Shingled Solar Cell Module with Insulative Buffer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single solar cells have limited output power due to their small area, necessitating the electrical connection of multiple cells in a module to achieve higher power generation, but existing shingling connection methods can lead to shunt resistance issues and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A solar cell module design featuring a shingling connection with a conductive connecting member between n-type and p-type electrodes on the back surface of adjacent solar cells, utilizing a U-shaped metal foil and an insulative buffer member to prevent contact and maintain high shunt resistance, along with a reflector to enhance light absorption and reduce power loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple solar cells are electrically connected in a shingling manner to achieve high output power, then the power generation capability increases, but shunt resistance issues occur and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
An insulative buffer member is introduced as an intermediary between the conductive connecting member and the back surface of the solar cell. This buffer member prevents direct contact between the conductive connecting member and the semiconductor substrate, thereby eliminating shunt resistance pathways while maintaining electrical connectivity between electrodes. The buffer member acts as a mediator that resolves the contradiction between achieving high power output through shingling connection and maintaining high shunt resistance.
2Ease of operation
If a conductive connecting member directly contacts the solar cell back surface to establish electrical connection, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but shunt resistance decreases and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The insulative buffer member serves as a mediator that allows the conductive connecting member to be positioned close to the solar cell back surface for effective electrical connection while preventing direct contact that would create shunt resistance. This intermediary structure enables electrical connectivity without the harmful side effect of energy loss through shunt paths.
3Power
If the solar cell area is increased to achieve higher output power, then power generation increases, but the device complexity and connection issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell module is segmented into multiple smaller solar cells connected in a shingling arrangement. Each solar cell maintains its own electrodes and connection points, allowing for modular assembly. The conductive connecting member is also segmented to connect adjacent solar cells in series, enabling high output power through multiple cells while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized connection units.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulative buffer member simplifies the connection structure by providing a standardized intermediary component that eliminates the need for complex insulation arrangements. This single buffer member component resolves multiple potential contact points, reducing overall device complexity while enabling the shingling connection of multiple solar cells for high power output.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design increases power generation efficiency by preventing shunt resistance drops and improving light absorption, resulting in higher fill factor and maximum output compared to conventional modules.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector arranged so as to extend along a long side of the other solar cell in a direction in which the solar cells extend
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A solar cell module (M) includes a plurality of solar cells (11A, 11B). The solar cells (11A, 11B) each includes an n-type or p-type semiconductor substrate (111). The semiconductor substrate (111) has major surfaces one of which is provided with a first electrode (121) connected to one of an n-type semiconductor layer or a p-type semiconductor layer, and a second electrode (122) connected to the other one of the n-type semiconductor layer or the p-type semiconductor layer. In a pair of solar cells (11A, 11B), the one major surface of a first end (11a) of one of the pair of solar cells is overlapped with the other major surface of a second end (11b) of the other solar cell. The first electrode (121) of the one solar cell and the second electrode (122) of the other solar cell are connected via a conductive connecting member (50). A conductivity type of the semiconductor substrate (111) and a conductivity type of the semiconductor layer electrically connected to the second electrode (122) are the same.