Photoelectric conversion element and photoelectric conversion module

Abstract

Provided is a photoelectric conversion element configured such that photoelectric conversion elements adjacent to each other can be electrically connected while maintaining the ratio of the area of the photoelectric conversion elements (the area of a region contributing to photoelectric conversion) to the area of an entire photoelectric conversion module. A photoelectric conversion element (10) has a substrate (20) and a pair of wires (52, 54). At least one cutout portion (21) is provided in an edge of the substrate (20). At least one of the pair of wires (52, 54) protrudes from the substrate (20) to the cutout portion (21) when viewed from a direction intersecting the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element (10).

Description

Photoelectric conversion element and photoelectric conversion module

[0001] The present invention relates to a photoelectric conversion element and a photoelectric conversion module.

[0002] A photoelectric conversion module that converts light energy into electrical energy is known (see Patent Document 1 below). The photoelectric conversion module described in Patent Document 1 has a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged along a first direction and a second direction, and a connecting member that electrically connects the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements. The connecting member is formed in a grid shape by a plurality of first connecting members extending along the first direction and a plurality of second connecting members extending along the second direction, in order to electrically connect the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements.

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-028355

[0004] When electrically connecting multiple photoelectric conversion elements, space is generally required to route the connecting members (wiring materials) that electrically connect the multiple photoelectric conversion elements. Furthermore, because the connecting members are placed between adjacent photoelectric conversion elements, there may be limitations on increasing the ratio of the area of ​​the photoelectric conversion elements (the area of ​​the region contributing to photoelectric conversion) to the total area of ​​the photoelectric conversion module.

[0005] Therefore, a photoelectric conversion element and photoelectric conversion module are desired that can electrically connect adjacent photoelectric conversion elements while maintaining the ratio of the area of ​​the photoelectric conversion element (the area of ​​the region contributing to photoelectric conversion) to the total area of ​​the photoelectric conversion module.

[0006] A photoelectric conversion element according to one embodiment has a substrate and a pair of wirings. At least one notch is provided on the edge of the substrate. At least one of the pair of wirings protrudes from the substrate into the notch when viewed from a direction intersecting the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element.

[0007] A photoelectric conversion module according to one embodiment has a plurality of the above-mentioned photoelectric conversion elements.

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic front view of the photoelectric conversion module according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic back view of the photoelectric conversion module according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a schematic front view of each photoelectric conversion element. Figure 4 is a schematic back view of each photoelectric conversion element. Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of the photoelectric conversion element as seen from the direction of arrow 5A in Figure 3. Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the photoelectric conversion element along the line of arrow 6A-6A in Figure 3. Figure 7 is a schematic enlarged view of region 7A in Figure 1. Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line of arrow 8A-8A in Figure 7. Figure 9 is a schematic enlarged view of region 9A in Figure 1. Figure 10 is a schematic front view of the structure near the connecting member of the photoelectric conversion module according to the second embodiment. Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line of arrow 11A-11A in Figure 10. Figure 12 is a schematic front view of the structure near the corners of adjacent photoelectric conversion elements in a photoelectric conversion module according to the third embodiment. Figure 13 is a schematic front view of a photoelectric conversion module according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 14 is a schematic back view of a photoelectric conversion module according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a photoelectric conversion element included in a photoelectric conversion module according to the fourth embodiment, along the line 15A-15A in Figure 13. Figure 16 is a schematic front view of a photoelectric conversion module according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 17 is a schematic back view of a photoelectric conversion module according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a photoelectric conversion module according to the fifth embodiment, along the line 18A-18A in Figure 16.

[0009] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, identical or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the proportions of the dimensions, etc., may differ from those of reality.

[0010] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a schematic front view of the photoelectric conversion module according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic back view of the photoelectric conversion module according to the first embodiment.

[0011] The photoelectric conversion module 100 includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements 10. The plurality of photoelectric conversion elements 10 may be arranged in a line or in a grid pattern.

[0012] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, the multiple photoelectric conversion elements 10 are arranged in a grid. Specifically, some of the multiple photoelectric conversion elements 10 are aligned with each other in a first direction. Another portion of the multiple photoelectric conversion elements 10 are aligned with each other in a second direction that intersects the first direction. In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, three photoelectric conversion elements 10 are aligned along the first direction, and three photoelectric conversion elements 10 are aligned along the second direction.

[0013] In this specification, "first direction" corresponds to the direction of the X-axis in the figure, and "second direction" corresponds to the direction of the Y-axis in the figure.

[0014] Figure 3 is a schematic front view of each photoelectric element. Figure 4 is a schematic back view of each photoelectric element. Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of the photoelectric element as seen from the direction of arrow 5A in Figure 3. Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the photoelectric element along the line of arrow 6A-6A in Figure 3.

[0015] Each photoelectric conversion element 10 may be a solar cell element that converts light energy into electrical energy. Each photoelectric conversion element 10 may have a substrate 20, a photoelectric conversion cell 12, and a pair of wires 52, 54.

[0016] The substrate 20 may be made of, for example, glass, ceramics, or resin. Alternatively, the substrate 20 may include a semiconductor substrate.

[0017] The substrate 20 is separated for each photoelectric conversion element 10. That is, the photoelectric conversion module 100 may include a substrate 20 separated for each photoelectric conversion element 10. The substrate 20 can correspond to the shape of the photoelectric conversion element 10 when viewed from a direction intersecting the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element 10, excluding the following protrusions of the pair of wirings 52, 54.

[0018] The shape of the substrate 20 is not particularly limited. Preferably, the shape of the substrate 20 may be substantially square or substantially rectangular when viewed from a direction intersecting the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element 10. Here, the "light-receiving surface" of the photoelectric conversion element 10 corresponds to the surface that receives light contributing to photoelectric conversion. In this specification, the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element 10 may also be referred to as the "front surface." The surface of the photoelectric conversion element 10 opposite to the light-receiving surface may also be referred to as the "back surface."

