JP2002359384A - Solar power generating device and its manufacturing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To arrange a power converter at the optimum position in a power generating device having one photoelectromotive force element and one power converter, and to connect the photoelectromotive force element and power converter by the optimum wiring method. SOLUTION: The power converter 2 is installed on a non-photodetection surface 13b of the photoelectromotive force element 1, and a terminal member 3 on a photodetection surface between terminal members 3 and 4 on the photodetection surface and non-photodetection surface of the photoelectromotive force element 1 is extended from the photodetection surface to the non- photodetection surface, while covered with an insulation member 5 and connected to an input terminal of the power converter to actualize a thin structure.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a photovoltaic power generator in which a photovoltaic element and a power converter are integrated, and a method of manufacturing the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, due to efforts to address environmental issues,
DC power generated by a solar cell (hereinafter referred to as “solar cell” or “photovoltaic element”) is converted into, for example, AC power by a power converter, and the AC power is converted into a domestic load and / or a commercial power system ( There are a number of photovoltaic power generation systems that supply power to these systems.

Further, MIC (Module Integrated Conve
rter), a small power converter that converts the power generated by solar cells (photovoltaic elements)
) Is attached to the surface opposite to the light-receiving surface (hereinafter referred to as “light-receiving surface”) of the solar cell (hereinafter referred to as “back surface” or “non-light-receiving surface”). It is expected as a solar power generation system or as an emergency power supply.

[0004] Among them, a solar cell module (photovoltaic module) integrally provided with a power converter that performs a function of converting DC power generated by a photovoltaic element into AC power or performing voltage conversion with DC power. Attention has been paid to the development of power element modules and AC modules.

In this solar cell module, output power from a solar cell module in which a plurality of photovoltaic elements are connected in series is input to a power converter mounted on a non-light receiving surface of the solar cell module, and output as AC power or the like. Is what you do.
JP-A-9-271 discloses an example of this solar cell module.
179 publication.

[0006] However, the above-described prior art has the following problems.

For example, most solar cell modules have a structure in which a power converter is additionally attached to a non-light-receiving surface of a general glass super-straight module with an aluminum frame, which is optimized for a solar cell module. Not so expensive. For example, the connection to the power converter requires normal wiring using a DC connection cable, so that wiring costs are incurred.

Further, in the above-described solar cell module, a plurality of photovoltaic elements are serialized, and it takes time and effort to cut off the photovoltaic elements and serialize the photovoltaic elements, resulting in high cost.

Further, by serializing a plurality of photovoltaic elements, the non-power generation area not used for power generation of each photovoltaic element is increased, and the area power generation efficiency is reduced. In addition, the area power generation efficiency was also reduced by increasing the non-power generation area not used for power generation by the solar cell module itself, such as the gap between photovoltaic elements. In addition, since a plurality of photovoltaic elements are serialized, the influence of shadow was large.

In order to solve the above problem, there is no need to connect a plurality of photovoltaic elements in series, that is, a solar cell module (AC cell) in which one photovoltaic element is connected to one power converter. Proposed.

[0011]

However, in an AC cell in which one photovoltaic element is connected to one power converter to form a solar cell module, the output wiring from the photovoltaic element is connected to the power line. The method of routing the wiring input to the converter greatly affects cost, power generation efficiency, size, and the like.

The above-described AC cell is characterized in that AC power can be easily obtained. For use in homes, further reduction in size and thickness is desired.

In other words, in the AC cell structure, 1
It is necessary to develop an optimum arrangement for enabling one photovoltaic element and one power converter to have a thin structure and an optimum wiring routing method between the photovoltaic element and the power converter in the arrangement.

When a system is constructed by connecting a plurality of AC cells, there is a concern that noise radiated from each AC cell may be a serious problem.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art individually or collectively, and an object of the present invention is to provide a single solar cell (photovoltaic element).
And a power generator having one power converter, the power converter is arranged at an optimum position, and a solar cell (photovoltaic element) and the power converter are connected by an optimum wiring method. .

Another object of the present invention is to reduce noise radiated from the power generator.

[0017]

Means for Solving the Problems A solar cell module according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration. That is, a photovoltaic power generation device configured by integrating a photovoltaic element composed of at least a metallic substrate and a semiconductor layer, and a power converter that converts the output power of the photovoltaic element into power. A light-receiving surface of the photovoltaic element, a terminal member to which a current collecting electrode and the current collecting electrode are electrically connected, and a non-light-receiving surface of the photovoltaic element,
And a terminal member on the light receiving surface and a terminal member on the non-light receiving surface, or a member extended from each of the terminal members, is connected to an input terminal of the power converter.

Further, for example, the terminal member on the light-receiving surface or the non-light-receiving surface has a length extending from an end of the photovoltaic element, and is folded back at the end, so that the terminal member is previously taken. It is characterized in that it is attached to a surface opposite to the surface on which it is attached.

Further, for example, a terminal member on the light receiving surface or the non-light receiving surface is folded back by a folding member at an end of the photovoltaic element, and a surface contradictory to a surface on which the terminal member is previously attached. It is characterized by being attached to.

Further, for example, the folding member is constituted by a metal body and an insulating member integrated with the metal body.

For example, the terminal member on the light receiving surface and the terminal member on the non-light receiving surface are laminated to form a laminate, and an insulating member for insulating each terminal member is inserted between the laminates. It is characterized by having.

Further, for example, an insulating member is provided at an end of the photovoltaic element. Also, for example, the insulating member also serves as a supporting member.

Further, for example, the insulating member is made of acrylic, urethane, polyester, polyimide, vinyl chloride, silicone, fluorine, polyethylene,
It is characterized in that it is manufactured using any one of insulating materials of organic polymer resin such as polypropylene and glass cloth. Further, for example, the support member has a curved portion that determines a bent curvature of the terminal member on the light receiving surface or the non-light receiving surface.

Further, for example, the collecting electrode has a specific resistance of 1
It is characterized by being made of a conductive material having 0 ⁻⁶ Ωcm to 10 ⁻² Ωcm.

