WO2016174038A1 - Undulated element for receiving a multiplicity of solar cells, and photovoltaic module - Google Patents

Abstract

An undulated element (1) and a photovoltaic module for receiving or with a multiplicity of solar cells (20), comprising an undulated frame (4), wherein the frame has four outer edges (15); a receiving region (5), formed in one piece with the undulated frame, for receiving a multiplicity of solar cells, wherein the receiving region defines a planar application surface; wherein the minimum separation between the receiving region and at least two outer edges (15) of the frame corresponds to at least half a wavelength of the waveform, and/or at least a distance of 3.5 cm; wherein the undulated element is made of sheet metal and has a maximum thickness of 0.6 mm.

Description

 Wavy element for receiving a variety of solar cells as well

 photovoltaic module

Field of the invention

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a wave-shaped element for accommodating a plurality of solar cells, a photovoltaic module and a method for producing a wave-shaped element for accommodating a plurality of solar cells and a photovoltaic module. Embodiments are particularly directed to a wavy element for receiving a plurality of solar cells and a photovoltaic module, which can be installed inexpensively and without special tools on or as part of a corrugated metal roof.

Background of the invention

A building is constructed from a plurality of building components. The building components include in particular roof elements. Building components form the basic structure of a building and offer protection against environmental influences, such as rain, wind or solar radiation.

Photovoltaic systems with solar cells serve the direct conversion of solar energy into electrical energy. In countries with a high population density, photovoltaic systems are often connected to the public grid, so that the generated electrical energy can be fed directly into the grid. However, in countries with low population density and remote locations, this often does not make sense, as it would be too costly and expensive to build a public grid. In any case, in some countries, especially in provincial areas, there is no public electricity grid.

Examples of this problem are emerging markets. There are in many areas no power supply via the public electricity grid. Nevertheless, it is But even in such areas energy needs, for example, mobile phones are also widely used there. To charge the mobile phones, however, a power supply is necessary. Often there are diesel / gasoline generators for power generation in such areas. The use of photovoltaic systems in such areas is due to the high solar radiation while appropriate, but not entirely unproblematic. The roofs are often made in lightweight construction, especially with the help of corrugated sheets. The high weight of conventional glass-aluminum modules on the usual lightweight roofs requires complex aluminum substructure. However, not only the solar cells of the photovoltaic plants themselves, but also the aluminum used for the substructure can represent a corresponding high value, which often falls victim to a theft.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the problems in the prior art. It is a particular object of the present invention to provide a cost-effective and technically easily attachable possibility to transform the energy provided by the sun into electrical energy, and at the same time substantially complicating a theft.

Brief description of the invention

These objects are achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

According to one aspect, there is provided a wave-shaped member for receiving a plurality of solar cells, comprising the following components: a wave-shaped frame, the frame having four outer edges; an accommodating portion integrally formed with the wavy frame for accommodating a plurality of solar cells, the receiving portion defining a flat supporting surface;

wherein the minimum distance of the receiving area to at least two outer edges of the frame corresponds to at least half a period of the waveform and / or at least a distance of 3.5 cm; wherein the wave-shaped element is a corrugated sheet and has a maximum thickness of 0.6mm.

 70

 According to a further aspect, there is provided a photovoltaic module comprising a wave-shaped element as described herein and a plurality of solar cells disposed in the receiving area of the wave-shaped element.

As a receiving area, the flat support surface is understood, which is designed to receive the solar cells, for example. In the form of one or more solar units. A possibly provided projection around the receiving area surrounds the receiving area and is therefore no longer understood as belonging to the receiving area 80. In the case of a photovoltaic module, the receiving area can be understood in particular as the area that is actually covered by the one or more solar units. The distance from the receiving area to the outer edge of the frame is therefore understood in the case of the photovoltaic module regularly as the distance between the edge of the photovoltaic module to the outer edge of the frame.