[0019] More preferably, the shape of the substrate 20 may be a substantially square or substantially rectangular shape, as shown in Figure 2, having notches 21 at four corners when viewed from a direction intersecting the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element 10. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the four corners of the substantially square substrate 20 are cut diagonally. In other words, triangular notches 21 are provided at the four corners of the substrate 20.

[0020] Each photoelectric conversion element 10 may, for example, be a thin-film type photoelectric conversion element. In this case, the substrate 20 may be a base substrate on which each film constituting the photoelectric conversion cell is deposited. Specifically, the substrate 20 is a substrate on which the first electrode layer 22, the photoelectric conversion layer 26, and the second electrode layer 24, which will be described later, are deposited.

[0021] Each photoelectric conversion element may include at least one photoelectric conversion cell 12 on the substrate 20. The at least one photoelectric conversion cell 12 included in one photoelectric conversion element 10 may be arranged in one direction. The at least one photoelectric conversion cell 12 included in one photoelectric conversion element 10 may be provided on the same substrate 20.

[0022] In the case of a thin-film type photoelectric conversion element, each photoelectric conversion cell 12 may have a substantially strip-shaped shape when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element 10. Each photoelectric conversion cell 12 may extend long in one direction. Further, the plurality of photoelectric conversion cells 12 are arranged side by side in a direction intersecting the direction in which the photoelectric conversion cells 12 extend. Adjacent photoelectric conversion cells 12 may be electrically and / or structurally separated from each other by first grooves P1, second grooves P2, and third grooves P3 extending in the direction in which the photoelectric conversion cells 12 extend. In other words, the first grooves P1, the second grooves P2, and the third grooves P3 divide the adjacent photoelectric conversion cells 12 from each other.

[0023] In this specification, the "groove" shall include both a groove having a bottom and a groove having no bottom. Further, the term "groove" shall include a state in which the groove is filled with a material different from the material (layer) in which the groove is formed. For example, a sealing material not shown may be filled in the groove.

[0024] Each photoelectric conversion cell 12 may include at least a first electrode layer 22, a second electrode layer 24, and a photoelectric conversion layer 26 provided between the first electrode layer 22 and the second electrode layer 24. Further, the photoelectric conversion cell 12 may have a first buffer layer 27 between the first electrode layer 22 and the photoelectric conversion layer 26. The photoelectric conversion cell 12 may have a structure in which the first electrode layer 22, the first buffer layer 27, the photoelectric conversion layer 26, and the second electrode layer 24 are laminated in this order on the substrate 20.

[0025] Examples of the thin-film type photoelectric conversion element include CIS-based and CZTS-based photoelectric conversion elements. Hereinafter, taking the CIS-based photoelectric conversion element as an example, the first electrode layer 22, the first buffer layer 27, the photoelectric conversion layer 26, and the second electrode layer 24 will be described.

[0026] The first electrode layer 22 is provided between the photoelectric conversion layer 26 and the substrate 20. When the second electrode layer 24 is composed of a transparent electrode layer, the first electrode layer 22 may be composed of an opaque electrode layer or a transparent electrode layer. The first electrode layer 22 may contain, for example, at least one transition metal material selected from the group consisting of molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), niobium (Nb), and tantalum (Ta).

[0027] The photoelectric conversion layer 26 is a layer that contributes to the mutual conversion between light energy and electrical energy. The photoelectric conversion layer 26 may be called a light absorption layer.

[0028] The second electrode layer 24 is located on the side opposite to the first electrode layer 22 with respect to the photoelectric conversion layer 26. The second electrode layer 24 may be composed of a transparent electrode layer. When the second electrode layer 24 is composed of a transparent electrode layer, the light incident on the photoelectric conversion layer 26 or emitted from the photoelectric conversion layer 26 passes through the second electrode layer 24.

[0029] In the present embodiment, as a preferred example, the second electrode layer 24 may be formed of an n-type semiconductor, more specifically, a material having n-type conductivity and relatively low resistance. The second electrode layer 24 can兼 the functions of an n-type semiconductor and a transparent electrode layer. The second electrode layer 24 includes, for example, a metal oxide doped with a group III element (B, Al, Ga, or In) as a dopant. Here, the description of "group" of elements in this specification is based on the short-period type periodic table (the same applies hereinafter).

[0030] Examples of the metal oxide constituting the second electrode layer 24 include ZnO or SnO ２ can be mentioned. The second electrode layer 24 is, for example, indium tin oxide (In ２ O ３ : Sn), indium titanium oxide (In ２ O ３ : Ti), indium zinc oxide (In ２ O ３ : Zn), tin zinc doped indium oxide (In ２ O ３: Sn, Zn), tungsten-doped indium oxide (In ２ O ３ :W), hydrogen-doped indium oxide (In ２ O ３ :H), indium gallium zinc oxide (InGaZnO) ４ ), zinc tin oxide (ZnO:Sn), fluorine-doped tin oxide (SnO ２ Options include ZnO:F), gallium-doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Ga), boron-doped zinc oxide (ZnO:B), and aluminum-doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Al).

[0031] In this embodiment, the photoelectric conversion layer 26 contains at least a group I element and a group III element. Specifically, the photoelectric conversion layer 26 may contain a chalcogen compound semiconductor containing at least a group I element and a group III element. The chalcogen compound semiconductor is a compound containing at least one chalcogen element. The chalcogen compound includes, for example, sulfides, selenides, and / or tellurides.