Further, for example, the terminal member on the light receiving surface or the non-light receiving surface is made of Ti, Cr, Mo, W, Al, Ag,
It is characterized by being manufactured using a metal of Ni, Cu, Sn, and Pt, an alloy having any one of them, and a solder.

Further, for example, the current collecting electrode is made of Ti, C
r, Mo, W, Al, Ag, Ni, Cu, Sn and P
It is characterized by being manufactured using a conductive material in which a powder having any one of the metals t and their alloys and a polymer resin binder are pasted.

An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration. In other words, a method for manufacturing a photovoltaic power generation device in which a photovoltaic element composed of at least a metallic substrate and a semiconductor layer and a power converter that converts the output power of the photovoltaic element into power are integrated. An installation step of installing the power converter on the photovoltaic element, and connecting a current collecting electrode and a terminal member for electrically connecting the current collecting electrode to a light receiving surface of the photovoltaic element. A light-receiving surface connecting step, a non-light-receiving surface connecting step of connecting a terminal member to the non-light-receiving surface of the photovoltaic element, and a terminal member of the light-receiving surface and a terminal member of the non-light-receiving surface, or each extending from And a connecting step of connecting each of the members to the input terminal of the power converter.

[0028]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In the following description, the photovoltaic power generator according to the present invention will be described, but it is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the described examples.

[Embodiment] First, the photovoltaic power generator 1
The configuration outline of No. 5 will be described. Next, each component will be described. Finally, the positive and negative electrodes drawn from the photovoltaic element are connected to the non-light receiving surface 13b of the photovoltaic power generator 15 by the power converter 2.
A method for connecting to the server will be described.

[Outline of Solar Power Generation Apparatus] First, referring to a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the solar power generation apparatus 15 shown in FIG.
The outline of the solar power generation device 15 will be described.

[0032] As shown in FIG.
Is a photovoltaic element 1, a power converter 2, and two conductors (light receiving surface terminal member 4 + extending member 19b, non-light receiving surface terminal) for electrically connecting photovoltaic element 1 to power converter 2. It is composed of member 3 + extending member 19a).

The first conductor of the two conductors is composed of the light receiving surface terminal member 4 and the extension member 19b. The current collector electrode 11 as the first electrode of the photovoltaic element 1 and the power converter 2 with the first electrode. Light-receiving surface terminal member 4
And the extension member 19b are disposed on the insulating member (the actual insulating member is a light receiving surface 13a as described later).
, And is disposed on the non-light receiving surface 13c via the side portion 13b).

The second conductor is composed of the non-light receiving surface terminal member 3 and the extension member 19a, and connects the conductive substrate 7 as the second electrode of the photovoltaic element 1 and the second electrode of the power converter 2. Connected.

The photovoltaic element 1 comprises a conductive substrate 7 as a first electrode, a photovoltaic layer 21 disposed thereon, and a current collecting electrode 11 as a second electrode disposed thereon. Have been. Further, the photovoltaic layer 21 includes the lower electrode layer 8,
It comprises a semiconductor layer 9 and an upper electrode layer 10.

Although the details of each component described above will be described later, the photovoltaic power generator 15 inputs the power generated by the photovoltaic element 1 to the power converter 2 via the first and second conductors. , Converted by the power converter 2 and taken out from the output lead wire for use.

[Photovoltaic Power Generation Apparatus] Next, an example of the configuration of an actual photovoltaic power generation apparatus 15 will be described.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the photovoltaic power generator 15 according to the embodiment of the present invention described with reference to FIG. 2, as viewed from the non-light receiving surface 13b of sunlight. .

The power converter 2 is arranged at the center of the non-light receiving surface 13b of the photovoltaic element 1, and is fixed to the conductive substrate 7. In addition, the power converter 2 is connected to the photovoltaic element 1 via a first conductor and a second conductor arranged on the non-light receiving surface 13b of the photovoltaic element 1. Note that the first conductor is constituted by the light receiving surface terminal member 3 and the extension member 19b, and the second conductor is constituted by the non-light reception surface terminal member 4 and the extension member 19a.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a power generation region for explaining a configuration example of the photovoltaic element 1.

The photovoltaic element 1 has a conductive substrate 7 as a first electrode on the non-light receiving surface 13b, and a photovoltaic layer comprising a lower electrode layer 8, a semiconductor layer 9, and an upper electrode layer 10 thereon. 2
1 is formed thereon, and a current collecting electrode 11 as a second electrode is further formed thereon. The collecting electrode 11 is on a light receiving surface 13a for receiving sunlight.

The photovoltaic device 1 shown in FIG. 3 is an example of a device manufactured using an amorphous silicon-based photovoltaic device, in which a lower electrode layer 8, a semiconductor layer 9, an upper On the photovoltaic layer 21 formed by laminating the electrode layers 10 in order, a current collecting electrode 11 for further efficiently collecting the generated power is formed.

FIG. 4 shows a state in which the current collecting electrode 11 of the photovoltaic element 1 shown in FIG. 3 is connected to the light receiving surface side terminal member 4 made of a conductive material such as copper foil, and further made of a conductive material. Then, the folded member 14 is connected to and fixed to the light receiving surface side terminal member 4 made of a conductive material disposed on the non-light receiving surface 13b. In addition, the folded member 14 and the light receiving surface side terminal member 4 are, as shown in FIG.
It is arranged on the insulating member 5 so as not to make electrical contact with the photovoltaic element 1 on the non-light receiving surface 13b or the side portion 13c.

Next, details of each component described with reference to FIGS.

First, the components of the photovoltaic element 1 shown in FIG. 3 will be described.

[Conductive Substrate] The conductive substrate 7 is a member for mechanically supporting the semiconductor layer, and is used as an electrode on the non-light receiving surface side. The conductive substrate 7 preferably has heat resistance enough to withstand the heating temperature when forming the semiconductor layer.

The material of the conductive substrate 7 is, for example, Fe,
Ni, Cr, Al, Mo, Au, Nb, Ta, V, T
A metal such as i, Pt, Pb or an alloy thereof, for example, a thin plate such as brass or stainless steel, a composite thereof, a carbon sheet, or a galvanized steel plate is used.