As will be explained in more detail later, this feature combination allows the user and owner of a house with corrugated iron roof easily and without further structural help such. B. a 90 drill or the like can fix the photovoltaic module on his roof by simply nailing in existing corrugated roof elements. The minimum distance between the edge of the wave-shaped element or photovoltaic module to the receiving area of the solar cells also guarantees that when driving nails into the sheet, the solar cells are not damaged.

In particular, the corrugated sheet can have a thickness of less than or equal to 0.5 mm, and in particular a thickness of 0.2 mm. This makes the nailing even easier. On the other hand, in many embodiments, for stability and transport reasons, the thickness of the corrugated sheet should be at least 0.1 mm 100. In embodiments, the wave-shaped element or the photovoltaic module comprises a projection at least partially, preferably completely surrounding projection. This serves in particular to protect the glass edge of the solar unit introduced in the photovoltaic module.

In another aspect, there is provided a wavy element for receiving a plurality of solar cells, comprising:

 a first part and a second part, which are joined together along a joining groove 110, and form a wave-shaped frame, wherein the frame has four outer edges;

 an integrally formed with the first part first receiving portion portion and an integrally formed with the second part second receiving portion portion, wherein the first and second receiving portion portion form the receiving area, wherein a receiving area adapted to receive a plurality of solar cells and defines a flat support surface; wherein the minimum distance of the receiving area to at least two outer edges of the frame corresponds to at least half a period of the waveform and / or at least a distance of 3.5 cm;

120 - wherein the wave-shaped element is formed of plastic.

Also in this embodiment, the wave-shaped element or the photovoltaic module can be easily mounted on a roof. Since the significantly different thermal expansion coefficients of glass, which is regularly used as the upper protective layer over the solar cells, and plastic, however, can normally lead to problems in heating in the sun, the two-part design allows a positive attachment of the solar cells in the receiving area, wherein gluing or the like can be omitted regularly. Moreover, the manufacturing process for producing the two parts 130 of the wave-shaped element may be identical.

In embodiments, the wave-shaped element or the photovoltaic module can have a receiving region partially, preferably completely, circumferential groove. In embodiments of the wave-shaped element or photovoltaic module described here, the receiving region furthermore has at least one, preferably two recesses. These can serve the rear ventilation and thus regularly increase the energy yield of the photovoltaic module.

 140

 In another aspect, there is provided a method of making a corrugated corrugated sheet as described herein, comprising:

 Providing a sheet; and

 Simultaneous deep drawing of the waveform and the flat recording area in one step.

 This has the advantage that the wave-shaped element can be produced in a single step from a conventional flat sheet.

In addition, a recess can be formed within the receiving area, for example by milling or punching. This can be done in the same or a further step.

According to a further aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing a photovoltaic module, in which a plurality of solar cells are adhered to the receiving area of the wavy element produced as described herein. This is done in particular and in a simple and cost-effective manner with the aid of a double-sided adhesive tape. Alternatively, silicone can be used for bonding.

 160

 Generally, as described herein, the solar cells are commonly incorporated into the receiving area as solar units. A solar unit is understood as meaning the laminate of one or more solar cells embedded between a lower and an upper protective layer.

In another aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing a plastic wavy element as described herein, wherein a first portion of the wavy element is injection molded; and a second part of the wave-shaped element is injection-molded. The division of the wave-shaped element into two parts and the simple production by means of an injection molding process allow the cost-effective production of a photovoltaic module as described herein. For this purpose, a multiplicity of solar cells, typically in the form of one or more solar units, are introduced into a receiving groove portion of the first and second part of the wave-shaped element, respectively at least partially, preferably completely encircling receiving groove. Then, the first part of the wave-shaped element is connected to the second part of the wave-shaped element at a joining groove. Possible types of connection are a snap lock, 180 hot calking or gluing. This type of production enables a simple form-fitting attachment of the solar cells within the wave-shaped element, which thus absorbs the solar unit and prevents removal, such as in the case of theft. At the same time, this type of attachment does not lead to excessive stresses and shear forces when heated in the sun.