[0032] Specifically, the photoelectric conversion layer 26 has a chalcopyrite structure I-III-VI ２ The photoelectric conversion layer 26 may include a group compound semiconductor layer. Here, the group I element can be selected from copper (Cu), silver (Ag), gold (Au), etc. The group III element can be selected from indium (In), gallium (Ga), aluminum (Al), etc. In addition, the photoelectric conversion layer 26 may include tellurium (Te) as a group VI element, in addition to selenium (Se) and sulfur (S).

[0033] Instead, the photoelectric conversion layer 26 is a CZTS-based chalcogen compound containing Cu, Zn, Sn, S, or Se. ２ -(II-IV)-VI ４ It may contain a group compound semiconductor layer. A typical example of a CZTS-based chalcogen compound semiconductor is Cu ２ ZnSnSe ４ ,Cd ２ ZnSn(S,Se) ４ Examples include those using compounds such as the following.

[0034] The photoelectric conversion element 10 may have a first buffer layer 27 between the photoelectric conversion layer 26 and the first electrode layer 22. In this case, the first buffer layer 27 may be a semiconductor material having the same conductivity type as the first electrode layer 22, or it may be a semiconductor material having a different conductivity type. The first buffer layer 27 may be made of a material with higher electrical resistance than the first electrode layer 22.

[0035] The first buffer layer 27 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a layer containing a chalcogenide compound of a transition metal element. Specifically, the first buffer layer 27 may be composed of a compound containing a transition metal material such as Mo, W, Ti, V, Cr, Nb, or Ta, and a chalcogen element such as O, S, or Se.

[0036] In a specific example, the first buffer layer 27 is Mo(Se,S) ２ Layer, Mose ２ Layer or MOS ２ It may be a layer or the like. The first buffer layer 27 can be formed on the surface of the first electrode layer 22 by a reaction between the material constituting the first electrode layer 22 and a chalcogen element when the precursor film, which is a precursor of the photoelectric conversion layer 26, is chalcogenized to form the photoelectric conversion layer 26.

[0037] The photoelectric conversion element 10 may have a second buffer layer (not shown) between the photoelectric conversion layer 26 and the second electrode layer 24. In this case, the second buffer layer may be a semiconductor material having the same conductivity type as the second electrode layer 24, or it may be a semiconductor material having a different conductivity type. The second buffer layer may be made of a material with higher electrical resistance than the second electrode layer 24.

[0038] The second buffer layer can be selected from compounds containing zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), and indium (In). Examples of zinc-containing compounds include ZnO, ZnS, and Zn(OH). ２ These include Zn(O,S), Zn(O,S,OH), and even ZnMgO and ZnSnO. Examples of cadmium-containing compounds include CdS, CdO, or their mixed crystals Cd(O,S) and Cd(O,S,OH). Examples of indium-containing compounds include In２ S ３ In ２ O ３ , or these mixed crystals In ２ (O, S) ３ In ２ (O, S, OH) ３ Yes, ２ O ３ In ２ S ３ In (OH) ｘ These can be used. Furthermore, the second buffer layer may have a layered structure of these compounds.

[0039] The first electrode layers 22 belonging to adjacent photoelectric conversion cells 12 are electrically separated from each other by the first groove P1. As a result, the first electrode layers 22 of adjacent photoelectric conversion cells 12 are not directly electrically connected to each other. The first groove P1 may be filled with, for example, a non-conductive material.

[0040] The second electrode layers 24 belonging to adjacent photoelectric conversion cells 12 may be electrically separated from each other by a third groove P3. The third groove P3 may be filled with a non-conductive material. The photoelectric conversion layers 26 belonging to adjacent photoelectric conversion cells 12 may be separated from each other by a second groove P2 and a third groove P3.

[0041] The photoelectric conversion element 10 may have an electrical connection portion 34 between adjacent photoelectric conversion cells 12. The electrical connection portion 34 may be made of a conductive material embedded in the second groove P2. As a result, the electrical connection portion 34 electrically connects adjacent photoelectric conversion cells 12 in series. In this embodiment, the electrical connection portion 34 is formed by a portion continuous with the second electrode layer 24. In this case, the electrical connection portion 34 may be made of the same material as the second electrode layer 24. Alternatively, the electrical connection portion 34 may be made of a conductive material different from that of the second electrode layer 24.

[0042] The electrical connection portion 34 extends in the thickness direction of the photoelectric conversion element 10 at the second groove P2, thereby electrically connecting the first electrode layer 22 of one of the adjacent photoelectric conversion cells 12 with the second electrode layer 24 of the other photoelectric conversion cell 12.

[0043] Although examples of the configurations of CIS-based and CZTS-based photoelectric conversion elements 10 have been described in detail, the configuration of the photoelectric conversion elements 10 is not limited thereto. For example, each photoelectric conversion element 10 may be a so-called silicon-based, compound-based, or organic-based photoelectric conversion cell. Examples of silicon-based photoelectric conversion elements include crystalline silicon-based or amorphous silicon-based photoelectric conversion cells. Examples of organic-based photoelectric conversion elements include dye-sensitized, perovskite-based, or organic semiconductor-based photoelectric conversion elements. The photoelectric conversion elements are not limited to these, and may be any photoelectric conversion elements.

[0044] If the photoelectric conversion element is, for example, a crystalline silicon-based or gallium arsenide-based photoelectric conversion element, the substrate 20 may be a silicon substrate or a gallium arsenide substrate. In other words, the substrate 20 may mean a semiconductor substrate that contributes to photoelectric conversion.

[0045] Each photoelectric conversion element 10 may have a pair of wirings 52 and 54. One of the pair of wirings is the negative electrode wiring 52, and the other of the pair of wirings is the positive electrode wiring 54. At least a portion of the pair of wirings 52 and 54 may overlap the substrate 20 when viewed from a direction intersecting the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element 10.

