U.S. patent application number 09/848286 was filed with the patent office on 2001-12-06 for solar battery module.
Invention is credited to Ouchida, Takashi, Saitoh, Hajime, Sannomiya, Hitoshi.
Application Number | 20010047819 09/848286 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18648395 |
Filed Date | 2001-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010047819 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sannomiya, Hitoshi ; et
al. |
December 6, 2001 |
Solar battery module
Abstract
In a solar battery module of the present invention, a
transparent material is provided on the side opposite the light
incident side of a solar cell portion formed on a transparent
substrate. The solar battery module further includes a printed
matter having a prescribed pattern between the solar cell portion
and the transparent material. Thus, by integrating a printed matter
having for example an illustration, picture, or character in the
solar module, the printed matter can be visually recognized from
the back or front side, whereby an appearance of the module can be
improved.
Inventors: |
Sannomiya, Hitoshi;
(Osaka-shi, JP) ; Ouchida, Takashi; (Gose-shi,
JP) ; Saitoh, Hajime; (Kitakatsuragi-gun,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NIXON & VANDERHYE P.C.
8th Floor
1100 North Glebe Rd.
Arlington
VA
22201-4714
US
|
Family ID: |
18648395 |
Appl. No.: |
09/848286 |
Filed: |
May 4, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
136/244 ;
136/251; 136/256 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01L 31/02 20130101;
H01L 31/048 20130101; Y02B 10/10 20130101; Y02B 10/12 20130101;
Y02E 10/50 20130101; B32B 17/10018 20130101; H01L 31/0468 20141201;
B32B 17/10788 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
136/244 ;
136/256; 136/251 |
International
Class: |
H02N 006/00; H01L
025/00; H01L 031/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 15, 2000 |
JP |
2000-141254 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A solar battery module, comprising a transparent material
provided on a side opposite a light incident side of a solar cell
portion on a transparent substrate, and a printed matter having a
prescribed pattern between said solar cell portion and said
transparent material.
2. The solar battery module according to claim 1, wherein said
printed matter is directly printed on a surface of said transparent
material.
3. The solar battery module according to claim 1, wherein said
solar cell portion is formed of an a-Si or compound
semiconductor.
4. The solar battery module according to claim 3, wherein said
solar cell portion is an integrated thin film cell portion
including a plurality of thin film cells divided by parallel
grooves and electrically connected in series, and said thin film
cell portion is partially removed in a plurality of intermittent
line forms parallel to the grooves.
5. The solar battery module according to claim 3, wherein said
solar cell portion is an integrated thin film cell portion
including a plurality of thin film cells divided by parallel
grooves and electrically connected in series, and said thin film
cell portion is partially removed by a plurality of parallel line
forms orthogonal to the grooves.
6. The solar battery module according to claim 1, wherein said
solar cell portion includes a plurality of crystal Si type solar
cells arranged adjacent to one another.
7. The solar battery module according to claim 1, wherein a light
reflection layer is provided between said solar cell portion and
said printed matter.
8. The solar battery module according to claim 1, wherein said
solar battery module further comprises a terminal box for taking
out current and said terminal box is positioned on the side surface
of said solar battery module.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to solar battery modules and,
more particularly to an improvement in appearance of solar battery
modules.
[0003] 2. Description of the Background Art
[0004] The surface color of solar battery modules is usually black
or blue in the case of a crystal Si type module and brown or purple
in the case of an amorphous Si type module. Generally, a solar
battery module has a uniform color over its entire surface. As
such, conventional solar battery modules give very dreary and
tasteless impressions, exhibiting insipidity. Japanese Patent
Laying-Open No. 8-107230 discloses that the surface color of a
solar battery module can be variously changed by changing the
thickness or refractive index of an anti-reflection film to be
formed on the light incident side of the module or by forming the
film with a multi-layer structure, and that a character, figure and
so on can be displayed by a combination of modules with different
surface colors.
[0005] However, such a method of varying the surface color of the
solar battery module leads to an inferior electricity generating
effect, because physical parameters of the anti-reflection film on
the light incident side are deviated from values optimum for
electricity generation.
