other words, the present disclosure includes the following embodiments: [1] A thin-film solar cell module comprising: a thin-film solar cell; a rod-shaped member; a fixing member provided on the rod-shaped member and fixable to another; and an adhesive member for attaching the rod-shaped member to the end of the thin-film solar cell, the adhesive member having a first adhesive surface that adheres to a first surface of the thin-film solar cell and the rod-shaped member, and a second adhesive surface that adheres to a second surface different from the first surface of the thin-film solar cell and the rod-shaped member, wherein the first adhesive surface and the second adhesive surface have an adhesive region between the end and the rod-shaped member where the first adhesive surface and the second adhesive surface adhere to each other. [2] The thin-film solar cell module according to [1], wherein the adhesive member is folded back by the rod-shaped member and wound around the side surface of the rod-shaped member once. [3] The thin-film solar cell module according to [1] or [2], wherein the rod-shaped member has the same length as the width direction of the end. [4] The thin-film solar cell module according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the widthwise length of the adhesive member is the same as the length of the rod-shaped member. [5] The thin-film solar cell module according to any one of [1] to [4], comprising two or more rod-shaped members. [6] The thin-film solar cell module according to [5], wherein one rod-shaped member is attached to the end, and another rod-shaped member is attached to another end of the thin-film solar cell. [7] The thin-film solar cell module according to [5], wherein two or more rod-shaped members are attached to the same end. [8] The thin-film solar cell module according to any one of [1] to [7], comprising a belt that penetrates a part of the adhesive area and is wrapped around the side of the rod-shaped member. [9] The thin-film solar cell module according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the rod-shaped member includes a cylindrical member, and the fixing member includes a wire provided inside the cylindrical member.
[10] The thin-film solar cell module according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the adhesive member includes at least one of an acrylic adhesive and a silicone adhesive.
[11] The thin-film solar cell module according to any one of [1] to
[10] , wherein the light-absorbing layer of the thin-film solar cell comprises at least one of a perovskite compound, a kestelite compound, and a chalcopyrite compound.
[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a thin-film solar cell module that is less prone to damage when used in a fixed position.
[0009] This is an example of a perspective view of the thin-film solar cell module of this embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in Figure 1. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' in Figure 1. This is an example of a plan view of the thin-film solar cell of this embodiment. This is an example of a cross-sectional view of the thin-film solar cell of this embodiment. This is another example of a perspective view of the thin-film solar cell module of this embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating an example of how the thin-film solar cell module of this embodiment is used.
[0010] The embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "this embodiment") will be described in detail below, with reference to the drawings as necessary. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from its essence. In the drawings, the same elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, positional relationships such as up, down, left, and right will be based on the positional relationships shown in the drawings. In addition, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are not limited to those shown. Also, in this embodiment, viewing the object from the x direction is also called a "cross-sectional view," and viewing the object from the z direction is also called a "plan view."
[0011] Figure 1 is an example of a perspective view of a thin-film solar cell module 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the thin-film solar cell module 1 comprises a thin-film solar cell 10, a rod-shaped member 20, a fixing member 30, an adhesive member 40, and may also include a belt 50. The rod-shaped member 20 is connected to the thin-film solar cell 10 in the thin-film solar cell module 1 and can be used to support and fix the thin-film solar cell 10. The fixing member 30 is a member for fixing the thin-film solar cell module 1 to a fixed object (also called a "fixing object") such as the ground, a tree, or a building wall, and the fixing member 30 can be fixed to the above-mentioned fixing object. The adhesive member 40 adheres to the thin-film solar cell 10 and the rod-shaped member 20, connecting the thin-film solar cell 10 and the rod-shaped member 20. The belt 50 wraps around the thin-film solar cell module 1 when it is wrapped around the rod-shaped member 20, fixing the wrapped thin-film solar cell module 1 so that it does not unravel.
[0012] Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2A, the adhesive member 40 has a first adhesive surface that adheres to the end of the first surface 12 of the thin-film solar cell 10 and the rod-shaped member 20. The adhesive member 40 also has a second adhesive surface that adheres to the end of the second surface 14 of the thin-film solar cell 10 and the rod-shaped member 20. In this way, the thin-film solar cell 10 and the rod-shaped member 20 are connected by the adhesive member 40.
[0013] The first adhesive surface and the second adhesive surface are bonded to each other in part, forming an adhesive region 42. The adhesive region 42 is located between the thin-film solar cell 10 and the rod-shaped member 20.