[0046] In each photoelectric conversion element 10, at least one photoelectric conversion cell 12 is provided between the positive electrode wiring 54 and the negative electrode wiring 52 (see Figure 3). In the example shown in Figure 5, the positive electrode wiring 54 and the negative electrode wiring 52 are provided on a first electrode layer 22 formed on the substrate 20. Specifically, the first electrode layer 22 extends from the photoelectric conversion cell 12 in a direction along the light-receiving surface, and the positive electrode wiring 54 and the negative electrode wiring 52 are provided on this extended portion of the first electrode layer 22. As a result, the positive electrode wiring 54 and the negative electrode wiring 52 are electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion cell 12.

[0047] When light is shone on the photoelectric conversion layer 26 of each photoelectric conversion cell 12, an electromotive force is generated. Therefore, some of the free electrons generated in a certain photoelectric conversion cell 12 move directly from the second electrode layer 24 through the electrical connection part 34 to the first electrode layer 22 of an adjacent photoelectric conversion cell 12. In this way, the free electrons generated in the photoelectric conversion cell 12 flow through the multiple photoelectric conversion cells 12 in the second direction. The current generated in the photoelectric conversion element 10 flows through the positive electrode wiring 54 and the negative electrode wiring 52.

[0048] In the example shown in Figure 3, the positive electrode wiring 54 and the negative electrode wiring 52 extend in the direction in which each photoelectric conversion cell 12 extends. The positive electrode wiring 54 may extend along the first edge 20a of the substrate 20. Preferably, the positive electrode wiring 54 extends along the first edge 20a of the substrate 20 from one corner to another. This ensures that at least a portion of the positive electrode wiring 54 of each photoelectric conversion element 10 is provided at the corners of the photoelectric conversion element 10.

[0049] The negative electrode wiring 52 may extend along the second edge 20b of the substrate 20, opposite to the first edge 20a. Preferably, the negative electrode wiring 54 extends along the second edge 20b of the substrate 20, from one corner to another. This ensures that at least a portion of the negative electrode wiring 52 of each photoelectric conversion element 10 is provided at the corner of the photoelectric conversion element 10.

[0050] Each positive electrode wiring 54 of the photoelectric conversion element 10 may have at least one first protrusion 54a that protrudes from the substrate 20 when viewed from a direction intersecting the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element 10. Preferably, as described above, the shape of the substrate 20 is a substantially square or substantially rectangular shape with cutouts 21 at four corners. The first protrusion 54a of the positive electrode wiring 54 may be provided in the cutouts 21 of the substrate 20 located at the corners of the substrate 20. Figure 4 shows the first protrusion 54a of the positive electrode wiring 54 protruding from the cutouts 21 of the substrate 20 located at the corners of the substrate 20.

[0051] Each negative electrode wiring 52 of the photoelectric conversion element 10 may have at least one second protrusion 52a that protrudes from the substrate 20 when viewed from a direction intersecting the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element 10. Preferably, as described above, the shape of the substrate 20 is a substantially square or substantially rectangular shape with notches 21 at four corners. The second protrusion 52a of the negative electrode wiring 52 may be provided in the notches 21 of the substrate 20 located at the corners of the substrate 20. Figure 4 shows the second protrusion 52a of the negative electrode wiring 52 protruding from the notches 21 of the substrate 20 located at the corners of the substrate 20. The second protrusion 52a of the negative electrode wiring 52 may be located in a notch 21 different from the notch 21 in which the first protrusion 54a of the positive electrode wiring 54 is provided.

[0052] As shown in Figure 1, when multiple photoelectric conversion elements 10 are arranged in close proximity to each other, the first protrusion 54a of the positive electrode wiring 54 and the second protrusion 52a of the negative electrode wiring 52 are located at the notches 21 of the substrate 20. Therefore, one of the first protrusions 54a and 52a of one adjacent photoelectric conversion element 10 and the other of the first protrusions 54a and 52a of the other adjacent photoelectric conversion element 10 can be electrically connected to each other at the notches 21 of the substrate 20. Thus, adjacent photoelectric conversion elements can be electrically connected to each other while maintaining the ratio of the area of ​​the photoelectric conversion elements (the area of ​​the region contributing to photoelectric conversion) to the total area of ​​the photoelectric conversion module.

[0053] The first protrusion 54a of the positive electrode wiring 54 may protrude from the substrate 20 along the direction in which the positive electrode wiring 54 extends, for a maximum length L2 of, for example, 40 mm, preferably 30 mm, and more preferably 20 mm or less. The second protrusion 52a of the negative electrode wiring 52 may protrude from the substrate 20 along the direction in which the negative electrode wiring 52 extends, for a maximum length L3 of, for example, 40 mm, preferably 30 mm, and more preferably 20 mm or less.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, as described above, the shape of the substrate 20 is substantially square or rectangular, having notches 21 at four corners when viewed from a direction intersecting the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element 10. In this case, the first protrusions 54a of the positive electrode wiring 54 are provided in two notches 21 located at two corners of the substrate 20. Specifically, the two first protrusions 54a of the positive electrode wiring 54 are located at two corners of the substrate 20. Also, the second protrusions 52a of the negative electrode wiring 52 are provided in two notches 21 located at two corners of the substrate 20. Specifically, the two second protrusions 52a of the negative electrode wiring 52 are located at two corners of the substrate 20. Here, the two first protrusions 54a of the positive electrode wiring 54 may be located diagonally opposite to the two second protrusions 52a of the negative electrode wiring 52.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the first protrusion 54a of the positive electrode wiring 54 and the second protrusion 52a of the negative electrode wiring 52 are provided in the notch 21 of the substrate 20. Alternatively, the substrate may not have a notch 21. Even in this case, the positive electrode wiring 54 and the negative electrode wiring 52 may each have a first protrusion 54a and a second protrusion 52a protruding from the substrate 20.