[0006] The present invention is directed to a light-transmission
type solar battery module also, which has a daylighting function in
addition to an electricity generating function. For an electricity
generating system using such modules, since the back surface of the
modules installed at a window or roof can be viewed from inside,
the design on the back side of the modules is particularly a major
concern. However, the back side of the conventional solar battery
modules has been in a rectangular shape of either white or
black.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In view of the above described problem of the conventional
art, a major object of the present invention is to give improved
appearance to the back side of a solar battery module. The
improvement allows the back side of the solar battery module, which
has often been concealed heretofore, to be exhibited in a positive
manner. Thus, a prescribed pattern, such as a pleasant
illustration, picture, figure or character, can be displayed on the
back side of the module.
[0008] The solar battery module of the present invention is
characterized in that a transparent material is provided on the
side opposite to the light incident side of a solar cell portion on
a transparent substrate, and a printed matter having a desired
pattern is provided between the solar cell portion and the
transparent material.
[0009] Then, a glass substrate, film substrate or transparent
protection layer can be used as a transparent material. As the
printed matter having a desired pattern, a film or a sheet of paper
having such a pattern or an adhesive film such as an EVA (ethylene
vinyl acetate) having such a pattern can be used.
[0010] For the printed matter, the pattern may be directly printed
on the surface of the transparent material.
[0011] The solar cell portion may include a thin film solar cell
formed of an a-Si (amorphous silicon) or a compound
semiconductor.
[0012] The solar cell portion may be an integrated thin film cell
portion including a plurality of thin film cells, which are divided
by parallel grooves and electrically connected in series. The thin
film cell portion may be partially removed in a plurality of
intermittent line forms which are in parallel with the grooves.
Such removed parts in the intermittent line forms can give partial
transparency to the solar battery module, providing a daylighting
function.
[0013] If the solar cell portion is such an integrated thin film
cell portion, the thin film cell portion may be partially removed
in a plurality of line forms which are orthogonal to the grooves.
In this case, the removed portions in the line forms may be
continuous, rather than intermittent. This is because the plurality
of cells in the thin film cell portion are electrically connected
in series in a direction orthogonal to the grooves and thus the
removed parts in the line forms do not interfere with such
electrical serial connection.
[0014] The solar cell portion may be formed including a plurality
of crystal Si type solar cells arranged close to one another.
[0015] To provide greater visibility to the pattern of the printed
matter, the solar battery module may be provided with a light
reflection layer adjacent to the printed matter.
[0016] In the solar battery module of the present invention, a
terminal box for taking out current may preferably be arranged on
the side surface of the module not to obstruct visibility of the
pattern of the printed matter.
[0017] The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and
advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from
the following detailed description of the present invention when
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross sectional view showing an
exemplary stacked-layered structure of a solar battery module
according to the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross sectional view showing another
exemplary stacked-layered structure of the solar battery module
according to the present invention.
[0020] FIGS. 3 to 10 are schematic cross sectional views
respectively showing still another exemplary stacked-layered
structures of the solar battery modules according to the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
First Embodiment
[0021] The stacked-layered structure of an a-Si thin film solar
battery' module according to the first embodiment of the present
invention is shown in a schematic cross sectional view of FIG. 1.
In the module, a solar cell portion 2 is formed including a
transparent electrode, a p layer formed of a-Si:H (hydrogenated
amorphous silicon), an i layer formed of a-Si:H, an n layer formed
of a-Si:H, and a metal electrode, which are sequentially deposited
on a glass substrate 1. A transparent EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate)
3, a film 4, an EVA3, and a glass 1 are sequentially stacked on
solar cell portion 2, which are joined with a prescribed pressure
at the temperature of 150.degree. C.
[0022] At the time, film 4 has a printed matter in a desired
pattern, including an illustration, picture, character, figure and
so on. As such, the printed matter of film 4 can be seen from the
back side of the solar battery module through glass 1 on the side
opposite the light incident side of solar cell portion 2. Thus, the
appearance on the back side of the solar battery module, which has
been conventionally tasteless, can be dramatically improved.
[0023] Then, if there is a terminal box or the like on the back
surface of the module as in the conventional case, the appearance
of the back surface is deteriorated. Thus, such a terminal box is
provided on the side surface of the module for taking current
therefrom. In addition, since a name plate indicating a production
number, electrical properties, manufacturer, trade mark and so on
of that module, which has conventionally been applied to the back
surface of the module, may also deteriorate the appearance of the
back surface, it is preferable that such information is printed on
the film in an unostentatious manner.