[0014] The thin-film solar cell module 1 can be fixed to a fixed object such as the ground via a rod-shaped member 20. When the thin-film solar cell module 1 is fixed and used outdoors, for example, it is conceivable that the thin-film solar cell module 1 may be buffeted by the wind, causing stress to be generated in the area where the thin-film solar cell 10 and the rod-shaped member 20 are connected. In this case, since the connected area is linear rather than a point, stress is less likely to concentrate only at a specific point in the connected area; that is, the stress is distributed throughout the entire connected area, making the thin-film solar cell module 1 less likely to be damaged. In other words, the thin-film solar cell module 1 has excellent fracture resistance. Furthermore, because of the presence of the adhesive area 42, there is a play area between the thin-film solar cell 10 and the rod-shaped member 20 that is supported / fixed to the fixed object. Even if the thin-film solar cell module 1 is buffeted by the wind, the stress transmitted from the rod-shaped member 20 is weakened in the adhesive area 42, reducing the impact on the thin-film solar cell 10.
[0015] Furthermore, because the adhesive member 40 has an adhesive region 42, the adhesive area between the adhesive member 40 and the rod-shaped member 20 is increased, making it more difficult for the rod-shaped member 20 to detach from the adhesive member 40. In addition, the adhesive member 40 forms a ring in cross-section, making it more difficult for the rod-shaped member 20 to detach in the y-direction or z-direction. As described above, the rod-shaped member is less likely to detach from the thin-film solar cell module 1, and the thin-film solar cell module 1 has excellent durability.
[0016] The adhesive region 42 may be in contact with the rod-shaped member 20 in cross-sectional view, thereby enabling the adhesive member 40 to adhere to the rod-shaped member 20 without gaps. For example, the first adhesive surface of the adhesive member 40 has a first boundary 44A, which is the boundary between the region in contact with the rod-shaped member 20 and the region not in contact with the rod-shaped member 20. The second adhesive surface of the adhesive member 40 has a second boundary 46A, which is the boundary between the region in contact with the rod-shaped member 20 and the region not in contact with the rod-shaped member 20. Here, the adhesion of the first adhesive region 44B, which includes the first boundary 44A, and the second adhesive region 46B, which includes the second boundary 46A, enables the adhesive member 40 to adhere to the side surface of the rod-shaped member 20 without gaps. In other words, the adhesive area between the adhesive member 40 and the rod-shaped member 20 becomes larger, which tends to improve the durability of the thin-film solar cell module 1.
[0017] The adhesive member 40 may be wrapped around the side surface of the rod-shaped member 20 and bonded, or, as shown in Figure 2A, it may be folded back by the rod-shaped member 20 and bonded around the side surface of the rod-shaped member 20 once. This increases the bonding area between the adhesive member 40 and the rod-shaped member 20, making it less likely for the rod-shaped member 20 to detach, and tends to further improve the durability of the thin-film solar cell module 1.
[0018] The adhesive region 42 may be in contact with the thin-film solar cell 10 in cross-sectional view, thereby enabling the adhesive member 40 to adhere to the thin-film solar cell 10 without gaps. For example, the first adhesive surface of the adhesive member 40 has a third boundary which is the boundary between the region in contact with the thin-film solar cell 10 and the region not in contact with the thin-film solar cell 10. The second adhesive surface of the adhesive member 40 has a fourth boundary which is the boundary between the region in contact with the thin-film solar cell 10 and the region not in contact with the thin-film solar cell 10. Here, the adhesion between the third adhesive region including the third boundary and the fourth adhesive region including the fourth boundary results in a gap-free adhesion between the thin-film solar cell 10 and the adhesive member 40, and as a result, the connection between the thin-film solar cell 10 and the rod-shaped member 20 tends to become stronger.
[0019] The adhesive member 40 may have multiple adhesive elements or may consist of a single adhesive element. If the adhesive member 40 has multiple adhesive elements, one adhesive element may adhere to the end of the first surface and the rod-shaped member 20, and another adhesive element may adhere to the end of the second surface and the rod-shaped member 20, and these multiple adhesive elements may constitute the adhesive member 40. If the adhesive member 40 consists of a single adhesive element, the adhesive element, i.e., the adhesive member 40, may be folded back by the rod-shaped member 20 and adhered to the first surface, the second surface and the rod-shaped member 20. In this case, the adhesive member 40 has a first adhesive surface and a second adhesive surface at both ends.