[0056] The photoelectric conversion module 100 has a connecting member 80 that electrically connects the wirings 52 and 54 provided at the corners of adjacent photoelectric conversion elements 10. Figure 7 is a schematic enlarged view of region 7A in Figure 1, showing the connecting member 80 provided at the corner of the photoelectric conversion element 10 and the configuration of its vicinity. Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line of arrow 8A-8A in Figure 7. Figure 9 is a schematic enlarged view of region 9A in Figure 1, showing another connecting member 80 provided at the corner of the photoelectric conversion element 10 and the configuration of its vicinity.

[0057] As shown in Figures 1, 7, and 9, the corners of adjacent photoelectric conversion elements 10 where the wirings 52 and 54 are provided are adjacent to each other. As a result, the positive-side wiring 54 and / or negative-side wiring 52 located at a corner of a certain photoelectric conversion element 10 are in close proximity to the positive-side wiring 54 and / or negative-side wiring 52 located at a corner of an adjacent photoelectric conversion element 10. Preferably, the first protrusion 54a of the positive-side wiring 54 and / or the second protrusion 52a of the negative-side wiring 52 of a certain photoelectric conversion element 10 are in close proximity to the first protrusion 54a of the positive-side wiring 54 and / or the second protrusion 52a of the negative-side wiring 52 of an adjacent photoelectric conversion element 10.

[0058] The connecting member 80 is made of a conductor and electrically connects at least one of the positive-side wiring 54 and negative-side wiring 52 located at a corner of a certain photoelectric conversion element 10 to at least one of the positive-side wiring 54 and negative-side wiring 52 located at a corner of an adjacent photoelectric conversion element 10.

[0059] The connecting member 80 electrically connects multiple photoelectric conversion elements 10 at their corners. This allows the size of the connecting member 80 to be kept as small as possible. In particular, the connecting member 80 may be locally provided at the corners of adjacent photoelectric conversion elements 10. The maximum length L1 of the surface of the connecting member 80, as viewed from a direction intersecting the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element 10, may be, for example, 60 mm or less, preferably 40 mm or less, and more preferably 20 mm or less.

[0060] Furthermore, the connecting members 80 are locally provided at the corners of the photoelectric conversion elements 10. This eliminates the need for space to route long connecting members such as wiring, and allows adjacent photoelectric conversion elements 10 to be placed closer together. As a result, the ratio of the area of ​​the photoelectric conversion elements 10 (the area of ​​the region contributing to photoelectric conversion) to the total area of ​​the photoelectric conversion module 100 can be increased. Also, even if the arrangement of multiple photoelectric conversion elements 10 is changed during the design phase, adjacent photoelectric conversion elements 10 can be easily connected using the connecting members 80 described above. Therefore, the arrangement and number of multiple photoelectric conversion elements 10 can be freely changed to match the design value of the output voltage required for the entire photoelectric conversion module. Thus, the degree of freedom in the design of the entire photoelectric conversion module (arrangement of photoelectric conversion elements) is increased.

[0061] As mentioned above, when the substrate 20 has a notch 21, even if the edges of each photoelectric conversion element 10 on the substrate 20 are placed close together, the first protrusion 54a of the positive electrode wiring 54 and the second protrusion 52a of the negative electrode wiring 52 are positioned to protrude from the notch 21 of the substrate 20 without interfering with the substrate 20. This allows adjacent photoelectric conversion elements 10 to be placed closer together, thereby increasing the ratio of the area of ​​the photoelectric conversion elements 10 (the area of ​​the region contributing to photoelectric conversion) to the total area of ​​the photoelectric conversion module 100.

[0062] As shown in Figure 8, the connecting member 80 may have a pair of pieces that sandwich the first protrusion 54a of the positive terminal wiring 54 and / or the second protrusion 52a of the negative terminal wiring 52. In this case, the pair of pieces constituting the connecting member 80 are conductive and may be joined to each other, for example, by mechanical pins 81. Alternatively, the connecting member 80 may be joined to the first protrusion 54a of the positive terminal wiring 54 and / or the second protrusion 52a of the negative terminal wiring 52 by welding.

[0063] Instead of the configuration shown in Figure 8, the connecting member 80 may be made of, for example, a conductive paste. By forming a conductive paste so as to extend over the first protrusion 54a of the positive-side wiring 54 and / or the second protrusion 52a of the negative-side wiring 52 of adjacent photoelectric conversion elements 10, adjacent photoelectric conversion elements 10 can be electrically connected. Alternatively, the connecting member 80 may be made of a conductive material such as indium or aluminum.

[0064] In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the connecting member 80 electrically connects four adjacent photoelectric conversion elements 10 in both a first direction (X-axis direction) and a second direction (Y-axis direction) intersecting the first direction. In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the connecting member 80 electrically connects two adjacent photoelectric conversion elements 10 in the first direction (X-axis direction). In this way, by changing the shape of the connecting member 80, it is easy to change which direction adjacent photoelectric conversion elements 10 are electrically connected to.

[0065] When the connecting member 80 connects the positive terminal wiring 54 of one photoelectric conversion element 10 to the positive terminal wiring 54 of another photoelectric conversion element 10, these two photoelectric conversion elements 10 are electrically connected in parallel. Similarly, when the connecting member 80 connects the negative terminal wiring 52 of one photoelectric conversion element 10 to the negative terminal wiring 52 of another photoelectric conversion element 10, these two photoelectric conversion elements 10 are electrically connected in parallel. When the connecting member 80 connects the positive terminal wiring 54 of one photoelectric conversion element 10 to the negative terminal wiring 52 of another photoelectric conversion element 10, these two photoelectric conversion elements 10 are electrically connected in series. Therefore, by appropriately designing the orientation of the photoelectric conversion elements 10, that is, the positions of the first protrusion 54a of the positive terminal wiring 54 and the second protrusion 52a of the negative terminal wiring 52, and the shape of the connecting member 80, it is possible to easily change whether the photoelectric conversion elements 10 are connected in series or in parallel. Therefore, even if the performance of each photoelectric conversion element 10 is the same, the voltage and current values ​​obtained from the entire photoelectric conversion module 100 can be flexibly designed.