Other aspects, details, embodiments and advantages will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the attached drawings.

Brief description of the figures

 190

 Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic three-dimensional view of a wave-shaped

 Element according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 shows a schematic three-dimensional view of a

 Photovoltaic module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

 200

 Fig. 3 shows a schematic cross section through the embodiment of the

Photovoltaic module according to Figure 2 along the line AA according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 shows a schematic three-dimensional view of a wave-shaped

 Element according to another embodiment of the present invention;

5 shows a schematic three-dimensional view of a 210 photovoltaic module according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6 shows a schematic cross section through the embodiment of the wave-shaped element according to Fig. 5 along the line A-A according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

7 shows a schematic cross section through an embodiment of a roof-mounted photovoltaic module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

 220

Detailed description of the invention

According to one aspect of the invention, the wave-shaped element can be permanently installed on a building by simple means. In particular, the wave-shaped element can be nailed onto an existing roof element, for example, from corrugated iron.

The wave-shaped element as understood herein has a regular 230 longitudinal wave structure with a constant period (distance between two maxima). Mathematically, the period corresponds to 2π. In other words, the period represents the distance in the wave-shaped element in which the same structure repeats.

According to one aspect, the wave-shaped element has a receiving region, which is formed integrally with the frame of the wave-shaped element. According to one aspect of the invention, the minimum distance of the receiving area is too at least two outer edges of the wave-shaped element at least a half period and in particular at least a 3/4 period. Alternatively or additionally, 240 is the minimum distance of the receiving area to at least two outer edges of the wave-shaped element at least 3.5 cm and in particular at least 5 cm. The recording area serves to accommodate a plurality of solar cells. The solar cells are typically mounted in the form of a solar unit. The solar unit is sometimes referred to as "laminate", and should be understood as the entirety of the solar cells and their encapsulation.

The inventor of the present disclosure has found that, particularly in emerging markets, a simple and inexpensive mounting of photovoltaic modules is needed, which at the same time is sufficient against theft

250 is safe. According to the invention, therefore, the photovoltaic module is formed from a one-piece wave-shaped element made of sheet metal or of a two-piece wave-shaped element made of plastic. In this respect, the inventor proposes a hitherto completely unusual way with regard to the fastening of the photovoltaic module, namely the simple fastening, for example, on a roof with the help of nails. However, it has been found that the hammering of a nail through the frame formed in the wave-shaped element can regularly lead to a break in the receiving area attached high-sensitivity solar cells or the solar unit (such as the sun-side tempered glass), as by the Hammering caused tremors

260 be passed.

The inventor of the present invention has therefore found, in numerous experiments, that the minimum distance of at least half a period or at least 3.5 cm mentioned herein prevents damage to the solar unit since the shocks at that distance are sufficiently attenuated. In addition, the minimum distance also serves to ensure that a simple slipping off the nail head with the hammer does not lead to a direct impact on the solar cells.

270 In addition, in the case of a corrugated element made of sheet metal, the thickness of the sheet used for this purpose is less than 0.6 mm, in particular smaller should be equal to 0.5 mm and preferably less than or equal to 0.2 mm. This has the advantage that conventional nails without the use of drills or the like can be driven through the plate at all by means of a hammer. It is this. important to understand that in the typical field of application of the present invention, technical aids, such as a drill, or even a 220V or 1 1 0V AC voltage connection for operating the drill, are not regularly available. It may therefore be of fundamental importance to the consumer that the attachment of the photovoltaic module on the corrugated roof by the simple penetration of nails is possible. Not only is this possible with the stated maximum thicknesses of the sheet, but also numerous experiments have shown that, together with the minimum distance of half a period of the waveform or of at least 3.5 cm, the vibrations on the way towards the solar cell are sufficiently mitigated so that the solar cells themselves are not harmed.