[0020] The length (length in the y-direction) over which the thin-film solar cell 10 and the adhesive member 40 are bonded is preferably 8 mm or more, and between 10 mm and 25 mm. A length of 8 mm or more increases the adhesive strength between the thin-film solar cell 10 and the adhesive member 40, resulting in a stronger connection between the thin-film solar cell 10 and the rod-shaped member 20. Furthermore, a length of 25 mm or less ensures a sufficient light-receiving area for the thin-film solar cell 10, which tends to improve its power generation capacity.
[0021] The length of the adhesive region 42 (length in the y-direction) is preferably 1 mm or more, and between 1 mm and 10 mm. A length of 1 mm or more improves the adhesive strength between the adhesive members 40 in the adhesive region 42, which tends to further improve the durability of the thin-film solar cell module 1. Furthermore, a length of 10 mm or less reduces the amount of adhesive member 40 required to manufacture the thin-film solar cell module 1, which is preferable from a cost perspective.
[0022] Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2B, the thin-film solar cell module 1 may include a belt 50 that penetrates a portion of the adhesive area 42 and is wrapped around the side surface of the rod-shaped member 20. When the thin-film solar cell module 1 is wrapped around the rod-shaped member 20, the belt 50 wraps around the wrapped thin-film solar cell module 1 to secure it and prevent it from unraveling. This allows the thin-film solar cell module 1 to be stored compactly. Furthermore, there is no need to carry a separate string or the like when storing it. Moreover, the belt 50 provided in this manner is less likely to detach from the thin-film solar cell module 1 compared to a belt simply attached to the end of the thin-film solar cell with adhesive or the like.
[0023] Figure 2B discloses an embodiment in which an adhesive member 40 exists between the rod-shaped member 20 and the belt 50 in a cross-sectional view, but an adhesive member 40 does not necessarily have to be present between the rod-shaped member 20 and the belt 50.
[0024] Returning to Figure 1, let's continue the explanation. The length of the rod-shaped member 20 (length in the x-direction) may be the same as the length in the width direction (length in the x-direction) of the end of the thin-film solar cell 10, as shown in Figure 1, or it may be longer than the length in the width direction of the end. This increases the area where the thin-film solar cell 10 and the rod-shaped member 20 are connected, which tends to further improve the resistance to damage of the thin-film solar cell module 1.
[0025] The widthwise length (x-direction length) of the adhesive member 40 may be the same as the length (x-direction length) of the rod-shaped member 20, as shown in Figure 1. This increases the area where the thin-film solar cell 10 and the rod-shaped member 20 are connected, which tends to further improve the resistance to damage of the thin-film solar cell module 1.
[0026] The widthwise length of the end of the thin-film solar cell 10, the length of the rod-shaped member 20, and the widthwise length of the adhesive member 40 may all be the same.
[0027] The thin-film solar cell module 1 may have one rod-shaped member 20, or it may have two or more rod-shaped members 20. Specifically, the rod-shaped member 20 may be attached to one of the ends of the thin-film solar cell 10, or it may be attached to two of the ends of the thin-film solar cell 10 as shown in Figure 1. When the thin-film solar cell module 1 has two or more rod-shaped members 20, the rod-shaped members 20 may be attached to a pair of opposing ends of the thin-film solar cell 10, as shown in Figure 1.
[0028] Figure 1 discloses an configuration in which one belt 50 is provided near the center of the rod-shaped member 20, but the number of belts 50 may be two or more. For example, belts 50 may be provided in two regions: one at a distance of about 1 / 4 of the length of the rod-shaped member 20 from one end of the rod-shaped member 20, and another at a distance of about 1 / 4 of the length of the rod-shaped member 20 from the other end of the rod-shaped member 20.
[0029] [Rod-shaped member] In the thin-film solar cell module 1, the rod-shaped member 20 is connected to the thin-film solar cell 10 and can be used to support and fix the thin-film solar cell 10. As shown in Figure 1, the rod-shaped member 20 may include cylindrical members with a circular or elliptical cross-section. This is preferable because it makes it easier to wind the thin-film solar cell 10 around the rod-shaped member 20 when winding the thin-film solar cell module 1. The rod-shaped member 20 is not limited to cylindrical members and may also be a rectangular rod-shaped member with a polygonal cross-section such as a triangle, square, or pentagon.