[0066] As described above, by changing the orientation of some of the photoelectric conversion elements 10 among the multiple photoelectric conversion elements 10, the arrangement of the first protrusion 54a of the positive electrode wiring 54 and the second protrusion 52a of the negative electrode wiring 52 can be changed relative to the other photoelectric conversion elements 10 (see also Figures 1 and 9). Even in this case, in order to arrange the multiple photoelectric conversion elements 10 closely, the shape of the substrate 20 is preferably substantially square. More preferably, the shape of the substrate 20 may be substantially square with notches 21 at the four corners when viewed from a direction intersecting the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element 10.

[0067] Preferably, the connecting member 80 is provided only in an area that does not overlap with the substrate 20 when viewed from a direction intersecting the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element 10. In this case, the connecting member 80 is directly joined only to the first protrusion 54a of the positive electrode wiring 54 and / or the second protrusion 52a of the negative electrode wiring 52. Therefore, it is less likely that stress will be placed on the substrate 20 when the connecting member 80 is joined, and cracking of the substrate 20 can be suppressed.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the notch 21 of the substrate 20 and the protrusions 52a and 54a of the pair of wirings 52 and 54 are located at the corners of the substrate 20. Alternatively, the notch 21 of the substrate 20 and the protrusions 52a and 54a of the pair of wirings 52 and 54 may be located on the edge of the substrate 20 at a position other than the corners of the substrate 20. For example, the notch 21 of the substrate 20 and the protrusions 52a and 54a of the pair of wirings 52 and 54 may be located near the midpoint of the edge of the substrate 20. However, from the viewpoint of enabling the four photoelectric conversion elements 10 to be electrically connected to each other at the corners of the substrate 20, it is more preferable that the notch 21 of the substrate 20 and the protrusions 52a and 54a of the pair of wirings 52 and 54 are located at the corners of the substrate 20.

[0069] [Second Embodiment] The photoelectric conversion module according to the second embodiment will now be described. In the second embodiment, the description of components similar to those in the first embodiment may be omitted. Figure 10 is a schematic surface view of the structure near the connecting member of the photoelectric conversion module according to the second embodiment. Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line 11A-11A in Figure 10. Note that in the second embodiment, components similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0070] The photoelectric conversion module 100 according to the second embodiment has a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements 10, similar to the first embodiment. The configuration of each photoelectric conversion element 10 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0071] In the second embodiment, the configuration of the connecting member 80 differs from that of the first embodiment. The connecting member 80 extends from a region that does not overlap with the substrate 20 to a region that overlaps with the substrate 20, when viewed from a direction intersecting the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element 10. In this case, the size of the connecting member 80 may be relatively larger compared to the first embodiment, which tends to increase the reliability of the connection of the connecting member 80. However, even in this case, it is preferable that the size of the connecting member 80 be small, as in the first embodiment.

[0072] In the second embodiment, the connecting member 80 is provided only on the surface side of the positive electrode wiring 54 and / or the negative electrode wiring 52 of the photoelectric conversion element 10. As shown in Figure 11, in this case, the connecting member 80 may be joined to the first protrusion 54a of the positive electrode wiring 54 and / or the second protrusion 52a of the negative electrode wiring 52 by, for example, a mechanical pin. Alternatively, the connecting member 80 may be joined to the first protrusion 54a of the positive electrode wiring 54 and / or the second protrusion 52a of the negative electrode wiring 52 by welding. Furthermore, if possible, the connecting member 80 may be made of conductive paste.

[0073] [Third Embodiment] The photoelectric conversion module according to the third embodiment will now be described. In the third embodiment, the description of configurations similar to those in the first embodiment may be omitted. Figure 12 is a schematic surface view of the structure near the corners of adjacent photoelectric conversion elements in the photoelectric conversion module according to the third embodiment. That is, Figure 12 shows the configuration corresponding to the position shown in Figure 7 in the first embodiment. Note that in the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for configurations similar to those in the first embodiment.

[0074] The photoelectric conversion module 100 according to the third embodiment has a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements 10, similar to the first embodiment. The configuration of each photoelectric conversion element 10 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0075] In the third embodiment, in each photoelectric conversion element 10, the first protrusion 54a of the positive electrode wiring 54 and / or the second protrusion 52a of the negative electrode wiring 52 protrude from the substrate 20 for a longer period than in the first embodiment. As a result, the first protrusion 54a of the positive electrode wiring 54 and / or the second protrusion 52a of the negative electrode wiring 52 of one of the adjacent photoelectric conversion elements 10 overlap with the first protrusion 54a of the positive electrode wiring 54 and / or the second protrusion 52a of the negative electrode wiring 52 of the other adjacent photoelectric conversion element 10. In the example shown in Figure 12, the wirings 52 and 54 of adjacent photoelectric conversion elements 10 in the Y direction of the figure overlap with each other.

[0076] In the third embodiment, one of the first protrusions 54a and 52a of one of the adjacent photoelectric conversion elements 10 and the other of the first protrusions 54a and 52a of the other adjacent photoelectric conversion element 10 may be directly joined, for example, by welding. This eliminates the need for the connecting member 80 described in the first and second embodiments.

