JP7565864B2 - Solar cell device and solar cell module with drainage member - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a solar cell device and a solar cell module with drainage members.

For example, solar cell devices include those in which a solar cell module is fixed to an installation location, such as the roof of a house or the top of a building, using a fixing means (see, for example, the description in Patent Document 1).

JP 2020-94453 A

There is room for improvement in solar cell devices and solar cell modules in terms of making the light-receiving surface of the solar cell module less susceptible to dirt.

A solar cell device and a solar cell module with a drainage member are disclosed.

One aspect of the solar cell device includes a solar cell module, a support portion supporting the solar cell module, and a fixing portion fixing the solar cell module to the support portion. The solar cell module includes a solar cell panel. The light receiving surface of the solar cell panel is inclined with respect to the horizontal so as to proceed downward as it proceeds in a first direction along the light receiving surface. The fixing portion has a fixing member including a first portion. The first portion extends in a second direction opposite to the first direction and is positioned in a state in which it presses a first end region along the edge of the first direction of the first surface of the light receiving surface side of the solar cell module, thereby sandwiching the solar cell module between the fixing member and the support portion. The fixing member has a first gap including a first region and a second region. When the fixing member is viewed in a plan view in a third direction toward the first surface along the normal line of the first surface, the first region extends from a tip of the first portion in the second direction to an edge of the first surface in the first direction and is positioned so as to expose the first surface. When the fixing member is viewed in a plan view in the third direction, the second region is connected to the first region on the edge and is positioned in a state of penetrating the first portion so that the region in the first direction is more visible than the solar cell module, or is connected to the first region on the edge and is positioned so as to extend to the edge of the fixing member in the first direction . The solar cell module includes a frame positioned along an end of the solar cell panel. The frame includes a fitting portion that fits into the end of the solar cell panel. The fitting portion includes a first plate-shaped portion positioned along the end face of the solar cell panel, a second plate-shaped portion positioned to protrude from the first plate-shaped portion along the light receiving surface, and a third plate-shaped portion positioned to protrude from the first plate-shaped portion along the back surface of the solar cell panel opposite the light receiving surface. When the fixing member is viewed in a plan view in the third direction, the first region is positioned so as to expose the second plate-shaped portion that constitutes a part of the first surface.
One aspect of the solar cell device includes a solar cell module, a support portion supporting the solar cell module, and a fixing portion fixing the solar cell module to the support portion. The solar cell module includes a solar cell panel. The light receiving surface of the solar cell panel is inclined with respect to the horizontal so as to proceed downward as it proceeds in a first direction along the light receiving surface. The fixing portion fixes the solar cell module to the support portion and has a fixing member including a first portion. The first portion has a surface that contacts a first end region along an end of the first direction of the first surface on the light receiving surface side of the solar cell module. The fixing member has a first gap including a first region and a second region. When the fixing member is viewed in a plan view in a third direction toward the first surface along a normal line of the first surface, the first region extends from a tip of the first portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction to an edge of the first surface in the first direction and is positioned so as to expose the first surface. When the fixing member is viewed in a plan view in the third direction, the second region is connected to the first region on the edge and is positioned in a state of penetrating the first portion so that the region in the first direction is more visible than the solar cell module, or is connected to the first region on the edge and is positioned so as to extend to the edge of the fixing member in the first direction. The solar cell module includes a frame positioned along an end of the solar cell panel. The frame includes a fitting portion that fits into the end of the solar cell panel. The fitting portion includes a first plate-shaped portion positioned along the end face of the solar cell panel, a second plate-shaped portion positioned to protrude from the first plate-shaped portion along the light receiving surface, and a third plate-shaped portion positioned to protrude from the first plate-shaped portion along the back surface of the solar cell panel opposite the light receiving surface. When the fixing member is viewed in a plan view in the third direction, the first region is positioned so as to expose the second plate-shaped portion that constitutes a part of the first surface.

One aspect of a solar cell module with a drainage member includes a solar cell module and a drainage member. The solar cell module includes a solar cell panel having a light receiving surface. The drainage member includes a second portion and has a third gap. The second portion is in contact with a second end region along an edge in a first direction of a first surface on the light receiving surface side of the solar cell module and is positioned so as to extend in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The third gap includes a third region and a fourth region. When the drainage member is viewed in a plan view in a third direction toward the first surface along a normal to the first surface, the third region extends from a tip of the second portion in the second direction to an edge of the first surface in the first direction and is positioned so as to expose the first surface. When the drainage member is viewed in plan in the third direction, the fourth region is connected to the third region on the edge and is positioned in a state of penetrating the second portion so that the region in the first direction is more visible than the solar cell module, or is connected to the third region on the edge and is positioned so as to extend to the edge of the drainage member in the first direction . The solar cell module includes a frame positioned along an end of the solar cell panel. The frame includes a fitting portion that fits into the end of the solar cell panel. The fitting portion includes a first plate-like portion positioned along the end face of the solar cell panel, a second plate-like portion positioned to protrude from the first plate-like portion along the light-receiving surface, and a third plate-like portion positioned to protrude from the first plate-like portion along the back surface of the solar cell panel opposite the light-receiving surface. When the drainage member is viewed in plan in the third direction, the third region is positioned so as to expose the second plate-like portion that constitutes at least a part of the first surface.

One aspect of the solar cell device includes a solar cell module with drainage member of the above aspect, a support part that supports the solar cell module with drainage member, and a fixing part that fixes the solar cell module with drainage member to the support part.

For example, the light receiving surface of a solar cell module becomes less susceptible to dirt.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a solar cell device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing an example of the configuration of part II of the solar cell device of FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a configuration in which part II of the solar cell device in FIG. 1 is virtually cut along line III-III. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of part II of the solar cell device of FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a drainage mode from above the light-receiving surface in part II of the solar cell device of FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a change in water surface height at a location along line VI-VI in FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a virtual cross section taken along line III-III of part II of the solar cell device in FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a virtual cross section taken along line III-III of part II of the solar cell device in FIG. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a solar cell device according to a specific example of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a first fixing member in a solar cell device according to a specific example of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a cross section of a frame in a solar cell device according to a specific example of the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a state in which colored water is drained from the light-receiving surface at a first timing in part II of a solar cell device according to one specific example. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the state of drainage of colored water from the light-receiving surface at the second timing in part II of a solar cell device according to one specific example. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the state of drainage of colored water from the light-receiving surface at the third timing in part II of a solar cell device according to one specific example. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the state of drainage of colored water from the light-receiving surface at the fourth timing in part II of a solar cell device according to one specific example. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross section corresponding to a virtual cross section taken along line III-III in part II of FIG. 1 in a solar cell device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a portion corresponding to part II in FIG. 1 in a solar cell device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a solar cell module in a portion corresponding to part II in FIG. 1 in a solar cell device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a portion corresponding to part II in FIG. 1 in a solar cell device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a portion corresponding to part II in FIG. 1 in a solar cell device according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a portion corresponding to part II in FIG. 1 in a solar cell device according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 22 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a portion corresponding to part II in FIG. 1 in a solar cell device according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a portion corresponding to part II in FIG. 1 in a solar cell device according to a seventh embodiment. FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the solar cell device according to the eighth embodiment. FIG. 25 is an enlarged view showing an example of the configuration of part XXV of the solar cell device of FIG. FIG. 26 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the portion XXV of the solar cell device of FIG. FIG. 27 is a plan view showing a modified example of the configuration of the portion XXV of the solar cell device in FIG. FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a virtual cross section taken along line XXVIII-XXVIII of the solar cell device of FIG. 26. As shown in FIG. FIG. 29 is a plan view showing a modified example of the configuration of the portion XXV of the solar cell device in FIG. FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the configuration of the portion XXV of the solar cell device in FIG.

For example, solar cell devices include those in which a solar cell module is fixed to an installation location, such as the roof of a house or the top of a building, using a fixing means.

A typical solar cell module has a frame arranged along the edge of a plate-shaped solar cell panel. The frame has, for example, a fitting portion into which the edge of the solar cell panel is fitted, a flat side wall portion hanging down from the fitting portion, and a flange portion extending from the lower end of the side wall portion so as to be perpendicular to the side wall portion, and has a roughly U-shaped (also called roughly C-shaped) cross section, which is the mainstream on the market.

In a solar cell device having such a solar cell module, for example, rainwater may accumulate in the gap between the solar cell panel and the frame. When the rainwater dries on the light-receiving surface of the solar cell module, the sand, dust, mud, etc. contained in the rainwater may adhere to the light-receiving surface, causing the light-receiving surface of the solar cell module to become dirty. As a result, for example, the power generation efficiency of the solar cell module may decrease.

Here, for example, if the inclination angle of the light receiving surface of the solar cell module relative to the horizontal is small, rainwater is likely to accumulate on the light receiving surface of the solar cell module, and the light receiving surface of the solar cell module is likely to become dirty. Also, even if the solar cell device has a solar cell module of a type that does not have a frame (also called a frameless type), if the inclination angle of the light receiving surface of the solar cell module relative to the horizontal is small, rainwater is likely to accumulate on the light receiving surface of the solar cell module, and the light receiving surface of the solar cell module may be likely to become dirty.

For this reason, for example, there is room for improvement in solar cell devices and solar cell modules in terms of making the light receiving surface of the solar cell module less susceptible to contamination.

Therefore, the inventors of this disclosure have created a technology for solar cell devices and solar cell modules that can make the light receiving surface of the solar cell module less susceptible to dirt.

In this regard, various embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, parts having similar configurations and functions are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted in the following description. The drawings are schematic. A right-handed XYZ coordinate system is provided in Figs. 1 to 30. In this XYZ coordinate system, one direction along the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell panel 21 is the +X direction, a direction along the light receiving surface 21u perpendicular to the +X direction is the +Y direction, and a normal direction of the light receiving surface perpendicular to both the +X direction and the +Y direction is the +Z direction.

<1. First embodiment>
A solar cell device 1 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. FIG.

<1-1. Configuration of the solar cell device>
1 , the solar cell device 1 is fixed to, for example, an installation object 9. The installation object 9 may be, for example, the roof of a building or the outer wall of a structure. The installation object 9 may be, for example, a stand installed on a building, a structure, or the ground. The solar cell device 1 includes, for example, a solar cell module 2, a support portion 3, and a fixing portion 4.

<1-1-1. Solar cell module>
1 to 4, the solar cell module 2 includes a solar cell panel 21 and a frame 22. The solar cell module 2 has a first surface (also referred to as a first surface or an upper surface) 2u facing upward, and a second surface (also referred to as a second surface or a lower surface) 2b facing downward.

<<Solar Panels>>
The solar cell panel 21 has, for example, a light receiving surface 21u. The light receiving surface 21u has a role of mainly receiving light to be used for photoelectric conversion of the solar cell panel 21. The light receiving surface 21u faces, for example, upward or diagonally upward, and can receive sunlight or the like. In the first embodiment, for example, the light receiving surface 21u is a flat surface. The light receiving surface 21u is inclined with respect to, for example, a virtual horizontal surface (also called a horizontal plane). The light receiving surface 21u is inclined with respect to the horizontal so that the height decreases as the light receiving surface 21u advances in a first direction (also called a first direction) D1 along the light receiving surface 21u. In other words, the light receiving surface 21u is inclined with respect to the horizontal so that the height decreases as the light receiving surface 21u advances in the first direction D1 along the light receiving surface 21u. From another perspective, the light receiving surface 21u is inclined with respect to the horizontal so that the light receiving surface 21u advances upward as the light receiving surface 21u advances in a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1 along the light receiving surface 21u. In the first embodiment, the first direction D1 is the -X direction, and the second direction D2 is the +X direction. The light receiving surface 21u is a flat surface along the XY plane. Here, the light receiving surface 21u and the virtual horizontal plane, for example, intersect with each other and have a relationship of being rotated around a virtual rotation axis along the Y axis. The angle at which the light receiving surface 21u is inclined with respect to the virtual horizontal plane (also called the inclination angle) is set to an arbitrary angle of, for example, 1 degree or more. For example, when the installation object 9 is a roof, the inclination angle can be set by the inclination of the roof. When the installation object 9 is a stand, for example, the inclination angle may be set by the stand. The inclination angle of the light receiving surface 21u with respect to the virtual horizontal plane can be measured, for example, by a dial-type angle gradient measuring instrument.