[Lower Electrode] The lower electrode 8 is one electrode for taking out the electric power generated in the semiconductor layer, and a material having a work function for forming an ohmic contact with the semiconductor layer 9 is used.

The material of the lower electrode 8 is, for example, Al, A
g, Pt, Au, Ni, Ti, Mo, Fe, V, Cr,
Cu, stainless steel, brass, nichrome, SnO2, I
A so-called simple metal or alloy such as n 2 O 3, ZnO, and ITO, and a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) are used.

The surface of the lower electrode 8 is preferably smooth. However, when irregular reflection of light is caused, the surface may be textured. When the conductive substrate 7 exhibits conductivity, the lower electrode 8 may not be provided.
The lower electrode 8 is produced by, for example, plating, vapor deposition, sputtering, or the like.

[Semiconductor Layer] The semiconductor layer 9 is suitably made of an amorphous silicon semiconductor.
In addition to a-Si, so-called group IV and group IV alloy amorphous semiconductors such as a-SiGe and a-SiC are used. The semiconductor layer 9 is formed by a known method such as an evaporation method, a sputtering method, a high-frequency plasma CVD method, a micro plasma CVD method, an ECR method, a thermal CVD method, and an LPCVD method.

[Upper Electrode] The upper electrode 10 is formed of the semiconductor layer 1
2 is an electrode for taking out the electromotive force generated in 2 and forms a pair with the lower electrode 8. The upper electrode 10 is necessary when a semiconductor having a high sheet resistance such as the above-mentioned amorphous silicon is used. However, when a crystalline material is used for the semiconductor layer 9, the upper electrode 10 has a low sheet resistance. It is not necessary to provide it.

Since the upper electrode 10 is located on the light receiving surface 13a, a material having a light transmittance of 85% or more is suitable for efficiently absorbing sunlight and the like into the semiconductor layer 9, and the generated current Is suitable for the semiconductor layer 9 to flow laterally with respect to the semiconductor layer 9. Therefore, for example, SnO ₂ , In ₂ O ₃ , Z
nO, CdO, CdSnO ₄ , ITO (In ₂ O ₃ + S
A metal oxide such as nO ₂ ) is used.

[Collecting Electrode] The collecting electrode 11 is formed, for example, in a comb shape, and a suitable width and pitch are determined from the sheet resistance values of the semiconductor layer 9 and the upper electrode 10. Current collecting electrode 707
A material having a low specific resistance and not forming a series resistance of the photovoltaic element 1 is suitable for this purpose.
⁻² Ωcm to 10 ⁻⁶ Ωcm. For the material of the current collecting electrode, for example, Ti, Cr, Mo, W, Al, Ag, Ni,
Metals such as Cu, Sn, Pt or alloys or solders thereof;
Alternatively, a metal paste in which a metal powder and a polymer resin binder are in the form of a paste is used, but another material may be used.

[Terminal member and folded terminal member] The terminal members are distinguished from the "light receiving surface terminal member 4" and the "non-light receiving surface terminal member 3" according to the position attached to the photovoltaic element 1.

The terminal member is attached to the etched surface of the photovoltaic element 1 from which the transparent electrode has been removed by laser welding, conductive adhesive, brazing, or the like, and has a low electrical resistance.
And the mechanical strength is high.

The electrical performance and material characteristics required for the light-receiving surface terminal member 4 and the non-light-receiving surface terminal member 3 are almost the same as those of the current collecting electrode 11. It is preferable to use a foil shape that can maintain and reduce the resistance.

Light-receiving surface terminal member 4, non-light-receiving surface terminal member 3
Is a light receiving surface 13a or a non-light receiving surface 13b of the photovoltaic element 1 by laser welding, conductive adhesive, brazing, or the like.
Fixed to.

The non-light receiving surface terminal member 3 is connected to the non-light receiving surface 13b.
The power collection efficiency may be improved by extending the entire body in a comb shape or a radial shape.

The members extending from the light-receiving surface terminal member 4 and the non-light-receiving surface terminal member 3 are integrally punched in advance into a required shape (for example, having a selected curvature) by a press or the like. May be used, or only the extension members 19a and 19b may be connected later by laser welding, conductive adhesive, brazing, or the like. The folded terminal member 14 is connected to the light receiving surface terminal member 4 or the non-light receiving surface terminal member 3 in the same manner as the extension portions 19a and 19b.

For example, the folded terminal member 14 having a structure in which the insulating member 5 is fixed to a part of the metal body 14 a shown in FIG. 9 is provided at the end of the photovoltaic element 1. Is attached from the direction of the arrow in the figure to the surface opposite to the surface to which it is attached in advance. FIG. 10 is a view after the folded terminal member 14 is attached to the end of the photovoltaic element 1 and has a predetermined curvature.

As the folded terminal member 14, in addition to the metal member 14a shown in FIG. 9 in which the insulating member 5 is attached at a predetermined position, the insulating member 5 is previously placed at a position where only a metal member is attached. It does not matter.

[Insulating Member] The insulating member 5 is provided between the terminal members or between the terminal member and the photovoltaic element 1 to prevent a short circuit between the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the photovoltaic element 1. In addition, the photovoltaic device is installed on the non-light receiving surface of the terminal member to avoid contact between the photovoltaic device 1 and the terminal member at the end folded portion of the photovoltaic device 1.

For the above purpose, the insulating member 5 is made of a heat-resistant material which has good adhesion to the terminal member, high bending strength, and can be used in a heat treatment step after the photovoltaic element 1 is laminated. For example, an organic polymer resin such as acrylic, urethane, polyester, polyimide, vinyl chloride, silicone, fluorine, polyethylene, or polypropylene, or glass cloth is used.

As the insulating member 5, a molten resin, a melted resin, a film or rubber-shaped resin, an adhesive, a tape-shaped resin, or the like can be used.