[0024] Although the film has the printed pattern in the present
embodiment, if a sheet of paper contains the printed pattern, such
a sheet can be applied to a module without any problem. Note that,
for the base material on which printing is to be made, preferably,
any material that causes air bubbles and deteriorates the
appearance when heated to about 150.degree. C. should not be
used.
[0025] Although glass substrate 1 is used in the present
embodiment, a substrate of a different material may be used as long
as it has transparency. Similarly, instead of EVA3, a different
material having transparency and adhesiveness may also be used.
[0026] Further, although the a-Si thin film solar battery module
has been illustrated by way of example, it is needless to say that
the present invention can be applied to a thin film solar battery
module including a compound semiconductor cell portion. In such a
structure, the printed matter in the solar battery module can be
seen from the back side. Various examples of the solar battery
module having such a structure are shown in FIGS. 2 to 7.
[0027] In the solar battery module shown in FIG. 2, stacked on a
glass substrate 1 are a solar cell portion 2, an EVA3, and a film 4
having a printed desired pattern, the surface of which is then
covered with a transparent resin protection film 5.
[0028] In the solar battery module of FIG. 3, solar cell portion 2,
EVA3 and film 4 are sequentially stacked on glass substrate 1, and
a pattern is printed on the surface of film 4 on its cell portion
side. Note that the pattern may be printed not on film 4 but on the
glass. In this case also, the printing surface may be preferably on
the cell portion side of the glass.
[0029] In the solar battery module of FIG. 4, solar cell portion 2,
EVA3, and film 4 are stacked on glass substrate 1, and a pattern is
directly printed on EVA3, which is then covered by a transparent
film 4. Film 4 in this case may also be replaced by glass.
[0030] In the solar battery module of FIG. 5, an a-Si solar cell
portion 2 and protection film 5 are stacked on the front surface of
substrate 6 such as a metal or film. In addition, EVA3, film 4
having a printed matter of a prescribed pattern, EVA3, and glass 1
are sequentially stacked on the back surface of substrate 6.
Needless to say, a stacked-layered structure similar to that on the
back surface of cell layer 2 of FIGS. 2 to 4 can be formed on the
back surface of substrate 6. In the case where the substrate such
as a metal or film is used, a flexible solar battery module can be
produced for use on a curved surface.
[0031] In the solar cell module of FIG. 6, a solar cell portion 2
and protection film 5 are stacked on substrate 6 of a metal or
film. On the back surface of substrate 6, a prescribed pattern
including an illustration, picture, figure, or character is
printed. Note that the printing surface may be preferably protected
by an additional protection film.
[0032] Although the solar battery module of FIG. 7 is similar to
that of FIG. 1, cell portion 2 of the module of FIG. 7 differs from
that of FIG. 1 in that a plurality of crystal Si type solar cells
are arranged close to one another. Namely, in the module of FIG. 7,
EVA3, solar cell portion 2 including a plurality of crystal cells,
EVA3, film 4, EVA3, and glass 1 are sequentially stacked on glass
substrate 1, and the back surface of the module can be formed with
a design.
Second Embodiment
[0033] In the solar cell module of FIG. 8 according to the second
embodiment of the present invention, a transparent electrode, p
layer formed of a-Si:H, i layer formed of a-Si:H, n layer formed of
a-Si:H, and metal electrode are sequentially stacked to form a thin
film cell portion 2 on glass substrate 1. Then, thin film cell
portion 2 is partially removed by laser to allow partial light
transmission. An a-Si thin film solar battery module using a glass
substrate is generally made in an integrated structure where a
plurality of thin film cells divided by parallel grooves are
electrically connected in series in a direction orthogonal to these
grooves. However, if the light transmissible parts are formed in
parallel with the grooves, such light transmissible parts must be
formed in a plurality of intermittent line forms e.g., in dotted
line forms, not to obstruct current. On the other hand, if the
light transmissible parts are formed in a direction orthogonal to
the grooves, the light transmissible parts need not be formed in
the intermittent line form, but may be formed in continuous line
form. The form of the light transmissible parts is a matter of
designing, and a solar battery module with light transmissible
parts in either form can be manufactured.
[0034] On thin film cell portion 2 thus formed, EVA3, film 4, EVA3,
and glass 1 are sequentially stacked and joined with a prescribed
pressure at 150.degree. C.
[0035] The solar battery module of FIG. 8 thus formed not only has
improved appearance of the back surface, but also finds a variety
of applications, owing to the appearance like a stained glass.