The solar cell panel 21 also has, for example, a back surface 21b opposite to the light receiving surface 21u. In other words, the solar cell panel 21 has, for example, a plate-like shape having the light receiving surface 21u as the upper surface and the back surface 21b as the lower surface. For example, each of the light receiving surface 21u and the back surface 21b is located along the XY plane. The light receiving surface 21u faces, for example, in the +Z direction. The back surface 21b faces, for example, in the -Z direction. The XY plane is inclined with respect to a virtual horizontal plane. More specifically, for example, each of the light receiving surface 21u and the back surface 21b is a rectangular, approximately flat surface. Each of the light receiving surface 21u and the back surface 21b has, for example, a first pair of two sides and a second pair of two sides. Each of the first pair of two sides is located so as to extend, for example, along the X direction. Each of the second pair of two sides is located so as to extend, for example, along the Y direction. The solar panel 21 has, for example, a plurality of end faces 21e. The plurality of end faces 21e has, for example, a first end face 21e1 facing in the -X direction, a second end face facing in the +X direction, a third end face facing in the +Y direction, and a fourth end face facing in the -Y direction.

The solar cell panel 21 includes, for example, a first protective layer, a first sealing layer, a photoelectric conversion unit, a second sealing layer, a second protective layer, and a terminal box, in that order from the light receiving surface 21u side as the upper surface.

The first protective layer is located, for example, on the light receiving surface 21u side of the photoelectric conversion unit. Here, for example, the surface of the first protective layer opposite to the photoelectric conversion unit constitutes the light receiving surface 21u. The first protective layer, for example, has a role of protecting and sealing the photoelectric conversion unit. The first protective layer, for example, has translucency for light of a specific range of wavelengths. The specific range of wavelengths includes, for example, wavelengths of light that can be photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion unit. If the specific range of wavelengths includes wavelengths of light with high irradiation intensity in sunlight, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the solar cell module 2 can be improved. If, for example, glass or a resin such as acrylic or polycarbonate is used as the material of the first protective layer, a first protective layer having translucency can be realized. For example, a material with high light transmittance such as white plate glass, tempered glass, or heat reflective glass having a thickness of about 2 millimeters (mm) to 5 mm is used as the glass. The first protective layer may be, for example, plate-shaped or film-shaped.

The first sealing layer is, for example, located between the first protective layer and the photoelectric conversion unit. The second sealing layer is, for example, located between the photoelectric conversion unit and the second protective layer. In other words, the first sealing layer and the second sealing layer are, for example, filled between the first protective layer and the second protective layer so as to cover the photoelectric conversion unit. The first sealing layer and the second sealing layer have, for example, a role of holding the photoelectric conversion unit and a role of sealing the photoelectric conversion unit. The first sealing layer and the second sealing layer have, for example, translucency similar to the first protective layer. For example, a thermosetting resin is used as the material of the first sealing layer and the second sealing layer. The thermosetting resin contains, for example, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) or polyvinyl butyral (PVB) as a main component. The thermosetting resin may contain a crosslinking agent. Here, the main component means the component with the largest (highest) ratio (also called the content).

The photoelectric conversion unit includes, for example, a plurality of solar cell elements arranged two-dimensionally. For example, the photoelectric conversion unit includes a plurality of solar cell strings and wiring materials that electrically connect adjacent solar cell strings among the plurality of solar cell strings. Each solar cell string includes, for example, a plurality of solar cell elements and a plurality of wiring materials that electrically connect adjacent solar cell elements among the plurality of solar cell elements.

The second protective layer is located, for example, on the back surface 21b side of the photoelectric conversion unit. Here, for example, the surface of the second protective layer opposite the photoelectric conversion unit constitutes the back surface 21b. The second protective layer, for example, has a role of protecting and sealing the photoelectric conversion unit. The second protective layer may, for example, be translucent, or may not be translucent. For example, a flexible sheet-like member (also called a sheet member) or a plate-like member is applied to the second protective layer. For example, a resin is applied as a material for the sheet member. For example, the material, shape and thickness of the plate-like member are similar to those of the first protective layer.

The terminal box can, for example, take out the output obtained by the photoelectric conversion unit to the outside. The terminal box is, for example, located on the back surface 21b. The terminal box is fixed to the back surface 21b using, for example, a resin such as a silicone sealant. The terminal box has, for example, a box body, a terminal board, and a cable. The material of the box body is, for example, modified polyphenylene ether resin (modified PPE resin) or polyphenylene oxide resin (PPO resin). The terminal board is located inside the box body, and wiring material drawn from the photoelectric conversion unit is connected to it. The cable can lead out power to the outside of the box body.

<<Frame>>
The frame 22 is located, for example, along an end of the solar cell panel 21. The frame 22 has a function of, for example, holding the solar cell panel 21 and reinforcing the outer edge of the solar cell panel 21. The frame 22 has a configuration in which a plurality of members (also referred to as frame members) are connected along a plurality of end faces 21e of the solar cell panel 21. For example, a configuration in which one frame member is located along each of the plurality of end faces 21e of the solar cell panel 21 is conceivable. Each frame member can be produced, for example, by extrusion molding of an aluminum alloy.

The frame 22 includes, for example, a portion (also called a fitting portion) 221 that fits into the end of the solar cell panel 21. The fitting portion 221 includes, for example, a first plate-shaped portion 221a, a second plate-shaped portion 221b, and a third plate-shaped portion 221c. The first plate-shaped portion 221a is located, for example, along the end surface 21e of the solar cell panel 21. The second plate-shaped portion 221b is located, for example, so as to protrude from the first plate-shaped portion 221a along the light receiving surface 21u. The third plate-shaped portion 221c is located, for example, so as to protrude from the first plate-shaped portion 221a along the back surface 21b of the solar cell panel 21. For example, in the frame member located along the first end surface 21e1 of the solar cell panel 21, the first plate-shaped portion 221a has a shape along the YZ plane, the second plate-shaped portion 221b has a shape along the XY plane, and the third plate-shaped portion 221c has a shape along the XY plane. Here, for example, the second plate-shaped portion 221b, the first plate-shaped portion 221a, and the third plate-shaped portion 221c form a horizontal U-shaped (also called a C-shaped) fitting portion 221. In the groove-shaped portion of the fitting portion 221, the minute gap between the fitting portion 221 and the end of the solar cell panel 21 is filled with a sealant such as butyl resin.

In the first embodiment, the frame 22 includes, for example, a side wall portion 222 and a flange portion 223. The side wall portion 222 is, for example, a plate-like portion that is positioned so as to hang down from the fitting portion 221. The side wall portion 222 may, for example, form a plate-like portion integral with the first plate-like portion 221a. The flange portion 223 is, for example, a plate-like portion that is positioned so as to face the back surface 21b of the solar cell panel 21 from the lower end of the side wall portion 222 and protrude in a direction perpendicular to the side wall portion 222. For example, in a frame member that is positioned along the first end surface 21e1 of the solar cell panel 21, the side wall portion 222 has a shape along the YZ plane. The flange portion 223 has a shape along the XY plane.

<1-1-2. Support part＞
The support portion 3 supports, for example, the solar cell module 2. For example, the support portion 3 may directly support the solar cell module 2, or may support the solar cell module 2 via another member or the like. For example, if the installation target 9 is a roof, the support unit 3 may be a base fixed to the roof. In the case of a stand, the support portion 3 may be a rail member or the like fixed to the stand.

In the first embodiment, the support unit 3 includes a plurality of pedestals 30. As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of pedestals 30 includes, for example, four pedestals 30. Each pedestal 30 can be fixed to the installation target 9 using, for example, a fastening member or an adhesive. For example, the four pedestals 30 have a similar configuration.

As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, for example, each pedestal 30 is a rectangular tubular member having a hollow portion 3sp penetrating in the X direction. The pedestal 30 has, for example, a bottom portion 31, a pair of side portions 32, and an upper portion 33.

The bottom 31 is, for example, a plate-like portion along the XY plane. More specifically, the bottom 31 has, for example, a rectangular front and back surface, and a longitudinal direction along the X direction. Each of the rectangular front and back surfaces has, for example, a third pair of two sides and a fourth pair of two sides. Each of the third pair of two sides is positioned so as to extend along the X direction. Each of the fourth pair of two sides is positioned so as to extend along the Y direction. The bottom 31 is fixed, for example, to the installation object 9. For example, the bottom 31 can be fixed to the installation object 9 by fastening the bottom 31 to the installation object 9 with a fastening member such as a wood screw inserted into a plurality of through holes 31h that each penetrate the bottom 31 in the Z direction.

The pair of side portions 32 includes, for example, a first side portion 321 and a second side portion 322. Each of the first side portion 321 and the second side portion 322 is a plate-shaped portion along the XZ plane. More specifically, each of the first side portion 321 and the second side portion 322 has, for example, a rectangular front and back surface, and has a longitudinal direction along the X direction. Each of the rectangular front and back surfaces has, for example, a fifth pair of two sides and a sixth pair of two sides. Each of the fifth pair of two sides is positioned so as to extend along the X direction. Each of the sixth pair of two sides is positioned so as to extend along the Z direction. For example, the first side portion 321 is positioned so as to protrude upward from the end of the bottom portion 31 in the -Y direction. The second side portion 322 is positioned so as to protrude upward from the end of the bottom portion 31 in the +Y direction.

The upper portion 33 is, for example, a flange-like portion that faces the bottom portion 31 and protrudes from the upper end of each of the pair of side portions 32. The upper portion 33 has, for example, a pair of plate-like portions along the XY plane that are positioned on either side of the slit portion 3sl in the Y direction.

<1-1-3. Fixed part＞
The fixing portion 4 fixes, for example, the solar cell module 2 to the support portion 3. In the first embodiment, the fixing portion 4 includes, for example, a plurality of fixing members 40. Each fixing member 40 is, for example, These are members (also called clamp members) that fix the solar cell module 2 to the support portion 3. As shown in FIG. 1, the multiple fixing members 40 include, for example, four fixing members 40. The members 40 fix the solar cell module 2 to the base 30 by fastening members such as bolts and nuts. Each fixing member 40 is, for example, a metal member ( Each of the fixing members 40 may be made of aluminum alloy, resin, or the like. The four fixing members 40 are For example, the fixing member 40 includes two first fixing members 40a and two second fixing members 40b. The two first fixing members 40a have a similar configuration. The two second fixing members 40b have a similar configuration. It has a configuration.

<<First fixing member>>
As shown in Fig. 1, the first fixing member 40a fixes the solar cell module 2 to the support portion 3, for example, at the end side of the solar cell module 2 in the first direction D1 (here, the -X direction). As shown in Figs. 2 to 4, the first fixing member 40a includes, for example, at least a pressing portion 41 as a first portion. In the first embodiment, the first fixing member 40a includes, for example, a connecting portion 42 and a base portion 43. Also, in the first embodiment, the first fixing member 40a includes, for example, a protruding portion 44. Here, for example, the first fixing member 40a is a member in which the pressing portion 41, the connecting portion 42, the base portion 43, and the protruding portion 44 are integrated together.