In the insulating member 5 of this embodiment, a double-sided adhesive tape which is suitable for mass production and easy to use is used. For the tape base material, for example, polyethylene terephthalate, PV
C, polyimide, polyetherimide, PPS, polypropylene, polyurethane, acrylic, PEN, PFA,
Use PTFE, polyester non-woven fabric, glass non-woven fabric, and the above-mentioned composite substrate.

In particular, by using a double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape having a thickness of about several mm and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on both sides thereof, a connection between terminal members or a connection between a terminal member and a member extending therefrom, etc. Can absorb irregularities.

When the thickness of the insulating member 5 is extremely thin,
The thickness is preferably 25 μm or more because it may be broken by a step such as a connection portion of the terminal member. The color of the insulating member 5 is not particularly limited.

[Power Converter] In the case of an inverter, the power converter 2 is a step-up / step-down circuit that steps up / down a DC voltage output from the photovoltaic element 1 to an input voltage of an inverter circuit, and converts DC power to AC power. It is composed of an inverter circuit that converts to power, start / stop of power conversion, optimization of the operating point of the solar cell, a control circuit that controls the operation mode, etc., a system interconnection protection circuit, a communication circuit, and input / output terminals. The output is used at the load or connected to the grid.

When the power converter 2 is a DC / DC converter, the power converter 2 is constituted by a part excluding the inverter circuit from the inverter, and its output is connected to a load or a plurality of outputs are input to one inverter. Or used with a load or connected to the grid.

As a booster circuit (not shown), a booster chopper circuit, a voltage doubler rectifier circuit, a series-parallel chopper circuit, or the like can be used. As the inverter circuit (not shown), a voltage-type inverter using an IGBT or MOSFET as a switching element is preferable. By the control signal of the control circuit,
By driving the gate of the switching element, AC power having a desired frequency, phase, and voltage can be obtained.

The control circuit (not shown) includes, for example, a CP
A U / PWM waveform control circuit, a frequency / voltage reference generator, a current reference generator, a mode switcher, a switching control circuit, and the like are provided. Further, the control circuit may be externally operated via a communication line or the like, and the control circuit itself may be arranged outside the power converter to control a plurality of power converters collectively.

The power converter 2 has an exterior material incorporating a power conversion circuit having the above-mentioned components, and the exterior material has heat resistance, moisture resistance, water resistance, electric insulation, It must have performances such as cold resistance, oil resistance, weather resistance, impact resistance, and waterproofness. In order to firmly fix to the photovoltaic element or the non-light receiving surface reinforcing material, a material having good adhesiveness with an adhesive is preferably used.

Taking the above factors into consideration, as the exterior material, for plastic, for example, polycarbonate, polyamide, polyacetal, modified PPO (PPE), polyester, polyarylate, unsaturated polyester, phenol resin, epoxy resin, polybutylene terephthalate, There are resins such as nylon and engineering plastics. Also, thermoplastic resins such as ABS resin, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride can be used.

When the power converter 2 is mounted on the light receiving surface 13a side, it is preferable to use carbon black as a pigment or to apply a resin coating material that absorbs ultraviolet rays to the surface in order to improve the resistance to ultraviolet rays. .

[Transparent Thin-Film Resin Layer] The light-receiving surface 13 a of the photovoltaic power generator 15 is covered with a transparent thin-film resin layer (not shown) for covering and protecting the photovoltaic element 1. The transparent thin film resin layer is formed of a material having excellent applicability, weather resistance, adhesiveness, and waterproofness. For example, an acrylic resin, an acrylic silicon resin, a fluorine resin, an acrylic fluorine resin, a silicon resin, or the like is used.

In view of the requirements in the manufacturing process, a resin coating used in the curtain flow method has a low viscosity of about 3 P · s or less.
A low-viscosity resin coating of 0.5 P · s or less may be used. Note that a lower viscosity requires a plurality of coatings to form a required film thickness, so that a viscosity of about 10 ⁻³ P · s or more is practically preferable.

The thickness of the transparent thin film resin layer is preferably 1 μm or more as a thickness capable of covering the surface of the photovoltaic element without pinholes, and more preferably about 200 μm or less from the following viewpoints.

A thicker film is preferable from the viewpoint of protecting the photovoltaic element from being covered with the resin layer. However, the thicker the film, the lower the permeation of sunlight and the lower the power generation performance. Further, by forming a thick layer, the flexibility of the resin layer may be impaired, and the photovoltaic layer may be destroyed due to shrinkage during curing. In addition, when used outdoors, the resin layer has a thickness of 200 μm.
When it is about m or more, it becomes impossible to follow the thermal expansion and the force at the time of installation, and the resin layer is subjected to stress, causing cracks or peeling off at the interface with the photovoltaic element.

The transparent thin film resin layer does not necessarily need to be formed of one kind of material. For example, two layers may be formed using two kinds of materials. Immediately above the transparent electrode layer of the photovoltaic element 1, a material having good adhesion to the transparent electrode layer,
Further, a material having excellent weather resistance may be selected.

[Method of Connecting Photovoltaic Element and Power Converter]
Next, using FIG. 1 and FIGS. 5 to 8, the first and second conductive wires (light receiving surface terminal member 4, non-light receiving surface terminal member 3 and extension member 19) output from photovoltaic element 1 are connected. Power converter 2
A method for connecting to the electrodes will be described.

First, a method of attaching the light receiving surface terminal member 4 to the photovoltaic element 1 will be described.

A conductive double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape (not shown) in which a silicone pressure-sensitive adhesive is provided on a polyester tape is bonded in advance to the bonding surface of the light-receiving surface terminal member 4.

The light receiving surface terminal member 4 has a bent terminal member 14 at a position where the light receiving surface terminal member 4 shown in FIG. 5 is folded back to the non-light receiving surface 13b. Has an insulating member 5 for insulation bonded to a conductive double-sided adhesive tape.