Third Embodiment
[0036] In the solar battery module of FIG. 9 according to the third
embodiment of the present invention, a transparent electrode, p
layer formed of a-Si:H, i layer formed of a-Si:H, n layer formed of
a-Si:H, and metal electrode are sequentially stacked on glass
substrate 1 to form a thin film cell portion 2, which is then
partially removed by laser to allow partial light transmission. An
a-Si:H thin film solar battery module using a glass substrate is
generally made in an integrated structure where a plurality of thin
film cells divided by parallel grooves are electrically connected
in series in a direction orthogonal to the grooves. If the light
transmissible parts are formed in parallel with the grooves, the
light transmissible parts may be formed in a plurality of
intermittent line forms, e.g., dotted line forms, not to obstruct
current. On the other hand, if the light transmissible parts are
formed in the direction orthogonal to the groove, the light
transmissible parts need not be formed in the intermittent line
forms, but may be formed in continuous line forms. The form of the
light transmissible parts is a matter of designing, and a solar
battery module having light transmissible parts in any form can be
manufactured.
[0037] On thin film cell portion 2 thus formed, EVA3, film 4, EVA3,
and glass 1 coated with a highly reflective metal 7 such as Al are
sequentially stacked and joined with a prescribed pressure at
150.degree. C.
[0038] In this case, the light entering the solar battery module is
reflected by a reflection layer 7 and then returns to the front
surface side of the module. Thus, an illustration, picture, figure
or character printed on film 4 can be seen from the front side. As
a result, the appearance of not only the back but the front side of
the module can be improved.
Fourth Embodiment
[0039] The solar battery module of FIG. 10 according to the fourth
embodiment of the present invention is of a type including a cell
portion 2 formed of a plurality of crystal Si type cells arranged
adjacent to one another, and a printed matter such as film 4 is
provided on the front side of cell portion 2. Namely, EVA3, film 4,
EVA3, cell portion 2, EVA 3 and glass 1 are sequentially stacked
and applied on glass substrate 1. In this case, a photoelectric
conversion efficiently is lowered because of the light incident on
cell portion 2 through the printed matter. However, the front
surface appearance of the solar battery module can be improved.
Fifth Embodiment
[0040] Although an illustration, picture, character and so on can
be seen on the back or front surface of the above described solar
battery module, a plurality of modules can be combined to provide a
solar battery array representing an illustration, picture,
character and so on. A solar electricity generating system is
installed on the south side of a roof, occupying a considerable
area. The figures respectively printed on solar battery modules may
not be visually recognized from a great distance. A geometric
pattern may be relatively easy to recognize. However, if a pattern
involves detailed illustrations, such a fine pattern cannot be
visually recognized. In such a case, preferably, a solar battery
module array including a plurality of modules in combination
represents a single design.
Sixth Embodiment
[0041] Although the solar battery module of the present invention
can be installed at various sites, a solar battery module array is
usually formed of modules of uniform size. However, if it is
desired to give a uniform design to the overall roof including the
portion where solar battery modules are not provided, a dummy
module is required to provide a uniform appearance. In such a case,
a dummy module with a printed matter identical to that of the solar
battery module is used to provide uniformity in designing over the
roof in its entirety.
[0042] The structure of such a dummy module is basically the same
as the above described solar battery module. In the dummy module,
the solar cell portion is not included, but a film, a sheet of
paper or the like with a printed cell portion pattern is
inserted.
[0043] If daylighting by means of e.g., roof skylight, is desired,
a variety of illustrations, pictures, figures, characters and so on
can be given to the dummy module to provide excellent
appearance.
[0044] As described above, according to the present invention, the
design on the back side of the solar battery module, which has
conventionally been tasteless, is improved, and the back side can
be displayed in a positive manner.
[0045] In addition, the thin film cell portion of the solar battery
module may be partially removed in line forms, whereby the removed
parts allow partial transmission of light from the light incident
side to the back side of the module. As a result, a printed matter
including an illustration, picture, figure and so on can be finely
illuminated with the transmitted light.
[0046] Moreover, by providing the terminal box, which has
conventionally been provided on the back surface of the solar
battery module, on the side surface of the module, the appearance
on the back side can be prevented from deteriorating.
[0047] Although the present invention has been described and
illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by
way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way
of limitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention being
limited only by the terms of the appended claims.
* * * * *