The pressing portion 41 is positioned so as to extend in the second direction D2 (here, +X direction) opposite to the first direction D1 (here, -X direction). The pressing portion 41 is positioned in a state where it presses the region (also called the first end region) 2ua along the edge of the first direction D1 (here, -X direction) of the first surface 2u on the light receiving surface 21u side of the solar cell module 2. As a result, for example, the pressing portion 41 is in a state where it is clamping the solar cell module 2 between itself and the support part 3. Also, for example, the surface of the pressing portion 41 on the first end region 2ua side is positioned along the first end region 2ua and is in contact with the first end region 2ua. Here, for example, the first surface 2u on the light receiving surface 21u side of the solar cell module 2 includes the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell panel 21 and the surface (also called the frame upper surface) 22u facing upward of the frame 22. In the first embodiment, for example, the pressing portion 41 is a plate-like portion along the XY plane. More specifically, for example, the pressing portion 41 is a plate-like portion having rectangular upper and lower surfaces with a pair of two side surfaces extending along the X direction and one tip (also called the first tip) 41fe extending along the Y direction. The first end region 2ua is, for example, a region included in the frame upper surface 22u located along the edge of the first surface 2u in the first direction D1. More specifically, for example, the first end region 2ua is a region on the first plate-like portion 221a located along the edge of the first direction D1 (here, the -X direction) of the frame 22. The pressing portion 41 presses the first end region 2ua, for example, toward the first surface 2u along the normal line of the first surface 2u (also called the third direction) D3. In the first embodiment, the third direction D3 is the -Z direction. The width of the pressing portion 41 in the Y direction is, for example, about 10 mm to about 100 mm. The thickness of the pressing portion 41 in the Z direction is, for example, about 1 mm to about 10 mm.

The connecting portion 42 is, for example, a portion that is positioned to connect the pressing portion 41 and the base portion 43. The connecting portion 42 is, for example, positioned to extend from the pressing portion 41 toward the base 30. More specifically, for example, the connecting portion 42 is positioned to extend from the end of the pressing portion 41 in the first direction D1 (here, the -X direction) to above the base 30. In the first embodiment, for example, the connecting portion 42 is a plate-shaped portion along the YZ plane. In other words, for example, the connecting portion 42 is positioned to hang down from the end of the pressing portion 41 in the first direction D1 (here, the -X direction) in the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction). The width of the connecting portion 42 in the Y direction is, for example, about 10 mm to about 100 mm. The thickness of the connecting portion 42 in the X direction is, for example, about 1 mm to about 10 mm.

The base portion 43 is, for example, a portion disposed on the pedestal 30. The base portion 43 is, for example, located along the pedestal 30 from the connecting portion 42. In the first embodiment, for example, the base portion 43 is a plate-shaped portion along the XY plane. In other words, for example, the base portion 43 is located so as to protrude in the first direction D1 (here, the -Z direction) from the end of the connecting portion 42 in the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction). Here, for example, the pressing portion 41, the connecting portion 42, and the base portion 43 have a shape such that a single plate forms a step portion. The width of the base portion 43 in the Y direction is, for example, about 10 mm to about 100 mm. The thickness of the base portion 43 in the Z direction is, for example, about 1 mm to about 10 mm.

The protruding portion 44 is positioned so as to protrude from the pressing portion 41 along the end face 2e of the solar cell module 2 in the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction). In the first embodiment, for example, the end face 2e of the solar cell module 2 is configured by the outer peripheral surface 22e of the frame 22. The protruding portion 44 is positioned so as to abut against the outer peripheral surface 22e of the frame 22 as the end face 2e of the solar cell module 2. Here, the end face 2e of the solar cell module 2 is, for example, an end face located in the first direction D1 (here, the -X direction) of the solar cell module 2. In the first embodiment, for example, the end face 2e of the solar cell module 2 is an end face of the outer peripheral surface 22e of the frame 22 in the first direction D1 (here, the -X direction). The width of the protruding portion 44 in the Y direction is, for example, about 10 mm to about 100 mm. The thickness of the protruding portion 44 in the X direction is, for example, about 1 mm to about 10 mm.

In the first embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the male threaded portion of the bolt B1 inserted into the through hole 41h of the pressing portion 41 is engaged with the female threaded portion 5h of the member (also called a fastener) 5 arranged in the hollow portion 3sp of the base 30 via the slit portion 3sl of the base 30. For example, a ring-shaped washer Ws1 such as a washer may be arranged between the head of the bolt B1 and the pressing portion 41. The bolt B1, the fastener 5 and the washer Ws1 may be made of a metal such as stainless steel.

By using the first fixing member 40a having the above configuration, the solar cell module 2 can be fixed to the pedestal 30, for example, in the following procedure. For example, first, the solar cell module 2 is placed on the upper part 33 of the pedestal 30. Next, for example, the male threaded part of the bolt B1 inserted into the through hole 41h of the pressing part 41 is engaged with the female threaded part 5h of the fastener 5, and the distance between the base part 43 and the fastener 5 is greater than the thickness of the upper part 33 of the pedestal 30, and the first fixing member 40a, the fastener 5, and the bolt B1 are moved in the second direction D2 (here, the +X direction). At this time, for example, the bolt B1 is inserted into the slit part 3sl of the pedestal 30, the base part 43 is positioned on the upper part 33 of the pedestal 30, and the fastener 5 is positioned in the hollow part 3sp of the pedestal 30. Next, for example, the first fixing member 40a, the fastener 5, and the bolt B1 are further moved in the second direction D2 (here, the +X direction) until the pressing portion 41 is positioned on the first end region 2ua of the solar cell module 2 and the protruding portion 44 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 22e of the frame 22, which is the end surface 2e of the solar cell module 2. In this state, for example, the bolt B1 is rotated so that the distance between the head of the bolt B1 and the fastener 5 is shortened, so that the pressing portion 41 is pressing the first end region 2ua of the solar cell module 2. This allows the solar cell module 2 to be fixed to the base 30, for example.

The first fixing member 40a also has, for example, a first gap (also referred to as the first gap) 4s. For example, a long and narrow gap is applied to the first gap 4s. The first gap 4s is formed, for example, by a slit-shaped portion of the first fixing member 40a. In the first embodiment, for example, the pressing portion 41 of the first fixing member 40a has the first gap 4s. More specifically, for example, the pressing portion 41 has the first gap 4s penetrating the pressing portion 41 in the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction). The first gap 4s includes, for example, a first region (also referred to as the first region) 4s1 and a second region (also referred to as the second region) 4s2. Here, for example, the first gap 4s continues from the first region 4s1 on the solar cell module 2 to the second region 4s2 on the outer side of the solar cell module 2.

Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that the first fixing member 40a is viewed in a plan view in the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction) toward the first surface 2u along the normal line of the first surface 2u. In this case, the first region 4s1 is positioned so as to expose the first surface 2u, for example, while extending from the first tip 41fe in the second direction D2 (here, the +X direction) of the pressing portion 41 to the edge portion 2ue in the first direction D1 (here, the -X direction) of the first surface 2u. In the first embodiment, the first region 4s1 is positioned so as to expose, for example, the second plate-shaped portion 221b of the frame 22 constituting a part of the first surface 2u. Here, for example, the first region 4s1 is open in the second direction D2 (here, the +X direction) and is positioned so as to penetrate the pressing portion 41 in the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction). In addition, the second region 4s2 is connected to the first region 4s1 on the edge 2ue and is positioned in a state where it penetrates the pressing portion 41 so that the region in the first direction D1 (here, the -X direction) is visible from the solar cell module 2. In other words, for example, the solar cell module 2 is not positioned below the second region 4s2. Here, for example, the second region 4s2 is connected to the first region 4s1 in the second direction D2 (here, the +X direction) and is positioned so as to penetrate the pressing portion 41 in the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction).

In the first embodiment, the first gap 4s is positioned so as to extend linearly in the first direction D1 (here, the -X direction), for example. The width of the first gap 4s in the Y direction is, for example, about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The first gap 4s may be formed, for example, when the first fixing member 40a is manufactured by extrusion molding of an aluminum alloy or resin molding, or may be formed by a cutting process using a mold, a cutting process, or the like.

<<Second fixing member>>
1, the second fixing member 40b fixes the solar cell module 2 to the support portion 3, for example, at the end side in the second direction D2 (here, the +X direction) of the solar cell module 2. The second fixing member 40b has, for example, a configuration similar to that of the first fixing member 40a. In the first embodiment, for example, the second fixing member 40b has a configuration similar to that of the first fixing member 40a, except for the first gap 4s. In addition, for example, the first fixing member 40a and the second fixing member 40b have a plane-symmetrical relationship with respect to the YZ plane.

<1-2. Drainage from the first surface>
For example, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, assume that water W0 is disposed on the first surface 2u of the solar cell module 2. In Figures 5 and 6, the water W0 is hatched in a sandy pattern. In this case, for example, water is likely to accumulate in the step portion 2s formed between the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell panel 21 and the frame 22. Also, for example, if the angle (tilt angle) at which the light receiving surface 21u is inclined with respect to a virtual horizontal plane is small, as shown by the thin two-dot chain arrow in Figure 5, the water W0 may flow down from the first surface 2u of the solar cell module 2 through the outer peripheral surface 22e of the frame 22 as the end surface 2e, but the water W0 tends to remain on the first surface 2u of the solar cell module 2.

In contrast, in the first embodiment, for example, the presence of the first gap 4s in the first fixing member 40a can promote the drainage of water W0 from the first surface 2u by the action of capillary action or the like. Capillary action is generally known to be a phenomenon in which, for example, when a thin tube is placed on the water surface, the water level inside the tube becomes higher than the water level outside the tube. A similar phenomenon can also occur between two opposing surfaces that form a narrow gap. Capillary action can be caused by, for example, the surface tension of water, the adhesive force of water to the wetted material as the wettability of the wetted material, and the cohesive force as the force that attracts water to itself.

For example, if the first gap 4s exists in the first fixing member 40a, as shown in FIG. 6, the water level may rise more by capillary action in the groove-like portion (also called the water channel portion) Gr1 between the two opposing inner wall surfaces Sw1 that form the first gap 4s of the first fixing member 40a on the first surface 2u of the solar cell module 2 than in other portions. The other portions include, for example, portions on the frame top surface 22u that are distant from the first fixing member 40a and portions close to the end faces Sw2 of the first fixing member 40a in the +Y and -Y directions.

For example, water attracts each other by cohesive force and tries to maintain a state in which the water is continuously present. Here, in the first embodiment, for example, the water channel portion Gr1 formed by the first gap 4s continues from the first region 4s1 on the solar cell module 2 to the second region 4s2 outside the solar cell module 2. For this reason, for example, the water W0 on the first surface 2u of the solar cell module 2 can be guided from the first region 4s1 to the second region 4s2 and fall by gravity in the second region 4s2. And, for example, in the water channel portion Gr1, once a flow F0 of water W0 that falls by gravity from the solar cell module 2 through the first region 4s1 and the second region 4s2 is generated, the flow F0 of the water W0 can be maintained by the cohesive force of the water W0. This can promote drainage from the solar cell module 2, for example. As a result, for example, the amount of water W0 that dries on the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell module 2 is reduced, and the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell module 2 is less likely to become dirty.