[0077] In the example shown in Figure 12, the wirings 52 and 54 of adjacent photoelectric conversion elements 10 in the Y direction of the figure are directly joined together. Alternatively, or in addition to this, the wirings 52 and 54 of adjacent photoelectric conversion elements 10 in the X direction of the figure may be directly joined together. In this case, the wirings 52 and 54 may protrude from the substrate 20 in the X direction.

[0078] [Fourth Embodiment] The photoelectric conversion module according to the fourth embodiment will be described below. In the fourth embodiment, the description of configurations similar to those in the first embodiment may be omitted. Figure 13 is a schematic front view of the photoelectric conversion module according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 14 is a schematic back view of the photoelectric conversion module according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the photoelectric conversion element included in the photoelectric conversion module according to the fourth embodiment, along the line 15A-15A in Figure 13.

[0079] In the photoelectric conversion module 100 according to the fourth embodiment, a cover glass 70 is provided for each photoelectric conversion element 10. Specifically, the photoelectric conversion element 10 includes a first electrode layer 22 on a substrate 20, a photoelectric conversion layer 26 on the first electrode layer 22, a second electrode layer 24 on the photoelectric conversion layer 26, and a cover glass 70 on the second electrode layer 24.

[0080] The cover glass 70 may have a size corresponding to each photoelectric conversion element 10, as shown in Figures 13 to 15. In Figures 13 to 15, the cover glass 70 is substantially the same size as the substrate 20. Alternatively, the cover glass 70 may be smaller or larger than the substrate 20.

[0081] The cover glass 70 may be made of tempered glass or untempered glass. The cover glass 70 may be bonded to the second electrode layer 24 with an adhesive or sealant 72. The cover glass 70 can suppress the temperature rise of components provided below the cover glass 70. Furthermore, when the photoelectric conversion module is used in a space environment, the cover glass 70 can protect the photoelectric conversion layer 26 from proton beams and electron beams.

[0082] In the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the cover glass 70 has a notch 71 that overlaps with the notch 21 of the substrate 20 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface of the cover glass 70. This makes it possible to attach and detach the aforementioned connecting member 80 even when the cover glass 70 is provided.

[0083] More preferably, the shape of the cover glass 70 may be a substantially square or substantially rectangular shape with notches 71 at four corners when viewed from a direction intersecting the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element 10, as shown in Figures 13 to 14. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the four corners of the substantially square cover glass 70 are notched. Substantially conical notches 71 are provided at the four corners of the cover glass 70. The shape of the notches 71 of the cover glass 70 is not limited to a substantially conical shape. The shape of the notches 71 of the cover glass 70 may be, for example, triangular or square.

[0084] Furthermore, in Figures 13-14, the shape of the notch 21 in the substrate 20 is approximately conical. However, the shape of the notch 21 in the substrate 20 is not limited to approximately conical. The shape of the notch 21 in the substrate 20 may be, for example, triangular or square. It should be noted that the shape of the notch 21 in the substrate 20 can be anything, and this is also true in other embodiments.

[0085] In the fourth embodiment, the positive electrode wiring 54 of each photoelectric conversion element 10 may have at least one first protrusion 54a that protrudes from the substrate 20 when viewed from a direction intersecting the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element 10. Similarly, the negative electrode wiring 52 of each photoelectric conversion element 10 may have at least one second protrusion 52a that protrudes from the substrate 20 when viewed from a direction intersecting the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element 10.

[0086] In the direction in which the positive electrode wiring 54 extends (the Y direction in Figures 13-15), the length L2 of the protruding portion 54a of the positive electrode wiring 54 may be, for example, 5 times or less, preferably 4 times or less, more preferably 3 times or less, and more preferably 2 times or less, the length L4 of the notch portion 21 of the substrate 20. Also, in the direction in which the positive electrode wiring 54 extends (the Y direction in Figures 13-15), the length L2 of the protruding portion 54a of the positive electrode wiring 54 may be equal to or shorter than the length L4 of the notch portion 21 of the substrate 20. It should be noted that these relationships can also be applied to the embodiments described above.

[0087] Similarly, in the direction in which the negative electrode wiring 52 extends (the Y direction in Figures 13-15), the length L3 of the protruding portion 52a of the negative electrode wiring 52 may be, for example, 5 times or less, preferably 4 times or less, more preferably 3 times or less, and more preferably 2 times or less, the length L4 of the notch portion 21 of the substrate 20. Also, in the direction in which the negative electrode wiring 52 extends (the Y direction in Figures 13-15), the length L3 of the protruding portion 52a of the negative electrode wiring 52 may be equal to or shorter than the length L4 of the notch portion 21 of the substrate 20. It should be noted that these relationships can also be applied to the embodiments described above.

[0088] In a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the positive electrode wiring 54 extends (the X direction in Figures 13-15), the width W2 of the positive electrode wiring 54 may be, for example, 1.5 times or less, preferably 1.0 times or less, and more preferably 0.7 times or less, the width W1 of the notch portion 21 of the substrate 20.

[0089] Similarly, in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the negative electrode wiring 52 extends (the X direction in Figures 13-15), the width W3 of the negative electrode wiring 52 may be, for example, 1.5 times or less, preferably 1.0 times or less, and more preferably 0.7 times or less, the width W1 of the cutout portion 21 of the substrate 20.

[0090] From the viewpoint of preventing the wiring 52 and 54 from protruding from the substrate 20 in the X direction, it is preferable that the widths W3 and W2 of the wiring 52 and 54 are smaller than the width W1 of the cutout portion 21 of the substrate 20.