First, as shown in FIG. 5, the light receiving surface terminal member 4 is arranged at the end of the light receiving surface 13a of the photovoltaic element 1 shown in FIG. The light receiving surface terminal member 4 is adhered and fixed to the current collecting electrode 6 by using a conductive adhesive layer existing in the above, and the light receiving surface terminal member 4 is electrically connected to the photovoltaic element 1. The portion of the light receiving surface 13a where the current collecting electrode 11 does not exist is adhered to the light receiving surface terminal member 4 using a conductive double-sided adhesive tape.

Next, the light-receiving surface terminal member 4 is folded back to the non-light-receiving surface 13b as shown in FIG. 6, and then attached to the non-light-receiving surface of the light-receiving surface terminal member 4 as shown in FIG. Using the insulating member 5, the light receiving surface terminal member 4 is bonded and fixed to the non-light receiving surface 13b.

Here, the light receiving surface terminal member 4 is not electrically connected to the non-light receiving surface 13b of the photovoltaic element 1.
Further, the light receiving surface terminal member 4 has a length slightly more than twice the width W of the photovoltaic element as shown in FIG.

The light receiving surface terminal member 4 is connected to the non-light receiving surface 13b.
Instead of folding back, the non-light receiving surface 13b of the photovoltaic element 1
9 and 10 are laser-welded in advance to the end of the light receiving surface 14a and the light receiving surface 13a and the non-light receiving surface 13b.
May be connected.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the non-light-receiving surface terminal member 3 is disposed at the end of the non-light-receiving surface 13b opposite to the end where the light-receiving surface terminal member 4 is disposed, and is adhesively fixed. The non-light receiving surface terminal member 3 is electrically connected to the photovoltaic element 1.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the non-light receiving surface terminal member 3 is made of an extension member 19 made of the same material and the same structure.
And the tip 20. Similarly, the extension member 19 made of the same material and the same configuration as the light-receiving surface terminal member 4,
It connects to the insulating member and the tip 20.

Next, the photovoltaic power generator 15 shown in FIG. 1 is mounted by attaching the power converter 2 having a power conversion circuit (not shown) therein so as to cover the two end portions 20 with an adhesive. Make it.

At this time, the tip portion 20 of the non-light receiving surface terminal member 3
The tip 20 of the light-receiving surface terminal member 4 is inserted into the power converter 2 through a bottom opening (not shown) of the power converter 2 and internally connected to two connection terminals of a power conversion circuit (not shown). Connected.

According to the above-described manufacturing method, each electrode of the photovoltaic element 1 is connected to the power converter 2, and the photovoltaic power generation apparatus 1 in which the power converter 2 is fixed to the photovoltaic element 1.
5 is produced.

[0094]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below in detail based on embodiments.

[First Embodiment] A first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8. FIG.

FIG. 1 shows a photovoltaic power generator 15 of the first embodiment.
Is shown.

In FIG. 1, an amorphous silicon solar cell having a photovoltaic layer 21 shown in FIG. 3 cut into a size of 200 × 250 mm is used as a photovoltaic element. A 150 μm thick stainless steel plate was used.

The non-light-receiving surface terminal member 3 fixed to the non-light-receiving surface 13b has a width of 7.5 mm, a length of 245 mm, and a thickness of 100 μm.
m, and was connected to the conductive substrate 7 by laser welding.

Then, as shown in FIG. 5, a polyimide substrate double-sided adhesive tape 12 was first applied to the light receiving surface 13a on the side opposite to the side to which the non-light receiving surface terminal member 3 was connected. (Width 7.5mm, length 255mm, thickness 200
μm (substrate 100 μm)).

At this time, the polyimide-based double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape 12 was covered with 5 mm so as to cover the end of the photovoltaic element 1.
It sticks out and sticks out.

Then, a carbon paste was previously coated with φ100.
μm copper wire coated carbon wire 5.
It was formed on the photovoltaic element 1 and the polyimide base material double-sided adhesive tape 12 at a pitch of 6 mm to form a current collecting electrode 11.

Further, a polyimide-based double-sided adhesive tape 12
The light-receiving surface terminal member 4 is attached to the upper part of the device.

As the light-receiving surface terminal member 4, a silver-plated copper foil having a width of 5 mm, a length of 510 mm and a thickness of 100 μm is used.
Current collecting electrode 11 at 0 ° C., 3 kg / cm 2, 180 seconds.
At the same time, heat and pressure are applied.

Then, as shown in FIG. 6, on the non-light-receiving surface 13b side of the light-receiving surface terminal member 4, a polyester base double-sided adhesive tape (width 7.5 mm, length 255 m
m, thickness 70 μm (base 50 μm)) is adhered to a portion where the polyimide base material double-sided adhesive tape 12 is not adhered.

The photovoltaic power generator 15 was manufactured through the above steps.

Further, the release paper of the polyester-based double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape is peeled off, and the light-receiving surface terminal member 4 is bent at the end of the photovoltaic element 1 as shown in FIG. The light receiving surface terminal member 4 is attached to the end of the non-light receiving surface 13b.

Then, as shown in FIG. 8, an extension member 19 (width 7.5 mm, length 110 mm,
(Thickness: 100 μm) is connected to the light receiving surface terminal member 4 and the non-light receiving surface terminal member 3 by soldering.

One end has a height of 2 near the center of the photovoltaic element 1.
It is stuck with the polyimide base material double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape 12 in a form in which the tip portion 20 of 0 mm is set upright.

Then, as shown in FIG.
Is mounted on the photovoltaic element 1 with an adhesive so as to cover the front end portion 20, and after connecting the front end portion 20 to an input terminal (not shown) of the power conversion circuit 2, the power converter 2
To produce a photovoltaic power generator 15.

As described above, one or a plurality of the solar power generation devices 15 (one photovoltaic element 1 is connected to one power converter 2) manufactured in the first embodiment are connected to a load or a system. It can be used in a system.

According to the first embodiment, it is possible to easily take out an electrode from the positive and negative electrodes of the photovoltaic element to one surface (for example, the non-light receiving surface 13b) of the photovoltaic power generator 15 and connect it to the power converter 2. As a result, the photovoltaic power generator 15 in which the photovoltaic element and the power converter 2 are integrated can be manufactured.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 11 shows a photovoltaic power generator 2 according to the second embodiment.
It is the schematic which shows the structural example of No. 15, and is the figure seen from the non-light-receiving surface 13b side.