In the first embodiment, for example, the water W0 is rounded and tends to accumulate in the step portion 2s formed between the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell panel 21 and the frame 22. Even in such a case, for example, in the water channel portion Gr1, once a flow F0 of the water W0 is generated that falls by gravity from the solar cell module 2 through the first region 4s1 and the second region 4s2, the flow F0 of the water W0 can be maintained by the cohesive force of the water W0. This can promote drainage from the solar cell module 2, for example. Also, for example, even if the water level of the water W0 on the solar cell module 2 becomes low, drainage from the solar cell module 2 through the first gap 4s can be continued within a range where the influence of the adhesive force of the water W0 is exerted and the continuity of the water is maintained due to the cohesive force of the water W0. This can promote drainage from the solar cell module 2, for example. As a result, for example, the amount of water W0 that dries on the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell module 2 is reduced, and the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell module 2 is less likely to become dirty.

In addition, for example, the first gap 4s of the first fixing member 40a is open toward the top, and rainwater is likely to collide into the first gap 4s while having the kinetic energy of natural fall. As a result, for example, even if dirt such as sand, dust, and mud is present in the first gap 4s, the dirt such as sand, dust, and mud in the first gap 4s is likely to be washed away by the rainwater. As a result, for example, the first gap 4s is less likely to become clogged with dirt, hindering the promotion of drainage through the first gap 4s.

In addition, for example, the first gap 4s of the first fixing member 40a is open toward the top, making it easy to see inside the first gap 4s from outside the solar cell device 1. This makes it easy to clean the first gap 4s, for example, with running water and brushing, and can facilitate maintenance of the solar cell device 1.

Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, in the frame 22, the second plate-shaped portion 221b may have an inclined portion Sl1 at the end portion on the tip portion Ef1 side of the second plate-shaped portion 221b opposite the first plate-shaped portion 221a. For example, the inclined portion Sl1 may have a portion whose thickness decreases toward the tip portion Ef1 and closer to the light receiving surface 21u. And, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the first fixing member 40a is viewed in a plan view in the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction), the pressing portion 41 as the first portion may be positioned so as to cover at least a part of the inclined portion Sl1.

If such a configuration is adopted, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, the inclined portion Sl1 makes it easier for the water W0 accumulated in the step portion 2s to come into contact with the water film that is generated when the water W0 is drawn into the minute gap that exists at the corner C1 where the first gap 4s and the frame 22 meet by capillary action. As a result, for example, the water W0 accumulated in the step portion 2s is more likely to be drawn into the first gap 4s by the cohesive force of water, and a flow of water that falls by gravity from the step portion 2s through the first region 4s1 and the second region 4s2 is more likely to occur. For this reason, for example, drainage from the solar cell module 2 can be promoted. As a result, for example, the amount of water W0 that dries on the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell module 2 is reduced, and the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell module 2 is less likely to become dirty.

In addition, for example, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 7, when the first fixing member 40a is viewed in a plan view in the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction), the second region 4s2 may be located up to the protruding portion 44. Here, for example, a mode in which the second region 4s2 extends in a slit shape from the upper end to the lower end of the protruding portion 44 in the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction) is considered. If such a configuration is adopted, for example, by fixing the solar cell module 2 to the support portion 3 by the first fixing member 40a in a state in which the protruding portion 44 is abutted against the outer peripheral surface 22e of the frame 22 as the end surface 2e of the solar cell module 2, the opening portion of the second region 4s2 in the gravity direction is less likely to be blocked by the solar cell module 2. As a result, for example, the work of fixing the solar cell module 2 to the support portion 3 can be easily performed so that the drainage path from the solar cell module 2 formed by the first gap 4s of the first fixing member 40a is not blocked. Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, since the second region 4s2 is located up to the protruding portion 44, water is drawn into the minute gaps present in the corners C2 where the second region 4s2 in the protruding portion 44 and the outer peripheral surface 22e of the frame 22 as the end surface 2e of the solar cell module 2 meet by capillary action, forming a water film. As a result, for example, when the water W0 that has flowed into the first region 4s1 comes into contact with this water film, the water is easily drawn into the second region 4s2 in the protruding portion 44 by the cohesive force of the water, and the flow of water that falls by gravity from the light receiving surface 21u through the first region 4s1 and the second region 4s2 is more likely to occur. For this reason, for example, drainage from the solar cell module 2 can be promoted. As a result, for example, the amount of water W0 that dries on the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell module 2 is reduced, and the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell module 2 is less likely to become dirty.

<1-3. Specific example of drainage from the first surface>
Here, an example of the results of observing the drainage behavior from the first surface 2u serving as the upper surface of the solar cell module 2 using the solar cell device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Also, as a reference example, an example of the results of observing the drainage behavior from the first surface 2u serving as the upper surface of the solar cell module 2 will be described using a solar cell device according to a reference example in which the first gap 4s is not provided in the first fixing member 40a based on the solar cell device 1 according to the first embodiment.

<1-3-1. Solar cell device according to one specific example>
Here, as the solar cell device 1 according to the first embodiment, a solar cell device 1 according to a specific example having a configuration as shown in Figs. 9 to 11 was used.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, a solar cell module 2 was used in which the length L1 in the first direction D1 (here, the -X direction) was 990 mm and the width W1 in the Y direction was 1680 mm. The light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell panel 21 was a flat glass surface. The angle (tilt angle) θ at which the light receiving surface 21u is inclined with respect to a virtual horizontal plane was set to 2 degrees. The solar cell module 2 was fixed to the support 3 by fixing two points located at the end of the frame 22 in the first direction D1 (here, the -X direction) to two pedestals 30 with two first fixing members 40a, and fixing two points located at the end of the frame 22 in the second direction D2 (here, the +X direction) to two pedestals 30 with two second fixing members 40b. The interval G1 in the Y direction between the two first fixing members 40a was set to 1280 mm. The interval in the Y direction between the two second fixing members 40b was set to 1280 mm. The material of the frame 22 was an aluminum alloy. The surface of the frame 22 was anodized and then clear-coated with acrylic paint.

As shown in FIG. 10, the width W2 of the first fixing member 40a in the Y direction was set to 80 mm. The thickness T1 of the first fixing member 40a was set to 3.5 mm. The length L3a of the portion of the pressing portion 41 that protrudes in the second direction D2 (here, the +X direction) beyond the protruding portion 44 was set to 10 mm. A first gap 4s that exists up to the protruding portion 44 was provided in the center of the pressing portion 41 in the Y direction. The length L3 of the first gap 4s in the first direction D1 (here, the -X direction) was set to 14 mm. The width W3 of the first gap 4s in the Y direction was set to 4.5 mm. The second fixing member 40b was set to a member having a configuration and dimensions in which the first gap 4s does not exist in the first fixing member 40a. The material of each of the first fixing member 40a and the second fixing member 40b was an aluminum alloy. The surfaces of the first fixing member 40a and the second fixing member 40b, except for the end faces, were anodized and then coated with a clear coat of acrylic paint.

As shown in FIG. 11, the length L4a of the flat portion of the frame upper surface 22u in the second direction D2 (here, the +X direction) was set to 7 mm. The length L4b of the inclined portion Sl1 located on the tip portion Ef1 side of the second plate-like portion 221b in the second direction D2 (here, the +X direction) was set to 3 mm. Therefore, the length L4 of the frame upper surface 22u in the second direction D2 (here, the +X direction) was set to 10 mm. The thickness T2 of the portion of the second plate-like portion 221b that constitutes the flat frame upper surface 22u in the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction) was set to 1.6 mm, and the thickness T3 of the tip portion Ef1 in the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction) was set to 1 mm. A butyl resin having a thickness of about 0.1 mm was interposed between the surface (lower surface) of the second plate-like portion 221b facing the third direction D3 (-Z direction) and the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell panel 21.

The protruding portion 44 of the first fixing member 40a abuts against the outer peripheral surface 22e of the frame 22 as the end surface 2e of the solar cell module 2, and the surface (lower surface) of the pressing portion 41 of the first fixing member 40a facing the third direction D3 (-Z direction) abuts against the flat portion of the frame upper surface 22u. Therefore, when the first fixing member 40a is viewed in plan in the third direction D3 (-Z direction here), the pressing portion 41 covers the second plate-shaped portion 221b so that the position of the first tip 41fe of the pressing portion 41 and the position of the tip portion Ef1 of the second plate-shaped portion 221b in the second direction D2 (+X direction here) are approximately the same. Therefore, in the first gap 4s, the length of the first region 4s1 in the first direction D1 (-X direction here) was 10 mm, and the length of the second region 4s2 in the first direction D1 (-X direction here) was 4 mm.

<1-3-2. Solar cell device according to a reference example>
As a solar cell device according to one reference example, a solar cell device was used that was based on the solar cell device 1 according to the specific example described above, and had a configuration in which a second fixing member 40b that does not have a first gap 4s was adopted instead of the first fixing member 40a.

<1-3-3. Observation conditions for drainage behavior>
9, the solar cell device 1 according to one specific example was installed outdoors, and 500 milliliters (ml) of colored water was slowly supplied to a location (also called a supply location) P1 about 750 mm from one of the first fixing members 40a on the light-receiving surface 21u in the second direction D2 (here, the +X direction). Here, the time elapsed from the point when the supply of the colored water started (also called the supply start point) was measured, and the state in which the colored water was drained from the light-receiving surface 21u was observed.

More specifically, water colored with white watercolor paint was used as the colored water. 500 ml of colored water was poured onto the supply point P1 over about 5 seconds by tilting the beaker in the first direction D1 (here, the -X direction) from a position 10 centimeters (cm) directly above the supply point P1 on the light-receiving surface 21u. At this time, the colored water spreads in an approximately circular shape around the supply point P1 on the light-receiving surface 21u, has a width of about 200 mm in the Y direction centered on a virtual line connecting one first fixing member 40a and the supply point P1 along the first direction D1 (here, the -X direction), and forms a gentle flow toward the first direction (here, the -X direction) as the inclination direction of the light-receiving surface 21u. The width of the colored water flow was maximum at the frame upper surface 22u, and the colored water reached the vicinity of the midpoint between the two first fixing members 40a.

The solar cell device according to the reference example was also installed outdoors, and under the same conditions as those for the solar cell device 1 according to the specific example, 500 ml of colored water was slowly supplied to the supply point P1, and the time elapsed from the point at which the colored water started to be supplied was measured while observing the state in which the colored water was drained from the light-receiving surface 21u. Here, the supply point P1 was a point approximately 750 mm in the second direction D2 (here, the +X direction) from the second fixing member 40b used in place of one of the first fixing members 40a on the light-receiving surface 21u.

The observation of the drainage behavior using both the solar cell device 1 according to the specific example and the solar cell device according to the reference example was carried out under an environment of clear weather, a temperature of 21°C, a humidity of 59%, and a wind speed of 2 meters (m) per second or less.

<1-3-4. Observation results of drainage behavior in a solar cell device according to one specific example>
12 to 15 are schematic diagrams showing drainage states of the colored water Wc0 from the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell device 1 according to a specific example at first to fourth timings. In FIG. 12 to FIG. 15, the colored water Wc0 is hatched in a sandy pattern.