[0091] [Fifth Embodiment] The photoelectric conversion module according to the fifth embodiment will now be described. In the fifth embodiment, the description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0092] Figure 16 is a schematic front view of the photoelectric conversion module according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 17 is a schematic back view of the photoelectric conversion module according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the photoelectric conversion module according to the fifth embodiment along the line 18A-18A in Figure 16.

[0093] In the photoelectric conversion module 100 according to the fifth embodiment, a cover glass 70 is provided that spans multiple photoelectric conversion elements 10. Specifically, the photoelectric conversion module 100 includes a first electrode layer 22 on a substrate 20, a photoelectric conversion layer 26 on the first electrode layer 22, a second electrode layer 24 on the photoelectric conversion layer 26, and a cover glass 70 on the second electrode layer 24.

[0094] The cover glass 70 may have a size corresponding to a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements 10, as shown in Figures 16 to 18. In Figures 16 to 18, the cover glass 70 is substantially the same size as the four substrates 20 corresponding to the four photoelectric conversion elements 10. Alternatively, the cover glass 70 may be smaller than the four substrates 20, or larger than the four substrates 20. The material and bonding method of the cover glass 70 are the same as in the fourth embodiment.

[0095] In the fifth embodiment, it is preferable that the cover glass 70 has a notch 71 at a position that overlaps with the notch 21 of the substrate 20 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface of the cover glass 70. However, the notch 71 of the cover glass 70 does not need to be provided corresponding to all of the notches 21 of the substrate 20.

[0096] Since the cover glass 70 is provided across multiple photoelectric conversion elements 10, the photoelectric conversion module can be manufactured efficiently.

[0097] In the above embodiment, a photoelectric conversion element 10 equipped with a cover glass 70 is described. Alternatively, the photoelectric conversion element 10 may not have a cover glass 70 and may have a sealing film covering the first electrode layer 22. That is, the photoelectric conversion element 10 may have a structure that does not have only the cover glass 70 shown in Figure 15.

[0098] As described above, the scope of the present invention has been disclosed through embodiments, but the descriptions and drawings that constitute part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operational techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is defined solely by the inventive features relating to the claims that are reasonable from the above description.

[0099] This application claims priority under Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-019642, filed on 7 February 2025, the entire contents of said patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A photoelectric conversion element comprising a substrate and a pair of wirings, wherein at least one notch is provided on the edge of the substrate, and at least one of the pair of wirings protrudes from the substrate into the notch when viewed from a direction intersecting the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element.

2. The photoelectric conversion element according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the pair of wires protrudes from the substrate by a length of 40 mm or less when viewed from a direction intersecting the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element.

3. The photoelectric conversion element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shape of the substrate is substantially square or substantially rectangular when viewed from a direction intersecting the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element, and the notch is provided at the corner of the substrate.

4. The photoelectric conversion element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one of the pair of wirings is a positive electrode wiring, the other of the pair of wirings is a negative electrode wiring, at least two notches are provided on the edge of the substrate, the positive electrode wiring has a first protrusion that protrudes from the substrate when viewed from a direction intersecting the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element, the negative electrode wiring has a second protrusion that protrudes from the substrate when viewed from a direction intersecting the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element, and the first and second protrusions are provided in different notches.

5. The photoelectric conversion element according to claim 4, wherein the shape of the substrate is substantially square or substantially rectangular, having the four corners notched when viewed from a direction intersecting the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element, the first protrusion of the positive electrode wiring is provided in the two notches located at two of the corners of the substrate, and the second protrusion of the negative electrode wiring is provided in the two notches located at the other two corners of the substrate.

6. The photoelectric conversion element according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the shape of the substrate is substantially square or substantially rectangular when viewed from a direction intersecting the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element, one of the pair of wirings extends along the first edge of the substrate, and the other of the pair of wirings extends along the second edge of the substrate opposite to the first edge.

7. The photoelectric conversion element according to any one of claims 1 to 6, having at least one photoelectric conversion cell between the pair of wires.

8. The photoelectric conversion element according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one of the pair of wirings has a projection that protrudes from the substrate toward the notch when viewed from a direction intersecting the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element, and the length of the projection is no more than five times the length of the notch in the direction in which the wiring extends.

9. The photoelectric conversion element according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one of the pair of wirings has a projection that protrudes from the substrate to the notch when viewed from a direction intersecting the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element, and the width of the wiring in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the wiring extends is 1.5 times or less the width of the notch.

10. A photoelectric conversion element according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: a first electrode layer on the substrate; a photoelectric conversion layer on the first electrode layer; a second electrode layer on the photoelectric conversion layer; and a cover glass on the second electrode layer.

11. The photoelectric conversion element according to claim 10, wherein the cover glass has a notch at a position that overlaps with the notch of the substrate when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface of the cover glass.

12. A photoelectric conversion module having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The photoelectric conversion module according to claim 12, wherein a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements are arranged side by side, and one of the pair of wirings of one of the adjacent photoelectric conversion elements is electrically connected to the other of the pair of wirings of the adjacent photoelectric conversion element.

14. The photoelectric conversion module according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising connecting members that electrically connect adjacent photoelectric conversion elements to one another.

15. The photoelectric conversion module according to claim 14, wherein the maximum length of the surface of the connecting member, as viewed from a direction intersecting the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element, is 60 mm or less.

16. The photoelectric conversion module according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the connecting member is provided only in a region that does not overlap with the substrate when viewed from a direction intersecting the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element.

17. The photoelectric conversion module according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the connecting member electrically connects two adjacent photoelectric conversion elements to each other.

18. The photoelectric conversion module according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the connecting member electrically connects four adjacent photoelectric conversion elements in both a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction.

19. The photoelectric conversion module according to claim 12 or 13, wherein one of the pair of wirings of one of the adjacent photoelectric conversion elements is directly joined to one of the pair of wirings of the other adjacent photoelectric conversion element.

Images