[0030] The rod-shaped member 20 may be hollow. This allows for a lighter thin-film solar cell module 1, and also allows the fixing member 30 (described later) to be housed inside the rod-shaped member 20, which is preferable from a space-saving viewpoint.
[0031] The material of the rod-shaped member 20 is not particularly limited, but examples include resins such as polyvinyl chloride resin, epoxy resin, and acrylic resin; metals such as aluminum and stainless steel; and carbon. Among these, metal is preferred. The material of the rod-shaped member 20 may be used alone, or two or more may be used in combination.
[0032] When the rod-shaped member 20 is a cylindrical member, the outer diameter of the rod-shaped member 20 is preferably 3 mm or more, 3 mm to 10 mm, or 4 mm to 8 mm. This tends to allow for both lightness and durability of the thin-film solar cell module 1. In addition, the load-bearing capacity of the rod-shaped member 20 tends to improve.
[0033] When the rod-shaped member 20 is a hollow cylindrical member, the wall thickness of the rod-shaped member 20 is preferably 0.5 mm or more, and between 0.5 mm and 3.0 mm. This tends to achieve both lightness and durability in the thin-film solar cell module 1. It also tends to improve the load-bearing capacity of the rod-shaped member 20. Note that wall thickness is the difference between the outer diameter and inner diameter of the hollow cylindrical member.
[0034] Furthermore, when the rod-shaped member 20 is a hollow cylindrical member, preferably the outer diameter of the rod-shaped member 20 is 3 mm or more, and the wall thickness of the rod-shaped member 20 is 0.5 mm or more. More preferably the outer diameter of the rod-shaped member 20 is 4 mm or more and 8 mm or less, and the wall thickness of the rod-shaped member 20 is 0.5 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less. This tends to achieve both lightness and durability of the thin-film solar cell module 1. It also tends to improve the load-bearing capacity of the rod-shaped member 20.
[0035] [Fixing Member] The fixing member 30 is a member for fixing the thin-film solar cell module 1 to a fixing target such as the ground, a tree, or a building wall, and the fixing member 30 can be fixed to the above-mentioned fixing target. In Figure 1, the fixing member 30 is shown as a wire that passes through the inside of a hollow rod-shaped member 20, but the fixing member 30 is not limited to a wire, and may be, for example, hooks directly attached to both ends of the rod-shaped member 20. When using a wire as the fixing member 30, hooks or pegs may be attached to both ends of the wire. The length of the wire is not limited to the length shown in Figure 1, and may be a wire of sufficient length so that it can be wrapped around a tree or the like for fixing.
[0036] The material of the fixing member 30 is not particularly limited, but examples include resins such as polyvinyl chloride resin, epoxy resin, and acrylic resin; metals such as aluminum and stainless steel; and carbon. Among these, metal is preferred. The fixing member 30 may be made of one material alone, or two or more materials may be used in combination.
[0037] When the fixing member 30 is a cylindrical member such as a wire, the outer diameter of the fixing member 30 is preferably 0.4 mm or more, and between 0.8 mm and 1.5 mm. This tends to achieve both the lightness and durability of the thin-film solar cell module 1 and the load-bearing capacity of the fixing member 30.
[0038] [Adhesive Member] The adhesive member 40 is bonded to the thin-film solar cell 10 and the rod-shaped member 20 to connect the thin-film solar cell 10 and the rod-shaped member 20. The adhesive member 40 is not particularly limited, but an example is an adhesive tape with adhesive attached to one side.
[0039] The surface of the thin-film solar cell 10 may be surface-treated with a fluororesin or the like. Also in such a case, from the viewpoint of maintaining the adhesive force between the adhesive member 40 and the thin-film solar cell 10, the adhesive member 40 preferably contains at least one of an acrylic-based adhesive and a silicone-based adhesive.
[0040] The thickness of the adhesive member 40 is not particularly limited, but for example, it is 150 μm or more and 1200 μm or less.
[0041] [Belt] When the belt 50 winds the thin-film solar cell module 1 around the rod-shaped member 20, it winds around the periphery of the wound thin-film solar cell module 1 to fix the winding of the thin-film solar cell module 1 so that it does not unwind. The material of the belt 50 is not particularly limited, and examples include cloth, resin, and the like. As the material of the belt 50, one kind may be used alone, or two or more kinds may be used in combination.