<0 to 50 seconds after supply begins>
During the period from the start of supplying the colored water Wc0 to the supply location P1 until 50 seconds later, the colored water Wc0 flowed gently from the supply location P1 on the light receiving surface 21u toward the first direction D1. Next, the colored water Wc0, which exceeded the capacity that could be stored in the step portion 2s formed between the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell panel 21 and the frame 22, flowed down from the end of the first direction D1 on the first surface 2u as the upper surface of the solar cell module 2. At this time, a flow F0 of the colored water Wc0 flowing down by gravity through the water channel portion Gr1 formed by the first gap 4s of the first fixing member 40a was also observed. Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the colored water Wc0 was raised by surface tension at the end of the first direction D1 on the first surface 2u as the upper surface of the solar cell module 2, and the colored water Wc0 hardly flowed down. At this time, a flow F0 of the colored water Wc0 flowing down due to gravity through the water channel portion Gr1 formed by the first gap 4s of the first fixing member 40a was continuously observed. Also, thin streams F1 of the colored water Wc0 flowing down were occasionally observed in various places at the end of the first direction D1 on the first surface 2u as the upper surface of the solar cell module 2.

<50 to 100 seconds after supply begins>
During the period from 50 seconds to 100 seconds after the start of supplying the colored water Wc0 to the supply location P1, as shown in FIG. 13, the depth of the colored water Wc0 near the step portion 2s on the light receiving surface 21u appeared to be approximately equal to the thickness T3 of the tip portion Ef1 of the frame 22. At this time, a flow F0 of the colored water Wc0 flowing down by gravity through the water channel portion Gr1 formed by the first gap 4s of the first fixing member 40a was continuously observed. Meanwhile, the thin flow F1 of the colored water Wc0 flowing down in places at the end of the first direction D1 on the first surface 2u as the upper surface of the solar cell module 2 was no longer observed. Here, when the outer peripheral surface 22e of the frame 22 was visually observed, if there was a fluctuation in the reflection of light in the part wetted by the colored water Wc0, it was determined that a flow of the colored water Wc0 was occurring. On the other hand, when the end surface 2e of the frame 22 is visually observed, if there is no fluctuation in the reflection of light in the portion wetted by the colored water Wc0, it is determined that no flow of the colored water Wc0 is occurring.

<100 to 120 seconds after supply begins>
During the period from 100 seconds to 120 seconds after the start of supply of the colored water Wc0 to the supply location P1, as shown in FIG. 14, a flow F0 of the colored water Wc0 was continuously observed flowing down due to gravity through the water channel portion Gr1 formed by the first gap 4s of the first fixing member 40a. It was also observed that the depth of the colored water Wc0 began to clearly decrease around the first fixing member 40a on the light receiving surface 21u. In other words, on the light receiving surface 21u, the colored water Wc0 had a thin water film Wc1 generated around the first fixing member 40a and a water film Wc2 thicker than the water film Wc1 located around the water film Wc1. The cause of the thin water film Wc1 is considered to be that, even if the colored water Wc0 is drained through the water channel portion Gr1 formed by the first gap 4s of the first fixing member 40a on the light receiving surface 21u around the first fixing member 40a, the colored water Wc0 is difficult to immediately supply due to the adhesion of the colored water Wc0 to the light receiving surface 21u and the viscosity of the colored water Wc0. Here, it was observed that the width of the thin water film Wc1 in the Y direction expanded to a maximum of about 40 cm.

<120 to 165 seconds after supply begins>
During the period from 120 seconds to 165 seconds after the start of supplying the colored water Wc0 to the supplying portion P1, the colored water Wc0 was not present around the first fixing member 40a on the light receiving surface 21u, and an exposed portion (also called an exposed portion) Ex1 of the light receiving surface 21u was observed to begin to appear. Then, around the first fixing member 40a on the light receiving surface 21u, the exposed portion Ex1 of the light receiving surface 21u was gradually expanded. At this time, as shown in FIG. 15, a flow F0 of the colored water Wc0 flowing down by gravity through the water channel portion Gr1 formed by the first gap 4s of the first fixing member 40a was also continuously observed. Here, a thin water film streak remained continuously in the portion along the step portion 2s between the frame 22 and the light receiving surface 21u, and it was inferred that the flow F0 was continuously generated by the colored water Wc0 moving little by little along the thin water film streak. It was inferred that the drainage of the colored water Wc0 from the light-receiving surface 21u by this flow F0, the drying of the colored water Wc0 on the light-receiving surface 21u, and the cohesive force of the colored water Wc0 gradually expanded the exposed portion Ex1 of the light-receiving surface 21u around the first fixing member 40a on the light-receiving surface 21u.

<165 seconds after supply begins>
During the period from 165 seconds after the start of supply of the colored water Wc0 to the supply location P1, the exposed portion Ex1 of the light-receiving surface 21u was gradually expanded around the first fixing member 40a on the light-receiving surface 21u. However, the speed at which the exposed portion Ex1 of the light-receiving surface 21u expanded was gradually decreased, and the colored water Wc0 was left in the portion of the light-receiving surface 21u away from the first fixing member 40a.

<1-3-5. Observation results of drainage behavior in a solar cell device according to a reference example>
<0 to 50 seconds after supply begins>
During the period from the start of supplying the colored water Wc0 to the supply location P1 to 50 seconds later, the flow and state of the colored water Wc0 were observed similar to those of the solar cell device 1 according to the specific example described above, except for the flow F0. Specifically, first, on the light receiving surface 21u, the colored water Wc0 flowed gently from the supply location P1 toward the first direction D1. Next, the colored water Wc0, which exceeded the capacity that could be stored in the step portion 2s formed between the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell panel 21 and the frame 22, flowed down from the end of the first direction D1 on the first surface 2u as the upper surface of the solar cell module 2. Next, at the end of the first direction D1 on the first surface 2u as the upper surface of the solar cell module 2, the colored water Wc0 was raised by surface tension, and the colored water Wc0 hardly flowed down. In addition, thin flows F1 of the colored water Wc0 flowing down were sometimes observed in various places at the end of the first direction D1 on the first surface 2u as the upper surface of the solar cell module 2.

<270 seconds after supply begins>
270 seconds after the start of the supply of colored water Wc0 to the supply location P1, the depth of the colored water Wc0 near the step portion 2s on the light receiving surface 21u appeared to be approximately the same as the thickness T3 of the tip portion Ef1 of the frame 22.

<360 seconds after supply begins>
360 seconds after the start of supplying the colored water Wc0 to the supply location P1, the depth of the colored water Wc0 near the step 2s on the light receiving surface 21u remained approximately equal to the thickness T3 of the tip Ef1 of the frame 22, and the light receiving surface 21u began to be exposed in an area of the light receiving surface 21u about 200 mm away from the tip Ef1 of the frame 22 in the second direction D2. Here, it was presumed that the colored water Wc0 pooled in the second direction D2 of the step 2s on the light receiving surface 21u moved little by little in the first direction D1 due to gravity acting on the water or the cohesive force of the water, resulting in the exposed portion of the light receiving surface 21u. Here, when the outer peripheral surface 22e of the frame 22 was visually observed, if there was no fluctuation in the reflection of light in the part wetted by the colored water Wc0, it was determined that no flow of the colored water Wc0 was occurring.

<360 seconds after supply begins>
During the period from 360 seconds after the start of supply of the colored water Wc0 to the supply location P1, no noticeable movement of the colored water Wc0 on the light-receiving surface 21u was observed. For this reason, it was inferred that the colored water Wc0 on the light-receiving surface 21u gradually disappeared thereafter due to drying caused by evaporation.

<1-3-6. Comparison of drainage patterns>
As described above, in one specific example of a solar cell device 1, during the period from the start of the supply of colored water Wc0 to the supply location P1 to 165 seconds later, exposed portions Ex1 of the light-receiving surface 21u began to appear around the first fixing member 40a on the light-receiving surface 21u due to the drainage of the colored water Wc0, and the exposed portions Ex1 were observed to expand.

On the other hand, in the solar cell device according to one reference example, even after 360 seconds had passed since the start of the supply of colored water Wc0 to the supply location P1, the colored water Wc0 was observed to remain in the second direction D2 of the stepped portion 2s on the light receiving surface 21u, including around the second fixing member 40b arranged in place of the first fixing member 40a in the first direction D1.

In other words, in the solar cell device 1 according to the specific example, the drainage of the colored water Wc0 from the light receiving surface 21u was clearly promoted more than in the solar cell device according to the reference example.

For this reason, it was presumed that in the solar cell device according to the reference example, more colored water Wc0 is likely to remain on the light receiving surface 21u for a longer period of time than in the solar cell device 1 according to the specific example, and that more of the colored water Wc0 is lost due to drying. Here, if the colored water Wc0 is rainwater containing sand, dust, mud, etc., it was presumed that the rainwater dries on the light receiving surface 21u, causing dirt on the light receiving surface 21u. In contrast, in the solar cell device 1 according to the specific example, drainage from the light receiving surface 21u is clearly promoted more than in the solar cell device according to the reference example, so the amount of rainwater that dries on the light receiving surface 21u is reduced, and it was presumed that dirt is less likely to occur on the light receiving surface 21u.

<1-4. Summary of the first embodiment>
In the solar cell device 1 according to the first embodiment, for example, the presence of the first gap 4s in the first fixing member 40a can promote drainage from the first surface 2u by the action of capillary action or the like. Here, for example, the water channel portion Gr1 formed by the first gap 4s continues from the first region 4s1 on the solar cell module 2 to the second region 4s2 outside the solar cell module 2, so that the water on the first surface 2u of the solar cell module 2 can be guided from the first region 4s1 to the second region 4s2 and can fall by gravity in the second region 4s2. Then, for example, once a flow F0 of water W0 is generated in the water channel portion Gr1, which falls by gravity from the solar cell module 2 through the first region 4s1 and the second region 4s2, the flow F0 of the water W0 can be maintained by the cohesive force of the water W0. This can promote drainage from the solar cell module 2, for example. As a result, for example, the amount of water W0 that dries on the light-receiving surface 21u of the solar cell module 2 is reduced, and the light-receiving surface 21u of the solar cell module 2 is less likely to become dirty.

In addition, in the solar cell device 1 according to the first embodiment, for example, the first gap 4s of the first fixing member 40a is open toward the top. Therefore, rainwater is likely to collide into the first gap 4s while having the kinetic energy of natural fall. As a result, even if dirt such as sand, dust, and mud is present in the first gap 4s, the dirt such as sand, dust, and mud in the first gap 4s is likely to be washed away by the rainwater. As a result, for example, the first gap 4s is less likely to become clogged with dirt, hindering the promotion of drainage through the first gap 4s.

In addition, in the solar cell device 1 according to the first embodiment, for example, the first gap 4s of the first fixing member 40a is open toward the top, so that the inside of the first gap 4s can be easily seen from outside the solar cell device 1. This makes it easy to clean the first gap 4s, for example, with running water and brushing, and can facilitate maintenance of the solar cell device 1.

2. Other embodiments
The present disclosure is not limited to the first embodiment described above, and various modifications and improvements are possible without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

<2-1. Second embodiment>
In the first embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 16, a water-repellent film (also called a water-repellent film) 21f may be located in at least the region along the second plate-shaped portion 221b of the light-receiving surface 21u. For example, a film having a contact angle of a water droplet with respect to the film of 70 degrees or more is used as the water-repellent film 21f. For example, a resin having water repellency and light transmission properties (also called a water-repellent resin), such as a fluororesin or a silicone resin, is used as the material for the water-repellent film 21f. For example, the water-repellent film 21f can be formed by applying a raw material liquid containing a water-repellent resin onto the first protective layer having light transmission properties of the solar cell panel 21 by a spray method or the like and then drying the applied liquid. Here, the water-repellent film 21f may be located, for example, over the entire light-receiving surface 21u, or may be located in a part of the light-receiving surface 21u near the end portion.