In the photovoltaic power generator 215, the photovoltaic element 1 and the power converter 2 are exactly the same as the photovoltaic element 1 and the power converter 2 described in the first embodiment. 1 is different only in the installation position of the power converter 2. Also, since the installation position of the power converter 2 is different, the output line of the photovoltaic element is accordingly connected to the power converter 2.
The connection method for connecting to the electrodes is different.

That is, the size of the photovoltaic element used in the second embodiment, the lower electrode layer, the semiconductor layer, and the upper electrode layer are the same as those in the first embodiment, and include a conductive substrate, a light receiving surface terminal member. Unless otherwise described, insulating members such as non-light receiving surface terminal members and double-sided tape are made of the same material, width, length, and thickness.

Therefore, in the following description, the same components as those described in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. Therefore, only different points will be described below. I do.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a photovoltaic power generator 215 showing a state before the power converter 2 is attached.
3 is a sectional view of a portion A to which the extending member shown in FIG. 12 is connected.

The method of manufacturing the photovoltaic element 1 used in the second embodiment is the same as the method of manufacturing the photovoltaic element 1 used in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Next, as shown in FIG. 13, on the light receiving surface 13a, the current collecting electrode 11 was attached to the light receiving surface in the same manner as in Example 1, and the light receiving surface terminal member 4 (length: 260 mm) was connected. .

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 14, a folded member 14 is soldered to a portion of the light receiving surface terminal member 4 protruding from the end of the photovoltaic element 1, and is attached to the non-light receiving surface side of the folded member 14. Non-light-receiving surface pre-attached to the non-light-receiving surface of the photovoltaic element using a polyester base double-sided adhesive tape 5 (width 7.5 mm, length 250 mm, thickness 70 μm (base 50 μm)) that has been previously attached. Adhere so as to overlap with the terminal member 3.

At this time, the extension member 19 is connected to the light-receiving surface terminal member 4 in advance by soldering on the adhesive tape side. Then, the extending member 19 is connected to the photovoltaic element 1.
The tip 20 of the light-receiving surface terminal member 4 is formed by bending the light-receiving surface terminal member 4 vertically.

Further, the extension member 19 of the non-light-receiving surface terminal member is attached to the non-light-receiving surface terminal member 3 in advance on a portion of the adhesive tape which does not overlap with the extension member 19, and in this case also, The tip portion 20 is formed in the same manner as the member.

Through the above steps, a photovoltaic power generator 215 was manufactured.

In the second embodiment, the folded member is used. However, as in the first embodiment, an originally long terminal member can be bent at the end of the photovoltaic element.

Next, the power converter 2 is mounted on the photovoltaic element 1 with an adhesive so as to cover the tip, and the tip is connected to the input terminal of the power conversion circuit. A solar power generation device 215 was produced by covering the container.

In the second embodiment, electrodes can be easily taken out from the positive and negative electrodes of the photovoltaic element to one surface (for example, the non-light receiving surface 13b) of the photovoltaic power generation device 215 and connected to the power converter 2. The solar power generation device 215 in which the photovoltaic element and the power converter 2 are integrated can be manufactured.

As described above, one or a plurality of the solar power generation devices 215 (one photovoltaic element 1 is connected to one power converter 2) manufactured in the second embodiment are connected to a load or a system. It can be used in a system.

In the second embodiment, the light receiving surface terminal member 4
The folded member 14 connected to the non-light receiving surface terminal member 3 and the non-light receiving surface terminal member 3 serves as a capacitor opposite to each other via the insulating member 5, so that noise emission can be reduced. Therefore, when a plurality of solar power generation devices 215 are connected, the effect of reducing radiation noise is large.

Further, in the second embodiment, since the wiring length from the photovoltaic element to the input portion of the power converter 2 can be reduced as compared with the first embodiment, the wiring inductance can be reduced. Also, radiation noise can be reduced. Therefore, when a plurality of solar power generation devices 215 are connected, the effect of reducing radiation noise is large.

[Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 15 shows a photovoltaic power generator 31 according to the third embodiment.
5 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of No. 5 and is a diagram viewed from the non-light receiving surface 13b side.

In the photovoltaic power generator 315, the photovoltaic element 1 and the power converter 2 are exactly the same as the photovoltaic element 1 and the power converter 2 described in the first embodiment. 1 differs only in the installation position of the power converter 2. Also, since the installation position of the power converter 2 is different, the output line of the photovoltaic element is accordingly connected to the power converter 2.
The connection method for connecting to the electrodes is different.

That is, the size of the photovoltaic element used in the third embodiment, the lower electrode layer, the semiconductor layer, and the upper electrode layer are the same as those in the first embodiment, and include a conductive substrate, a light receiving surface terminal member. Unless otherwise described, insulating members such as non-light receiving surface terminal members and double-sided tape are made of the same material, width, length, and thickness.

Therefore, in the following description, the same components as those described in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. Therefore, only different points will be described below. I do.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of the photovoltaic element 24 before the light receiving surface terminal member 4 used in the third embodiment is bent.

The method of manufacturing the photovoltaic element 1 used in the third embodiment is the same as the method of manufacturing the photovoltaic element 1 used in the first embodiment, and will not be described.

Next, as shown in FIG. 16, on the light receiving surface 13a, the current collecting electrode 11 was attached to the light receiving surface in the same manner as in Example 1, and the light receiving surface terminal member 4 was connected. Here, the length of the light receiving surface terminal member 4 was 20 mm in width and 245 mm in length.

Next, the photovoltaic element 1 of the light receiving surface terminal member 4
Is bent out of the end portion of the light-receiving surface terminal member 4, and a polyester base double-sided adhesive tape 5 (width 7.5 mm, length 250 mm, thickness 70 μm) previously adhered to the non-light-receiving surface 13 b side of the light-receiving surface terminal member 4. (Base 50 μm)) so as to overlap with the non-light-receiving surface terminal member 3 previously attached to the non-light-receiving surface 13b of the photovoltaic element.
At this time, the extension member 19 is previously attached to the light receiving surface terminal member 4.
Are connected to the adhesive tape side by soldering.