[0042] [Thin-film solar cell] As shown in FIG. 1, the thin-film solar cell 10 may have a plate shape having a first surface and a second surface different from the first surface. Also in FIG. 1, the thin-film solar cell 10 is rectangular, but its shape is not limited to a rectangular shape, and for example, it may be a polygonal shape such as a triangle or a pentagon; a circular shape such as an ellipse or a new circle.
[0043] FIG. 3 is an example of a plan view of the thin-film solar cell 10 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the thin-film solar cell 10 includes one or more thin-film solar cell cell groups 18 and an edge seal 16. The edge seal 16 is provided so as to surround one or more thin-film solar cell cell groups 18 in a plan view, and suppresses water or the like from entering the inside of the thin-film solar cell 10 from the end of the thin-film solar cell 10.
[0044] As will be described later, the light absorption layer that absorbs light in the thin-film solar cell cell group 18 tends to be easily deteriorated by water. In this regard, by the thin-film solar cell 10 including the edge seal 16, it is possible to suppress water from entering the inside of the thin-film solar cell 10, suppress the light absorption layer from being deteriorated by water, and maintain the power generation efficiency.
[0045] The thin-film solar cell module 1 can be fixed and used outdoors without providing a fixing structure such as a caulking fitting at the end of the thin-film solar cell 10. That is, in the thin-film solar cell 10, since there is no need to provide a fixing structure at its end, the edge seal 16 can be provided at the end of the thin-film solar cell 10. As a result, the area where the thin-film solar cell group 18 is provided in the thin-film solar cell 10, that is, the ratio of the power generation area, is increased, and the waterproofness of the thin-film solar cell 10 is improved, and then the thin-film solar cell module 1 can be fixed and used outdoors.
[0046] The material and properties of the edge seal 16 are not particularly limited, and those generally used can be appropriately selected and used. For example, as the edge seal 16, polyisobutylene, butyl rubber, etc. with a thickness of 300 to 800 μm can be used.
[0047] The thin-film solar cell group 18 includes a plurality of thin-film solar cells 180. FIG. 4 is an example of a cross-sectional view of the thin-film solar cell 180 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the thin-film solar cell 180 includes a light absorption layer 184. Further, the thin-film solar cell 180 may include at least a substrate 181, a first electrode layer 182, a hole transport layer 183, a light absorption layer 184, an electron transport layer 185, a second electrode layer 186, and a grid electrode 187 in this order.
[0048] The substrate 181 is provided, for example, to support each layer constituting the thin-film solar cell 180. Also, when the substrate 181 has conductivity, for example, it is provided to extract the current caused by holes generated in the light absorption layer 184 described later. As the substrate 181, a glass substrate such as blue plate glass or low-alkali glass; a resin substrate such as a polyimide resin substrate or an epoxy resin substrate; a metal substrate such as stainless steel, aluminum, or titanium; a conductive inorganic compound substrate made of a conductive inorganic compound other than metal; a conductive organic compound substrate made of a conductive organic compound can be used. As the material of the substrate 181, one kind may be used alone, or two or more kinds may be used in combination.
[0049] The thickness of the substrate 181 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 30 μm or more and 100 μm or less.
[0050] The first electrode layer 182 is provided, for example, to extract current generated by holes in the light absorption layer 184, which will be described later. The first electrode layer 182 is not particularly limited as long as it is conductive, but for example, a metal conductive layer made of a metal such as Mo, Cr, or Ti; a conductive inorganic compound conductive layer made of a conductive inorganic compound other than a metal; or a conductive organic compound conductive layer made of a conductive organic compound can be used. The material of the first electrode layer 182 may be used alone, or two or more may be used in combination.
[0051] The thickness of the first electrode layer 182 is not particularly limited, but for example, it is 200 nm or more and 800 nm or less.
[0052] The hole transport layer 183 can, for example, efficiently extract holes generated in the light absorption layer 184 (described later) and suppress the recombination of electrons and holes generated simultaneously with holes in the light absorption layer 184. The hole transport layer 183 is preferably a p-type semiconductor. The material included in the p-type semiconductor is not particularly limited, but examples include inorganic compounds such as nickel oxide, molybdenum oxide, copper gallium oxide, copper aluminum oxide, molybdenum selenide, and molybdenum selenide sulfide. One type of p-type semiconductor may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.
[0053] The thickness of the hole transport layer 183 is not particularly limited, but for example, it is between 10 nm and 100 nm.