For example, if the water-repellent film 21f is present on the light-receiving surface 21u, as shown in FIG. 16, the contact angle of the accumulated water W0 with the light-receiving surface 21u at the step 2s between the solar panel 21 and the frame 22 may become large, and the water level of the accumulated water W0 may become high. As a result, for example, the water W0 accumulated in the step 2s is more likely to come into contact with the water film that is generated when water is drawn into the fine gap present at the corner C1 where the first gap 4s and the frame 22 meet by capillary action. As a result, for example, the water W0 accumulated in the step 2s is more likely to be drawn into the first gap 4s by the cohesive force of water, and a flow F0 of water falling by gravity from the step 2s through the first region 4s1 and the second region 4s2 is more likely to occur. As a result, for example, drainage from the solar cell module 2 is promoted, and the light-receiving surface 21u of the solar cell module 2 is less likely to become dirty.

<2-2. Third embodiment>
In each of the above embodiments, for example, as shown in Fig. 17, when the first fixing member 40a is viewed in a plan view in the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction), the second region 4s2 may not be located up to the protruding portion 44. In this case, for example, when the first fixing member 40a is viewed in a plan view in the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction), the second region 4s2 may be located up to a portion of the pressing portion 41 that is farther from the solar cell module 2 than the protruding portion 44 in the first direction D1 (here, the -X direction). Even if such a configuration is adopted, for example, by fixing the solar cell module 2 to the support portion 3 by the first fixing member 40a in a state in which the protruding portion 44 is abutted against the outer peripheral surface 22e of the frame 22 as the end surface 2e of the solar cell module 2, the opening portion of the second region 4s2 in the gravity direction is less likely to be blocked by the solar cell module 2. This makes it possible to easily fix the solar cell module 2 to the support portion 3 so as not to block the drainage path from above the solar cell module 2 formed by the first gap 4s of the first fixing member 40a.

<2-3. Fourth embodiment>
In each of the above-described embodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, the frame 22 may have a second gap (also referred to as a second gap) 22s located from a tip portion Ef1 of the second plate-shaped portion 221b on the opposite side to the first plate-shaped portion 221a to an edge portion of the first plate-shaped portion 221a in the first direction D1 (here, the −X direction). For example, a long and narrow gap is applied to the second gap 22s. The second gap 22s may be formed by, for example, a slit-shaped portion of the frame 22. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 19, when the first fixing member 40a and the frame 22 are viewed in a plan view in the third direction D3 (here, the −Z direction), at least a part of the first gap 4s may be located so as to overlap at least a part of the second gap 22s. Here, for example, when the first fixing member 40a and the frame 22 are viewed in plan in the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction), a portion of the second gap 22s that is positioned so as to overlap with the first gap 4s is positioned from the tip portion Ef1 to the outer peripheral surface 22e of the frame 22. Here, for example, the width of the first gap 4s in the Y direction and the width of the second gap 22s in the Y direction may be approximately the same, or either may be larger. If such a configuration is adopted, for example, the water channel portion Gr1 may be formed by the first gap 4s and the second gap 22s. This may further promote drainage from the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell module 2. As a result, for example, the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell module 2 is less likely to become dirty.

<2-4. Fifth embodiment>
In each of the above embodiments, for example, as shown in Fig. 20, in the frame 22, the second plate-shaped portion 221b may not have an inclined portion Sl1 on the tip portion Ef1 side of the second plate-shaped portion 221b on the opposite side to the first plate-shaped portion 221a. Also, for example, as shown in Fig. 20, when the first fixing member 40a and the frame 22 are viewed in plan in the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction), the pressing portion 41 may be located so as to extend from the outer peripheral surface 22e side of the frame 22 to the tip portion Ef1 in the second direction D2 (here, the +X direction). Also, for example, the pressing portion 41 may be located in a state in which it presses the first end region 2ua from the outer peripheral surface 22e side of the frame 22 to the tip portion Ef1 of the frame upper surface 22u in the second direction D2 (here, the +X direction).

<2-5. Sixth embodiment>
In each of the above embodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, the first fixing member 40a may not have a protruding portion 44 as a protruding portion. Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 22, a case is assumed in which the first fixing member 40a is viewed in a plan view in the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction). In this case, the first region 4s1 is positioned so as to expose the first surface 2u while extending from the first tip 41fe in the second direction D2 (here, the +X direction) of the pressing portion 41 to the edge portion 2ue in the first direction D1 (here, the -X direction) of the first surface 2u, for example, as in each of the above embodiments. More specifically, the first region 4s1 is positioned so as to expose, for example, the second plate-shaped portion 221b of the frame 22 constituting a part of the first surface 2u. Also, the second region 4s2 is located, for example, so as to be connected to the first region 4s1 on the edge 2ue and extend to an edge portion (also referred to as a first edge portion) 40e in the first direction D1 (here, the -X direction) of the first fixing member 40a. Therefore, for example, the solar cell module 2 is not located below the second region 4s2. In other words, the first gap 4s continues from the first region 4s1 on the solar cell module 2 to the second region 4s2 on the outer side of the solar cell module 2.

Even if such a configuration is adopted, as in each of the above embodiments, for example, the presence of the first gap 4s in the first fixing member 40a can promote drainage from the first surface 2u by the action of capillary action or the like. Here, too, for example, the water channel portion Gr1 formed by the first gap 4s continues from the first region 4s1 on the solar cell module 2 to the second region 4s2 outside the solar cell module 2, so that the water on the first surface 2u of the solar cell module 2 can be guided from the first region 4s1 to the second region 4s2 and can fall by gravity in the second region 4s2. And, for example, once a flow of water is generated in the water channel portion Gr1 that falls by gravity from the solar cell module 2 through the first region 4s1 and the second region 4s2, the flow of water can be maintained by the cohesive force of water. This can promote drainage from the solar cell module 2, for example. As a result, for example, the amount of water that dries on the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell module 2 is reduced, and the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell module 2 is less likely to become dirty.

In addition, here too, for example, the first gap 4s of the first fixing member 40a is open toward the top. For this reason, rainwater is likely to collide into the first gap 4s while having the kinetic energy of natural fall. As a result, for example, even if dirt such as sand, dust, and mud is present in the first gap 4s, the dirt such as sand, dust, and mud in the first gap 4s is likely to be washed away by the rainwater. As a result, for example, the first gap 4s is less likely to become clogged with dirt, hindering the promotion of drainage through the first gap 4s.

In addition, here too, for example, the first gap 4s of the first fixing member 40a is open toward the top, so that the inside of the first gap 4s can be easily seen from outside the solar cell device 1. This makes it easy to clean the first gap 4s, for example, with running water and brushing, and can facilitate maintenance of the solar cell device 1.

Here, the first gap 4s has, for example, an L-shape extending from the first tip 41fe of the pressing portion 41 to the middle of the connecting portion 42. In other words, for example, the second region 4s2 is positioned so as to extend further downward than the first region 4s1. In the example of FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, the first region 4s1 is positioned so as to extend linearly in the first direction D1 (here, the -X direction), and the second region 4s2 is positioned so as to extend linearly from the first region 4s1 to the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction). For example, the connecting portion 42 is positioned so as to extend from the pressing portion 41 along the outer peripheral surface 22e of the frame 22 as the end surface 2e of the solar cell module 2. For example, the connecting portion 42 is positioned so as to abut against the outer peripheral surface 22e of the frame 22 as the end surface 2e of the solar cell module 2. For example, the through hole 41h through which the bolt B1 is inserted may be located in the base portion 43 located along the pedestal 30. In this case, for example, the washer Ws1 is disposed between the head of the bolt B1 and the base portion 43. Then, for example, when the solar cell module 2 is fixed to the pedestal 30, the bolt B1 is rotated so that the distance between the head of the bolt B1 and the fastener 5 is shortened, so that the base portion 43 abuts against the pedestal 30 and the pressing portion 41 presses the first end region 2ua of the solar cell module 2.

<2-6. Seventh embodiment>
In each of the above embodiments, for example, as shown in Fig. 23, the solar cell module 2 may be a solar cell module of a type that does not have a frame 22 located along the end of the solar cell panel 21 (also called a frameless type). In this case, for example, the first surface 2u on the light receiving surface 21u side of the solar cell module 2 is formed by the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell panel 21. For example, the first end region 2ua is a region on the light receiving surface 21u located along the end of the solar cell panel 21 in the first direction D1 (here, the -X direction). For example, the end surface 2e of the solar cell module 2 is formed by the end surface 21e of the solar cell panel 21.

If such a configuration is adopted, for example, even if the inclination angle of the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell module 2 with respect to the horizontal is small and rainwater is likely to accumulate on the light receiving surface 21u, the presence of the first gap 4s in the first fixing member 40a can promote drainage from above the light receiving surface 21u. As a result, for example, the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell module 2 is less likely to become dirty.

<2-7. Eighth embodiment>
In each of the above embodiments, for example, as shown in Figures 24 to 26, a member (also called a drainage member) 7 having a third gap 7s having a function similar to that of the first gap 4s may be attached to the solar cell module 2. In this case, for example, as shown in Figure 24, the solar cell module 2 and the drainage member 7 constitute a solar cell module 20 to which the drainage member 7 is added (also called a solar cell module with a drainage member). In other words, the solar cell module 20 with a drainage member includes, for example, the solar cell module 2 and the drainage member 7. Here, for example, the drainage member 7 is attached to a portion on the end side of the solar cell module 2 in the first direction D1 (here, the -X direction).

Here, the solar cell device 1 includes, for example, a solar cell module 20 with drainage members, a support part 3, and a fixing part 4. The support part 3 supports, for example, the solar cell module 20 with drainage members, and the fixing part 4 fixes, for example, the solar cell module 20 with drainage members to the support part 3.

25 and 26, the drainage member 7 includes, for example, at least a portion (also called an upper surface component) 71 that constitutes the upper surface as the second portion. In the eighth embodiment, the drainage member 7 includes, for example, a fixed portion 72. Here, the drainage member 7 is, for example, a member in which the upper surface component portion 71 and the fixed portion 72 are integrated.

The upper surface component 71 is in contact with, for example, the region (also referred to as the second end region) 2ub along the edge of the first direction D1 (here, the -X direction) of the first surface 2u on the light receiving surface 21u side of the solar cell module 2. The upper surface component 71 is positioned so as to extend, for example, in the second direction D2 (here, the +X direction). Here, for example, the surface on the second end region 2ub side of the upper surface component 71 is positioned along the second end region 2ub and in contact with the second end region 2ub. For example, the first surface 2u on the light receiving surface 21u side of the solar cell module 2 includes the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell panel 21 and the frame upper surface 22u facing upward of the frame 22. In the eighth embodiment, for example, the upper surface component 71 is a plate-shaped portion along the XY plane. More specifically, for example, the top surface component 71 is a plate-like portion having rectangular upper and lower surfaces with a pair of two side surfaces extending along the X direction and one tip (also called the second tip) 71fe extending along the Y direction. The second end region 2ub is, for example, a region included in the frame top surface 22u located along the edge of the first surface 2u in the first direction D1. More specifically, for example, the second end region 2ub is a region on the first plate-like portion 221a located along the edge of the frame 22 in the first direction D1 (here, the -X direction). The width of the top surface component 71 in the Y direction is, for example, about 10 mm to about 100 mm. The thickness of the top surface component 71 in the Z direction is, for example, about 1 mm to about 10 mm.