Then, the extension member 19 is bent perpendicularly to the photovoltaic element 1 to cause the tip portion 20 of the light receiving surface terminal member 4 to be formed.

The non-light-receiving surface terminal member 3 is also provided with the non-light-receiving surface terminal member extension member 19 on the side of the adhesive tape that does not overlap with the extension member 19 in advance. The tip portion 20 is formed in the same manner as described above.

Through the above steps, a solar power generator 315 was manufactured.

Then, the power converter 2 is placed on the photovoltaic element 1 with an adhesive so as to cover the tip, and after connecting the tip to the input terminal of the power conversion circuit, the power converter 2 Solar power generator 3
No. 15 was produced.

In the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, electrodes are easily taken out from the positive and negative electrodes of the photovoltaic element to one surface (for example, the non-light receiving surface 13b) of the photovoltaic power generator 315,
The photovoltaic device 315 can be connected to the power converter 2 and the photovoltaic element and the power converter 2 are integrated.

As described above, one or a plurality of the solar power generation devices 315 (one photovoltaic element 1 is connected to one power converter 2) manufactured in the third embodiment are connected to a load or a system. It can be used in a system.

In the third embodiment, the light receiving surface terminal member 4
The folded member 14 connected to the terminal member 3 and the non-light receiving surface terminal 3 is opposite to each other via the insulating member 5 and plays the role of a capacitor, so that noise emission can be reduced. Therefore, when a plurality of solar power generation devices 315 are connected, the effect of reducing radiation noise is large.

Further, in the third embodiment, since the wiring length from the photovoltaic element to the input portion of the power converter 2 can be reduced as compared with the first embodiment, the wiring inductance can be reduced. Also, radiation noise can be reduced. Therefore, when a plurality of solar power generation devices 315 are connected, the effect of reducing radiation noise is large.

[Fourth Embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 17 shows a photovoltaic power generator 41 according to the fourth embodiment.
5 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of No. 5 and is a diagram viewed from the non-light receiving surface 13b side.

FIG. 18 shows a power converter 2 used in the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a photovoltaic power generation device 415 before being attached.

In the photovoltaic power generator 415, the photovoltaic element 1 and the power converter 2 are exactly the same as the photovoltaic element 1 and the power converter 2 described in the first embodiment. 1 is different only in the installation position of the power converter 2. Also, since the installation position of the power converter 2 is different, the output line of the photovoltaic element is accordingly connected to the power converter 2.
The connection method for connecting to the electrodes is different.

That is, the size of the photovoltaic element used in the fourth embodiment, the lower electrode layer, the semiconductor layer, and the upper electrode layer are the same as those of the first embodiment, and include a conductive substrate, a light receiving surface terminal member. Unless otherwise specified, non-light receiving surface terminal members, insulating members such as double-sided tape, etc., are made of the same material, width, length, and thickness.

Therefore, in the following description, the same components as those described in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. Therefore, only different points will be described below. I do.

The method of manufacturing the photovoltaic element 1 used in the fourth embodiment is the same as the method of manufacturing the photovoltaic element 1 used in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. Next, as shown in FIG.
1 was attached to the light receiving surface, and the light receiving surface terminal member 4 was further connected. Here, the light receiving surface terminal member 4 used had a width of 25 mm and a length of 245 mm.

Next, in the fourth embodiment, A is used as an insulating member.
A support member 27 made of BS resin was used. The support member 27 is a polyester-based double-sided adhesive tape (width 7.5 m)
m, length 250mm, thickness 70μm (base material 50μm))
Thereby, it is mounted on the non-light receiving surface terminal member 3 of the non-light receiving surface 13b.

Thereafter, the portion of the light-receiving surface terminal member 4 protruding from the end of the photovoltaic element 1 is bent, and both sides of the polyester base material previously adhered to the non-light-receiving surface side of the light-receiving surface terminal member 4 are bent. Adhesive tape 5 (width 7.5 mm, length 2
It is adhered on a support member 27 having a thickness of 50 mm and a thickness of 70 μm (base material: 50 μm) which is previously attached to the non-light receiving surface 13 b of the photovoltaic element.

At this time, the light receiving surface terminal member 4 is
Bend R1 mm.

At this time, the extension member 19 is connected to the light receiving surface terminal member 4 in advance by soldering to the adhesive tape side. Then, the extending member 19 is connected to the photovoltaic element 1.
The tip 20 of the light-receiving surface terminal member 4 is formed by bending the light-receiving surface terminal member 4 vertically.

The non-light-receiving surface terminal member 3 is also provided with a non-light-receiving surface terminal member extending member 19 at a portion that does not overlap with the extending member 19 in advance. The tip 20 is formed by the method described above.

Through the above steps, a photovoltaic power generator 415 was manufactured.

Then, the power converter 2 is mounted on the photovoltaic element 1 with an adhesive so as to cover the tip, and after connecting the tip to the input terminal of the power conversion circuit, Solar power generator 4
No. 15 was produced.

As described above, one or a plurality of the solar power generation devices 415 (one photovoltaic element 1 is connected to one power converter 2) manufactured in the fourth embodiment are connected to a load or a system. It can be used in a system.

In the fourth embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, electrodes are easily taken out from the positive and negative electrodes of the photovoltaic element to one surface (for example, the non-light receiving surface 13b) of the photovoltaic power generation device 415.
The solar power generation device 415 can be connected to the power converter 2 and the photovoltaic element and the power converter 2 are integrated.

In the fourth embodiment, the light receiving surface terminal member 4
The folded member 14 connected to the terminal member 3 and the non-light receiving surface terminal 3 is opposite to each other via the insulating member 5 and plays the role of a capacitor, so that noise emission can be reduced. Therefore, when a plurality of solar power generation devices 415 are connected, the effect of reducing radiation noise is large.