[0054] The light-absorbing layer 184 absorbs light such as near-infrared light, visible light, and ultraviolet light, generating electrons and holes. Examples of light such as near-infrared light, visible light, and ultraviolet light include sunlight. The material used to form the light-absorbing layer 184 is not particularly limited, and 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 the following. These materials may be used individually or in combination of two or more. The light-absorbing layer 184 containing these materials tends to absorb light sufficiently even when formed in a thin layer. Although the light-absorbing layer 184 containing these materials tends to degrade easily with water, the thin-film solar cell 10 is equipped with an edge seal 16, which suppresses water from entering its interior and thus tends to suppress degradation of the light-absorbing layer 184 by water.
[0055] The content of the perovskite compound, chalcopyrite compound, and kestelite compound in the light-absorbing layer 184 is not particularly limited as long as the light-absorbing layer 184 can absorb light such as near-infrared light, visible light, and ultraviolet light to generate electrons and holes. More specifically, although not particularly limited, the content of the perovskite compound, chalcopyrite compound, and kestelite compound is 50% to 100% by mass, 60% to 100% by mass, 70% to 100% by mass, 80% to 100% by mass, and 90% to 100% by mass, respectively, based on the total mass of the light-absorbing layer 184.
[0056] The thickness of the light-absorbing layer 184 is preferably 0.5 μm to 10.0 μm, 0.5 μm to 7.5 μm, 0.5 μm to 5.0 μm, or 0.5 μm to 3.0 μm. This makes the thin-film solar cell 180 thinner and allows the light-absorbing layer to absorb light more effectively.
[0057] The electron transport layer 185 efficiently extracts electrons generated in the light absorption layer 184 from the light absorption layer 184 and can suppress the recombination of electrons with holes generated simultaneously with electrons in the light absorption layer 184. The electron transport layer 185 is preferably an n-type semiconductor. The substances included in the n-type semiconductor are not particularly limited, but examples include zinc oxide, tin oxide, titanium oxide, zinc sulfide (zinc oxide with sulfur added), zinc magnesium oxide (zinc oxide with magnesium added), zinc tin oxide (zinc oxide with tin added), and zinc titanium oxide (zinc oxide with titanium added). As the n-type semiconductor, one type may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.
[0058] The thickness of the electron transport layer 185 is not particularly limited, but for example, it is between 50 nm and 200 nm.
[0059] The second electrode layer 186 is provided, for example, to extract the electric current generated by electrons in the light absorption layer 184. In the thin-film solar cell 180, the light absorption layer 184 absorbs the light that has passed through the second electrode layer 186. Therefore, in order to increase the amount of light absorbed by the light absorption layer 184, it is preferable that the second electrode layer 186 be a transparent electrode layer. A transparent electrode is an electrode made of a material that combines high electrical conductivity and high visible light transmittance. Known materials can be used as the material for the transparent electrode, and examples include indium tin oxide (ITO), hydrogen-containing indium oxide (IOH), fluorine-containing tin oxide (FTO), boron-containing zinc oxide (ZnO:B), and aluminum-containing zinc oxide (ZnO:Al). The material for the second electrode layer 186 may be used alone, or two or more may be used in combination.
[0060] The thickness of the second electrode layer 186 is not particularly limited, but for example, it is 100 nm or more and 1500 nm or less.
[0061] The grid electrode 187 is provided, for example, to extract electricity from the second electrode layer 186. The material of the grid electrode 187 is not particularly limited as long as it is conductive, but for example, metals such as Mo, Cr, Ag, Cu, Ni, Al, or Ti; conductive inorganic compounds other than metals; and conductive organic compounds can be used. The material of the grid electrode 187 may be used alone or two or more materials may be used in combination.
[0062] The thickness of the grid electrode 187 is not particularly limited, but for example, it is 5 μm or more and 50 μm or less.
[0063] The thickness of the thin-film solar cell 10 is not particularly limited, but for example, it is 0.5 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less.
[0064] In the thin-film solar cell 10, the thin-film solar cells 180 may be connected in series, in parallel, or in a combination of series and parallel connections.