The fixed portion 72 is, for example, a portion fixed to the solar cell module 2. For example, a bolt B2 is inserted through a through hole penetrating the fixed portion 72 in the second direction D2 (here, the +X direction), a through hole penetrating the side wall portion 222 of the frame 22 in the second direction D2 (here, the +X direction), and a member having a female thread such as a nut fitted to the male thread portion of the bolt B2, and the fixed portion 72 is fixed to the frame 22. The fixed portion 72 is, for example, positioned so as to extend from the upper surface component 71 in the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction). More specifically, for example, the fixed portion 72 is positioned so as to extend from the end of the upper surface component 71 in the first direction D1 (here, the -X direction) along the outer peripheral surface 22e of the frame 22 as the end surface 2e of the solar cell module 2 in the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction). For example, the fixed portion 72 is positioned so as to abut against the outer peripheral surface 22e of the frame 22, which is the end surface 2e of the solar cell module 2. In the eighth embodiment, for example, the fixed portion 72 is a plate-shaped portion along the YZ plane. In other words, for example, the fixed portion 72 is positioned so as to hang down in the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction) from the end of the upper surface component 71 in the first direction D1 (here, the -X direction). The width of the fixed portion 72 in the Y direction is, for example, about 10 mm to about 100 mm. The thickness of the fixed portion 72 in the X direction is, for example, about 1 mm to about 10 mm.

The drainage member 7 also has a third gap 7s as the third gap, for example. The third gap 7s is, for example, a long and narrow gap. The third gap 7s is formed, for example, by a slit-shaped portion of the drainage member 7. The third gap 7s includes, for example, a third region (also called the third region) 7s3 and a fourth region (also called the fourth region) 7s4. In the eighth embodiment, for example, the third gap 7s is located from the upper surface component part 71 to the fixed part 72 of the drainage member 7.

Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 26, assume that the drainage member 7 is viewed in a plan view in the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction). In this case, the third region 7s3 is positioned so as to expose the first surface 2u while extending from the second tip 71fe in the second direction D2 (here, the +X direction) of the upper surface component 71 to the edge 2ue in the first direction D1 (here, the -X direction) of the first surface 2u. In the eighth embodiment, the third region 7s3 is positioned so as to expose, for example, the second plate-shaped portion 221b of the frame 22 constituting a part of the first surface 2u. Here, for example, the third region 7s3 is open in the second direction D2 (here, the +X direction) and is positioned so as to penetrate the upper surface component 71 in the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction). In other words, for example, the top surface component 71 has a third region 7s3 that is positioned so as to penetrate the top surface component 71 in the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction). The fourth region 7s4 is connected to the first region 4s1 on the edge 2ue and is positioned so as to extend to the edge portion (also called the second edge portion) 7e of the drainage member 7 in the first direction D1 (here, the -X direction). Therefore, for example, the solar cell module 2 is not located below the fourth region 7s4. In other words, the third gap 7s continues from the third region 7s3 on the solar cell module 2 to the fourth region 7s4, which is outside the solar cell module 2.

The third gap 7s is positioned so as to extend linearly in the first direction D1 (here, the -X direction), for example. The width of the third gap 7s in the Y direction is, for example, about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The drainage member 7 may be a metal member made of a metal such as an aluminum alloy, or may be a resin member. The drainage member 7 may be produced, for example, by extrusion molding of an aluminum alloy or resin molding. The third gap 7s may be formed, for example, when the drainage member 7 is produced by extrusion molding of an aluminum alloy or resin molding, or may be formed by cutting out using a mold or cutting.

In the eighth embodiment, for example, the presence of the third gap 7s in the drainage member 7 can promote drainage from the first surface 2u by the action of capillary action or the like. Here, for example, the third gap 7s can form a waterway portion that continues from the third region 7s3 on the solar cell module 2 to the fourth region 7s4 outside the solar cell module 2. For this reason, for example, water on the first surface 2u of the solar cell module 2 can be guided from the third region 7s3 to the fourth region 7s4 and can fall by gravity in the fourth region 7s4. And, for example, in the above waterway portion, once a flow of water that falls by gravity from the solar cell module 2 through the third region 7s3 and the fourth region 7s4 is generated, the flow of water can be maintained by the cohesive force of water. This can promote drainage from the solar cell module 2, for example. As a result, for example, the amount of water that dries on the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell module 2 is reduced, and the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell module 2 is less likely to become dirty.

In addition, for example, the third gap 7s of the drainage member 7 is open toward the top. Therefore, rainwater is likely to collide into the third gap 7s while having the kinetic energy of natural fall. As a result, even if dirt such as sand, dust, and mud is present in the third gap 7s, the dirt such as sand, dust, and mud in the third gap 7s is likely to be washed away by the rainwater. As a result, for example, the third gap 7s is less likely to become clogged with dirt, hindering the promotion of drainage by the third gap 7s.

In addition, for example, the third gap 7s of the drainage member 7 is open toward the top, so that the inside of the third gap 7s can be easily seen from outside the solar cell device 1. This makes it easy to clean the third gap 7s, for example, with running water and brushing, and can facilitate maintenance of the solar cell device 1.

In the eighth embodiment, the third gap 7s has, for example, an L-shape extending from the second tip 71fe of the upper surface component 71 to the middle of the fixed portion 72. In other words, for example, the fourth region 7s4 is positioned so as to extend further downward than the third region 7s3. In the example of Figures 25 and 26, the third region 7s3 is positioned so as to extend linearly in the first direction D1 (here, the -X direction), and the fourth region 7s4 is positioned so as to extend linearly from the third region 7s3 in the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction). Here, for example, the fixed portion 72 has a fourth region 7s4 positioned so as to penetrate the fixed portion 72 in the second direction D2 (here, the +X direction).

27, for example, when the drainage member 7 is viewed in a plan view in the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction), the upper surface component 71 is assumed to be positioned so as to extend further in the first direction D1 (here, the -X direction) than the solar cell module 2. Here, for example, the outer peripheral surface 22e of the frame 22 as the end surface 2e of the solar cell module 2 and the fixed portion 72 may be separated via a member Sp1 such as a spacer. In this case, for example, when the drainage member 7 is viewed in a plan view in the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction), the fourth region 7s4 may be connected to the third region 7s3 on the edge portion 2ue of the first surface 2u, and may be positioned in a state in which it penetrates the upper surface component 71 as the second portion so that the region in the first direction D1 (here, the -X direction) is visible further than the solar cell module 2. Even if such a configuration is adopted, for example, the solar cell module 2 is not located below the fourth region 7s4. Here, for example, the fourth region 7s4 is connected to the third region 7s3 in the second direction D2 (here, the +X direction) and is positioned so as to penetrate the upper surface component 71 in the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction).

Even if such a configuration is adopted, for example, the presence of the third gap 7s in the drainage member 7 can promote drainage from the first surface 2u by the action of capillary action or the like. This can promote drainage from the solar cell module 2, for example. As a result, for example, the amount of water that dries on the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell module 2 is reduced, and the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell module 2 is less likely to become dirty. In addition, for example, since the third gap 7s of the drainage member 7 is open toward the top, the third gap 7s is less likely to become clogged with dirt, which inhibits the promotion of drainage by the third gap 7s. In addition, for example, since the third gap 7s of the drainage member 7 is open toward the top, cleaning of the third gap 7s by running water and brushing is also easy, and maintenance of the solar cell device 1 can be facilitated.

For example, as shown in FIG. 28, in the frame 22, the second plate-shaped portion 221b may have an inclined portion Sl1 on the tip portion Ef1 side of the second plate-shaped portion 221b opposite the first plate-shaped portion 221a. The inclined portion Sl1 may have a portion whose thickness decreases toward the tip portion Ef1 and closer to the light receiving surface 21u. For example, as shown in FIG. 26, when the drainage member 7 is viewed in a plan view in the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction), the upper surface component 71 as the second portion may be positioned so as to cover at least a portion of the inclined portion Sl1.

If such a configuration is adopted, for example, as shown in FIG. 28, the inclined portion Sl1 makes it easier for the water accumulated in the step portion 2s to come into contact with the water film that is generated when water is drawn into the minute gap that exists at the corner C3 where the third gap 7s and the frame 22 meet by capillary action. As a result, for example, the water accumulated in the step portion 2s is more likely to be drawn into the third gap 7s by the cohesive force of the water, and a flow of water that falls by gravity from the step portion 2s through the third region 7s3 and the fourth region 7s4 is more likely to occur. Therefore, for example, drainage from the solar cell module 2 can be promoted. As a result, for example, the amount of water that dries on the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell module 2 is reduced, and the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell module 2 is less likely to become dirty.

Also, here, for example, as shown in FIG. 28, a water-repellent film (water-repellent film) 21f may be located in at least the region along the second plate-shaped portion 221b of the light-receiving surface 21u. Here, the water-repellent film 21f may be located, for example, over the entire surface of the light-receiving surface 21u, or may be located in a part of the light-receiving surface 21u near the end. For example, if the water-repellent film 21f is present on the light-receiving surface 21u, the contact angle of the accumulated water with the light-receiving surface 21u at the step portion 2s between the solar cell panel 21 and the frame 22 may become large, and the water level of the accumulated water may become high. As a result, for example, the water accumulated in the step portion 2s is more likely to come into contact with the water film that is generated when water is drawn into the fine gap present at the corner portion C3 where the third gap 7s and the frame 22 are in contact with each other by capillary action. As a result, for example, water that has accumulated in the step portion 2s is more likely to be drawn into the third gap 7s by the cohesive force of the water, and a flow of water that falls due to gravity from the step portion 2s through the third region 7s3 and the fourth region 7s4 is more likely to occur. As a result, for example, drainage from above the solar cell module 2 is promoted, and the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell module 2 is less likely to become dirty.

For example, as shown in FIG. 29, the frame 22 may have a fourth gap (also referred to as the fourth gap) 22t located from the tip portion Ef1 of the second plate-like portion 221b on the opposite side to the first plate-like portion 221a to the edge portion of the first plate-like portion 221a in the first direction D1 (here, the -X direction). For example, a long and narrow gap is applied to the fourth gap 22t. The fourth gap 22t may be formed by, for example, a slit-shaped portion of the frame 22. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 29, when the drainage member 7 and the frame 22 are viewed in a plan view in the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction), at least a portion of the third gap 7s may be located so as to overlap at least a portion of the fourth gap 22t. Here, for example, when the drainage member 7 and the frame 22 are viewed in plan in the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction), a portion of the fourth gap 22t that is positioned to overlap with the third gap 7s is positioned from the tip portion Ef1 to the outer peripheral surface 22e of the frame 22. Here, for example, the width of the third gap 7s in the Y direction and the width of the fourth gap 22t in the Y direction may be approximately the same, or either may be larger. If such a configuration is adopted, for example, a groove-shaped waterway portion may be formed by the third gap 7s and the fourth gap 22t. This may further promote drainage from the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell module 2. As a result, for example, the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell module 2 is less likely to become dirty.

For example, as shown in FIG. 30, the solar cell module 2 may be a solar cell module of a type that does not have a frame 22 (frameless type). In this case, for example, the first surface 2u on the light receiving surface 21u side of the solar cell module 2 is formed by the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell panel 21. For example, the second end region 2ub is a region on the light receiving surface 21u located along the edge of the solar cell panel 21 in the first direction D1 (here, the -X direction). For example, the end surface 2e of the solar cell module 2 is formed by the end surface 21e of the solar cell panel 21. Here, for example, a form in which the drainage member 7 is attached to the solar cell module 2 by a method such as adhesion is considered.