Further, by using the supporting member 27 having an end portion having a bending radius R as an insulating member of the light receiving surface terminal member 4 and the non-light receiving surface terminal member 3, the bending radius of the terminal member is determined, and the reliability of the terminal member is determined. Is improved.

Further, in the fourth embodiment, the wiring length from the photovoltaic element to the input section of the power converter 2 can be reduced as compared with the first embodiment, so that the wiring inductance can be reduced. Also, radiation noise can be reduced. Therefore, when a plurality of solar power generation devices 415 are connected, the effect of reducing radiation noise is large.

[0166]

As described above, according to the present invention,
In a power generation device having one solar cell (photovoltaic element) and one power converter, the power converter is arranged at an optimal position, and the solar cell (photovoltaic element), the power converter, Can be connected by an optimal wiring method. Further, noise radiated from the power generation device can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a photovoltaic power generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a solar power generation device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration example of a photovoltaic element according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a configuration example of a photovoltaic element according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example in which a light receiving surface terminal member is attached to a light receiving surface of a photovoltaic element.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example in which a light receiving surface terminal member is attached to a non-light receiving surface of a photovoltaic element.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example in which a light receiving surface terminal member and a non-light receiving surface terminal member are attached to a non-light receiving surface of a photovoltaic element.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example in which an extension member and a distal end are attached to a light receiving surface terminal member and a non-light receiving surface terminal member.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating attachment of a folded terminal member to a photovoltaic element.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating attachment of a folded terminal member to a photovoltaic element.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a photovoltaic power generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a photovoltaic power generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention before the power converter is attached.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of a photovoltaic power generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating attachment of a folded terminal member to a photovoltaic element.

FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing a configuration example of a photovoltaic power generator according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a photovoltaic power generator according to a third embodiment of the present invention before the power converter is attached.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a solar power generation device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a photovoltaic power generator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention before a power converter is attached.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 photovoltaic element 2 power converter 3 non-light receiving surface terminal member 4 light receiving surface terminal member 5 insulating member 6 current collecting electrode 7 conductive Functional substrate 8: Lower electrode layer 9: Semiconductor layer 10, Upper electrode layer 11, Current collecting electrode 12, Double-sided adhesive tape 13a Light receiving surface 13b Non-light receiving surface 13c Side portion 14 ··· Folded member 15 ··· Solar power generation device 19 ··· Extension member 20 ··· Tip 21 ··· Photovoltaic layer 27 ··· Support member 215 ··· Photovoltaic power generation device 315 ···・ Solar power generator 415 ・ ・ ・ Solar power generator

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A photovoltaic power generation device comprising an integrated photovoltaic element comprising at least a metallic substrate and a semiconductor layer, and a power converter for converting the output power of the photovoltaic element into power. A light-receiving surface of the photovoltaic element, a terminal member electrically connected to a current collecting electrode and the current collecting electrode, and a terminal member on a non-light-receiving surface of the photovoltaic element. And a terminal member on the light receiving surface and a terminal member on the non-light receiving surface or a member extending from each of the terminal members is connected to an input terminal of the power converter. 2. A terminal member on the light receiving surface or the non-light receiving surface has a length extending from an end of the photovoltaic element, and is folded back at the end to attach the terminal member in advance. The photovoltaic power generation device according to claim 1, wherein the photovoltaic power generation device is attached to a surface opposite to a surface on which the photovoltaic power generation is performed. 3. A terminal member on the light receiving surface or the non-light receiving surface is folded by a folding member at an end portion of the photovoltaic element to a surface opposite to a surface on which the terminal member is attached in advance. The photovoltaic power generation device according to claim 1, wherein the photovoltaic power generation device is attached. 4. The photovoltaic power generation device according to claim 3, wherein the folding member is formed of a metal body and an insulating member integrated with the metal body. 5. The terminal member on the light receiving surface and the terminal member on the non-light receiving surface are laminated to form a laminate, and an insulating member for insulating each terminal member is inserted between the laminates. The photovoltaic power generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: 6. The photovoltaic power generator according to claim 1, further comprising an insulating member at an end of the photovoltaic element. 7. The photovoltaic power generator according to claim 6, wherein the insulating member also serves as a support member. 8. The insulating member may be made of one of an organic polymer resin such as acrylic, urethane, polyester, polyimide, vinyl chloride, silicone, fluorine, polyethylene, and polypropylene, and glass cloth. The photovoltaic power generation device according to claim 6, wherein the photovoltaic power generation device is manufactured using two insulating materials. 9. The photovoltaic power generator according to claim 7, wherein the support member has a curved portion that determines a bent curvature of the terminal member on the light receiving surface or the non-light receiving surface. 10. The current collecting electrode has a specific resistance of 10 ⁻⁶ Ω.
Photovoltaic device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it is fabricated from a conductive material having a cm to 10 ^-2 [Omega] cm. 11. The terminal member on the light receiving surface or the non-light receiving surface is made of Ti, Cr, Mo, W, Al, Ag, Ni, C
The photovoltaic power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the photovoltaic power generation device is manufactured using a metal of u, Sn, and Pt and an alloy having one of them and solder. . 12. The current collecting electrode is made of Ti, Cr, Mo,
It is manufactured using a conductive material in which a powder having any one of metals of W, Al, Ag, Ni, Cu, Sn and Pt and an alloy thereof and a polymer resin binder are pasted. The photovoltaic power generator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: 13. A photovoltaic power generation device integrally comprising a photovoltaic element composed of at least a metallic substrate and a semiconductor layer, and a power converter for converting the output power of the photovoltaic element into power. An installation step of installing the power converter on the photovoltaic element, and a terminal member for electrically connecting the current collecting electrode to the light receiving surface of the photovoltaic element. Connecting a terminal member to the non-light-receiving surface of the photovoltaic element; and extending from each of the terminal member of the light-receiving surface and the terminal member of the non-light-receiving surface. A connection step of connecting the output members to input terminals of the power converter, respectively.