[0065] Figure 5 is another example of a perspective view of the thin-film solar cell module of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the thin-film solar cell module 1' may be provided with a plurality of rod-shaped members 20 at at least one end of the thin-film solar cell 10. Since the thin-film solar cell 10 can be bent, even if the object to which the thin-film solar cell module 1' is fixed is not a flat surface but has a curved or bent surface, the thin-film solar cell 10 can be aligned with such a surface. In this respect, by providing the thin-film solar cell module 1' with a plurality of rod-shaped members 20 at at least one end of the thin-film solar cell 10, the thin-film solar cell module 1' becomes easier to bend between the rod-shaped members 20, and the thin-film solar cell module 1' becomes easier to fix to surfaces other than flat surfaces. The thin-film solar cell module 1' will be described in detail below. Note that elements that are the same as those already described will be given the same numbering and their description will be omitted unless otherwise specified.
[0066] As shown in Figure 5, the thin-film solar cell module 1' may have multiple rod-shaped members 20 at each of the multiple ends of the thin-film solar cell 10, or it may have multiple rod-shaped members 20 at each of the pair of ends of the thin-film solar cell 10. Figure 5 illustrates a configuration in which the same end has two rod-shaped members 20, but the number of rod-shaped members 20 at the same end may be three or more.
[0067] [Method for Manufacturing Thin-Film Solar Cell Modules] A thin-film solar cell module 1 can be manufactured, for example, by the following procedure. First, multiple thin-film solar cell groups 180 are electrically connected in series or parallel to form a plurality of thin-film solar cell groups 18. Then, multiple thin-film solar cell groups 18 are connected in series or parallel to form a power generation structure. After that, a sheet-like backsheet and a sealing material are placed in this order on a flat surface or the like, and the power generation structure and an edge seal 16 are placed on top of them so as to surround the power generation structure in the in-plane direction. Next, the sealing material and a sheet-like front sheet are stacked on top of them in this order. This allows a thin-film solar cell 10 to be manufactured. The in-plane direction refers to the in-plane direction of the surface of the power generation structure, which is perpendicular to the stacking direction in which the backsheet, power generation structure, and front sheet are stacked.
[0068] Next, the thin-film solar cell module 1 can be manufactured by installing the thin-film solar cell 10, rod-shaped member 20, fixing member 30, adhesive member 40, and belt 50 as shown in Figures 1, 2A, and 2B.
[0069] The materials and properties of the front sheet, back sheet, and sealing material are not particularly limited, and commonly used materials can be appropriately selected and used. For example, as the front sheet, tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate, etc., with a thickness of 50 to 300 μm can be used. As the back sheet, polyethylene terephthalate, etc., with a thickness of 50 to 300 μm can be used. As the sealing material, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyolefin, silicone, etc., with a thickness of 50 to 400 μm can be used.
[0070] [Example of Use of Thin-Film Solar Cell Module] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of how the thin-film solar cell module of this embodiment is used. As shown in Figure 6, the thin-film solar cell module 1 may be wrapped around the rod-shaped member 20. Alternatively, the thin-film solar cell module 1 may be wrapped around the rod-shaped member 20 without the belt 50. This makes the thin-film solar cell module 1 compact when carried. The wrapping direction is, for example, perpendicular to the length direction of the rod-shaped member 20.
[0071] The thin-film solar cell module 1 has an adhesive region 42 between the thin-film solar cell 10 and the rod-shaped member 20. As shown in Figure 6, when attempting to wind the thin-film solar cell module 1 around the rod-shaped member 20 so that it winds in the yz plane, the adhesive region 42 adjacent to the rod-shaped member 20 is flexible, making the winding easier, especially at the beginning of the winding process.
[0072] 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.
[0073] That is, for example, the thin-film solar cell 180 may have layers other than those described above, or it may have multiple layers of each of those layers. For example, it may have two or more light-absorbing layers 184. In addition, each layer constituting the thin-film solar cell 180 may contain various additives such as binders and surfactants in addition to the main constituent materials described above.
[0074] The installation targets and applications of the thin-film solar cell modules 1 and 1' are not limited to those described above. They can be preferably used as power generation devices by being mounted on the roofs, windows, and walls of mobile objects such as vehicles or aircraft. In addition, they can also be used as independent power supply devices for streetlights, sensors, and digital signage, as mobile energy devices, and as power generation devices in space or the stratosphere. Furthermore, the total number and number of rows of thin-film solar cells 180 constituting the thin-film solar cell group 18 can be arbitrarily selected.
[0075] The present invention will be described more specifically below using examples and comparative examples. The present invention is not limited in any way by the following examples.