If such a configuration is adopted, for example, even if the inclination angle of the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell module 2 with respect to the horizontal is small and rainwater is likely to accumulate on the light receiving surface 21u, the presence of the third gap 7s in the drainage member 7 can promote drainage from above the light receiving surface 21u. As a result, for example, the light receiving surface 21u of the solar cell module 2 is less likely to become dirty.

<3. Other>
In each of the above embodiments, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which a member including the pressing portion 41 and one or more members including the connecting portion 42 and the base portion 43 are connected by a fastening member or the like. In other words, for example, the first fixing member 40a may include at least the pressing portion 41, but may not include the connecting portion 42 and the base portion 43.

In each of the above embodiments, for example, the first gap 4s may not extend linearly in the first direction D1, but may extend linearly along a virtual plane that intersects with the XZ plane along the first direction D1. Also, for example, when the first fixing member 40a is viewed in a plan view in the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction), the first gap 4s may have a curved portion, a meandering portion, or a bent portion.

In the above fourth embodiment, for example, the second gap 22s does not extend linearly in the first direction D1, but may extend linearly along a virtual plane that intersects with the XZ plane along the first direction D1. Also, for example, when the frame 22 is viewed in a plan view in the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction), the second gap 22s may have a curved portion, a meandering portion, or a bent portion.

In each of the above embodiments, for example, the multiple fixing members 40 may include one first fixing member 40a without including two first fixing members 40a, or may include three or more first fixing members 40a. In other words, for example, the multiple fixing members 40 may include at least one first fixing member 40a.

In each of the above embodiments, for example, the first fixing member 40a may have two or more first gaps 4s. Here, for example, the pressing portion 41 as the first portion of the first fixing member 40a may have a comb-like configuration having multiple first gaps 4s.

In the eighth embodiment, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which a member including the upper surface component 71 and a member including the fixed portion 72 are connected by a fastening member or the like. In other words, for example, the drainage member 7 may include at least the upper surface component 71 and not include the fixed portion 72.

In the eighth embodiment, for example, the third gap 7s does not extend linearly in the first direction D1, but may extend linearly along a virtual plane that intersects with the XZ plane along the first direction D1. Also, for example, when the drainage member 7 is viewed in a plan view in the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction), the third gap 7s may have a curved portion, a meandering portion, or a bent portion.

In the eighth embodiment, for example, the fourth gap 22t does not extend linearly in the first direction D1, but may extend linearly along a virtual plane that intersects with the XZ plane along the first direction D1. Also, for example, when the frame 22 is viewed in a plan view in the third direction D3 (here, the -Z direction), the fourth gap 22t may have a curved portion, a meandering portion, or a bent portion.

In the eighth embodiment, for example, the second fixing member 40b may be used instead of the first fixing member 40a.

In the eighth embodiment, for example, the drainage member 7 may have two or more third gaps 7s. Here, for example, the upper surface component 71 as the second part of the drainage member 7 may have a comb-like configuration having multiple third gaps 7s.

In the eighth embodiment, for example, the solar cell module 20 with drainage members is fixed to the support portion 3 by the fixing portion 4 to produce the solar cell device 1. In this case, for example, the solar cell module 20 with drainage members is suitable for producing the solar cell device 1 in which the light receiving surface 21u is less likely to become dirty by promoting drainage from above the light receiving surface 21u. In the solar cell module 20 with drainage members before being fixed to the support portion 3 by the fixing portion 4, the first direction D1 along the light receiving surface 21u does not need to be inclined with respect to the horizontal.

In each of the above embodiments, for example, the solar cell device 1 may have two or more solar cell modules 2. Here, the number of solar cell modules 2 can be set appropriately according to, for example, the size of the installation target object 9.

In each of the above embodiments, the solar cell module 2 may be fixed directly to the installation object 9, such as a roofing material, by the fixing portion 4. In this case, the installation object 9, such as a roofing material, may serve as a support portion that supports the solar cell module 2.

It goes without saying that all or part of each of the above embodiments and various modified examples can be combined as appropriate and consistent.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Solar cell device 2 Solar cell module 20 Solar cell module with drainage member 21 Solar cell panel 21f Water-repellent film 21u Light-receiving surface 22 Frame 221 Fitting portion 221a First plate-shaped portion 221b Second plate-shaped portion 221c Third plate-shaped portion 22e Outer peripheral surface 22s Second gap 22t Fourth gap 22u Frame upper surface 2e End surface 2u First surface 2ua First end region 2ub Second end region 2ue Edge portion 3 Support portion 30 Base 4 Fixing portion 40 Fixing member 40a First fixing member 40b Second fixing member 40e First edge portion 41 Pressing portion (first portion)
41fe First tip 44 Projecting portion 4s First gap 4s1 First region 4s2 Second region 7 Drainage member 71 Top surface component (second portion)
71fe Second tip 7e Second edge 7s Third gap 7s3 Third area 7s4 Fourth area 9 Installation target D1 First direction D2 Second direction D3 Third direction Ef1 Tip portion Gr1 Channel portion Sl1 Slanted portion

Claims (11)

A solar cell module, a support part supporting the solar cell module, and a fixing part fixing the solar cell module to the support part,
The solar cell module includes a solar cell panel,
a light receiving surface of the solar cell panel is inclined with respect to the horizontal so as to progress downward as the light receiving surface advances in a first direction;
the fixing portion has a fixing member including a first portion extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction and positioned in a state of pressing a first end region along an end in the first direction of a first surface on the light receiving surface side of the solar cell module, the first portion sandwiching the solar cell module between the fixing portion and the support portion,
The fixing member has a first gap including a first region and a second region;
when the fixing member is viewed in a plan view in a third direction toward the first surface along a normal to the first surface, the first region extends from a tip of the first portion in the second direction to an edge of the first surface in the first direction and is positioned so as to expose the first surface, and the second region is connected to the first region on the edge and is positioned in a state penetrating the first portion so that the region in the first direction is more visible than the solar cell module, or is connected to the first region on the edge and is positioned so as to extend to an edge of the fixing member in the first direction,
The solar module includes a frame positioned along an edge of the solar panel;
The frame includes a fitting portion that fits onto the end of the solar panel;
the fitting portion includes a first plate-shaped portion located along an end face of the solar cell panel, a second plate-shaped portion located so as to protrude from the first plate-shaped portion along the light-receiving surface, and a third plate-shaped portion located so as to protrude from the first plate-shaped portion along a back surface opposite to the light-receiving surface of the solar cell panel,
A solar cell device, wherein when the fixing member is viewed in a planar manner in the third direction, the first region is positioned so as to expose the second plate-shaped portion that constitutes a part of the first surface . A solar cell module, a support part supporting the solar cell module, and a fixing part fixing the solar cell module to the support part,
The solar cell module includes a solar cell panel,
a light receiving surface of the solar cell panel is inclined with respect to the horizontal so as to progress downward as the light receiving surface advances in a first direction;
the fixing portion has a fixing member that fixes the solar cell module to the support portion and includes a first portion having a surface that contacts a first end region along an end in the first direction of a first surface on the light receiving surface side of the solar cell module ,
The fixing member has a first gap including a first region and a second region;
when the fixing member is viewed in a plan view in a third direction toward the first surface along a normal line of the first surface, the first region extends from a tip of the first portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction to an edge of the first surface in the first direction and is positioned so as to expose the first surface, and the second region is connected to the first region on the edge and is positioned in a state penetrating the first portion so that the region in the first direction is more visible than the solar cell module, or is connected to the first region on the edge and is positioned so as to extend to an edge of the fixing member in the first direction,
The solar module includes a frame positioned along an edge of the solar panel;
The frame includes a fitting portion that fits onto the end of the solar panel;
the fitting portion includes a first plate-shaped portion located along an end face of the solar cell panel, a second plate-shaped portion located so as to protrude from the first plate-shaped portion along the light-receiving surface, and a third plate-shaped portion located so as to protrude from the first plate-shaped portion along a back surface opposite to the light-receiving surface of the solar cell panel,
A solar cell device, wherein when the fixing member is viewed in a planar manner in the third direction, the first region is positioned so as to expose the second plate-shaped portion that constitutes a part of the first surface . The solar cell device according to claim 1 or 2,
the second plate-shaped portion includes an inclined portion whose thickness decreases toward a tip portion on the opposite side to the first plate-shaped portion so as to approach the light receiving surface,
When the fixing member is viewed in a plan view in the third direction, the first portion is positioned so as to cover at least a portion of the inclined portion. The solar cell device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A solar cell device, wherein a water-repellent film is positioned on at least a region of the light-receiving surface along the second plate-shaped portion. The solar cell device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
the frame has a second gap located from a tip portion of the second plate-shaped portion on a side opposite to the first plate-shaped portion to an edge portion of the first plate-shaped portion in the first direction,
When the fixing member and the frame are viewed in a plan view in the third direction, at least a portion of the first gap is positioned to overlap with at least a portion of the second gap. The solar cell device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
the fixing member includes a protruding portion located so as to protrude from the first portion in the third direction along an end surface of the solar cell module,
When the fixing member is viewed in a plane in the third direction, the second region is located up to a portion of the first part that is farther from the solar cell module in the first direction than the protruding portion, or is located up to the protruding portion. A solar cell module and a drainage member,
the solar cell module includes a solar cell panel having a light receiving surface;
the drainage member includes a second portion that is in contact with a second end region along an end in a first direction of a first surface on the light receiving surface side of the solar cell module and is positioned so as to extend in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and has a third gap;
The third gap includes a third region and a fourth region,
When the drainage member is viewed in a plan view in a third direction toward the first surface along a normal to the first surface, the third region extends from a tip of the second portion in the second direction to an edge of the first surface in the first direction and is positioned so as to expose the first surface, and the fourth region is connected to the third region on the edge and is positioned so as to penetrate the second portion so that the region in the first direction is more visible than the solar cell module, or is connected to the third region on the edge and is positioned so as to extend to an edge of the drainage member in the first direction,
The solar module includes a frame positioned along an edge of the solar panel;
The frame includes a fitting portion that fits onto the end of the solar panel;
the fitting portion includes a first plate-shaped portion located along an end face of the solar cell panel, a second plate-shaped portion located so as to protrude from the first plate-shaped portion along the light-receiving surface, and a third plate-shaped portion located so as to protrude from the first plate-shaped portion along a back surface opposite to the light-receiving surface of the solar cell panel,
A solar cell module with a drainage member, wherein when the drainage member is viewed in a plane in the third direction, the third region is positioned so as to expose the second plate-shaped portion that constitutes at least a part of the first surface . The solar cell module with drainage members according to claim 7 ,
the second plate-shaped portion includes an inclined portion whose thickness decreases toward a tip portion on the opposite side to the first plate-shaped portion so as to approach the light receiving surface,
A solar cell module with a drainage member, wherein when the drainage member is viewed in a plan view in the third direction, the second portion is positioned so as to cover at least a portion of the inclined portion. The solar cell module with drainage members according to claim 7 or 8 ,
A solar cell module with a drainage member, wherein a water-repellent film is positioned on at least an area of the light-receiving surface along the second plate-shaped portion. The solar cell module with drainage members according to any one of claims 7 to 9 ,
the frame has a fourth gap located from a tip portion of the second plate-shaped portion on a side opposite to the first plate-shaped portion to an edge portion of the first plate-shaped portion in the first direction,
A solar cell module with a drainage member, wherein when the drainage member and the frame are viewed in a plane in the third direction, at least a portion of the third gap is positioned so as to overlap at least a portion of the fourth gap. A solar cell module with a drainage member according to any one of claims 7 to 10 ;
A support portion supporting the solar cell module with the drainage member;
a fixing portion that fixes the solar cell module with drainage member to the support portion.

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