[0076] [Example 1] First, a rectangular thin-film solar cell was prepared with a thickness (z direction) of 600 μm and dimensions of 67 × 195 cm in both the width (x direction) and length (y direction). The weight of the thin-film solar cell was 1.1 kg. In addition, the light-absorbing layer contained a chalcopyrite compound, Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S) ２ Next, two aluminum pipes with the same length as the width of the thin-film solar cell (67 cm) were prepared to form rod-shaped members. Details of the rod-shaped members are shown in Table 1. Then, using adhesive tape containing acrylic adhesive (manufactured by Kure Engineering Co., Ltd., Gorilla Tape (product name), length in the width direction (x direction): 67 cm), both ends of the 67 cm length of the thin-film solar cell and the two rod-shaped members were connected as shown in Figures 1 and 2A. The length in the y direction of the area where the first and second surfaces of the thin-film solar cell and the adhesive member are bonded was 10 mm at all four locations. Also, the length in the y direction of the bonded area was 1 mm at both of the two locations. In this way, the thin-film solar cell module of Example 1 was fabricated.
[0077] [Examples 2-14] Thin-film solar cell modules were fabricated in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the rod-shaped members were changed as shown in Table 1.
[0078] In Table 1, "pipe" refers to a hollow cylindrical shape, and "rod" refers to a cylindrical shape filled with material to the core. For rod-shaped members, "wall thickness" refers to the radius of the rod-shaped member. Al means aluminum, and SUS means stainless steel.
[0079] [Evaluation Results] For each example of a thin-film solar cell module, both ends of a rod-shaped member were supported, the module was suspended vertically, and observed visually. The load-bearing capacity was then evaluated based on the following evaluation criteria. △ Thin-film solar cell modules with an evaluation of △ or higher can be used more favorably. [Evaluation Criteria] ○: The rod-shaped member does not bend. △: The rod-shaped member bends slightly. ×: The rod-shaped member bends.
[0080]
[0081] 1, 1'... Thin-film solar cell module, 10... Thin-film solar cell, 12... First surface, 14... Second surface, 16... Edge seal, 18... Thin-film solar cell group, 180... Thin-film solar cell, 181... Substrate, 182... First electrode layer, 183... Hole transport layer, 184... Light absorption layer, 185... Electron transport layer, 186... Second electrode layer, 187... Grid electrode, 20... Rod-shaped member, 30... Fixing member, 40... Adhesive member, 42... Adhesive region, 44A... First boundary, 44B... First adhesive region, 46A... Second boundary, 46B... Second adhesive region, 50... Belt.
Claims
1. A thin-film solar cell module comprising: a thin-film solar cell; a rod-shaped member; a fixing member provided on the rod-shaped member and fixable to another; and an adhesive member for attaching the rod-shaped member to the end of the thin-film solar cell, the adhesive member having a first adhesive surface that adheres to a first surface of the thin-film solar cell and the rod-shaped member, and a second adhesive surface that adheres to a second surface different from the first surface of the thin-film solar cell and the rod-shaped member, wherein the first adhesive surface and the second adhesive surface have an adhesive region between the end and the rod-shaped member where the first adhesive surface and the second adhesive surface adhere to each other.
2. The thin-film solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive member is folded back by the rod-shaped member and wound around the side surface of the rod-shaped member once.
3. The thin-film solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the rod-shaped member has the same length as the width direction of the end.
4. The thin-film solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the widthwise length of the adhesive member is the same as the length of the rod-shaped member.
5. The thin-film solar cell module according to claim 1, comprising two or more of the rod-shaped members.
6. The thin-film solar cell module according to claim 5, wherein one of the rod-shaped members is attached to the end, and another rod-shaped member is attached to the other end of the thin-film solar cell.
7. The thin-film solar cell module according to claim 5, wherein two or more of the rod-shaped members are attached to the same end.
8. The thin-film solar cell module according to claim 1, further comprising a belt that penetrates a portion of the adhesive area and is wrapped around the side surface of the rod-shaped member.
9. The thin-film solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the rod-shaped member includes a cylindrical member, and the fixing member includes a wire provided inside the cylindrical member.
10. The thin-film solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive member comprises at least one of an acrylic adhesive and a silicone adhesive.
11. The thin-film solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the light-absorbing layer of the thin-film solar cell comprises at least one of a perovskite compound, a kestelite compound, and a chalcopyrite compound.