As an alternative to placing the wave-shaped element on an existing roof element, it can also itself act as part of the building and in particular of the roof. Typical roofs, especially in emerging countries, consist of several interconnected corrugated sheets. According to one aspect of the invention, the wave-shaped element can be integrated into the roof structure of a building like a conventional roof element. The integration into the structure of the building has the consequence that a simple theft of the photovoltaic module is prevented because the photovoltaic module is firmly connected to the building. In addition, the integration of the solar cells into the building structure has the consequence that the solar cells are well protected against mechanical influences and environmental influences such as, for example, solar cells. Wind are protected.

According to embodiments, the photovoltaic module has a wave-shaped element described herein, on which a plurality of solar cells in the form of one or more solar units are arranged.

The solar unit typically has at least one electrical connection element, a lower protective layer and an upper protective layer. The lower protective layer is firmly connected to the solar cells and below the solar cells arranged. It consists for example of special plastic film The lower protective layer comes in the formation of the photovoltaic module with the receiving area of the wave-shaped element, for example. By gluing the solar unit in permanent contact. The lower protective layer may then be firmly connected to the receiving area 310. The upper protective layer may consist of glass, in particular of surface-treated glass such as, for example, mirror-poor and / or specially hardened glass.

The arrangement of the plurality of solar cells typically has a planar shape. Flat in this case means that the extent in two coordinate axes of a Cartesian coordinate system is greater by at least an order of magnitude than in the third coordinate axis. In particular, the solar cells are flat solar cells, typically less than 6 inches (15.6 cm) in size, and / or have a thickness in the range of less than 320 millimeters.

According to embodiments of the present invention, so-called 1/3 or 1/4 solar cells are used. These are, for example, 5 or 6 inch solar cells, which, however, were separated into 3 or 4 equal parts (the separation being parallel to the finger alignment and thus perpendicular to the busbar alignment of the solar cells). In a typical arrangement of 2 rows of 18 solar cells each (in particular 1/3 solar cells), this has the particular advantage that the output voltage of the photovoltaic module is 18 V_mpp (since each cell in the unheated state delivers 1/2 V_mpp), the voltage of the 330 photovoltaic module then actually drops in operation regularly to about 12-14 volts.

 This corresponds to the voltage required to charge a car battery. In typical embodiments, such an arrangement provides a nominal power of 50 Wp.

By adapting the photovoltaic module to a building structure and in particular a roof structure at least outside the receiving area of the photovoltaic module is made possible that the photovoltaic module can be integrated into the building. As already mentioned, the photovoltaic module can either be mounted on an existing roof element, or it can be used as an alternative to a conventional roof element. 340

 In addition, a positive connection between the wave-shaped element and the building structure, such as the roof, on which the wave-shaped element is mounted, allows. In this way, the photovoltaic module can withstand high mechanical stresses when used as intended. Also environmental influences can possibly be better absorbed by the.

If, for example, the roof of a building is formed from a plurality of corrugated metal roof elements, then the wave-shaped element 350 described here is adapted to this structure in that it also has a corrugated sheet structure in the edge regions. In particular, it can replace such a conventional corrugated roof tile element; Alternatively, the wave-shaped element can also be placed on an already existing corrugated roof element and fixed there.

It is generally desired in the manufacture of photovoltaic modules, edge regions of the attachment, which do not serve to generate electricity from solar energy but only the mechanical attachment, as narrow as possible. In this way, the largest possible areas of the 360 photovoltaic modules are available for the arrangement of solar cells.

The present invention deliberately deviates from this. According to one aspect of the present invention, the edge of the wave-shaped element or the solar module is deliberately chosen at least as half a period of the waveform or at least 3.5 cm. As already explained, it is found that this distance regularly suffices that nails can be hammered by the wave-shaped element in the outer region of the edge region without this causing a rupture of the solar cells located in the receiving region.

However, in typical embodiments, the size of the edge area is also no greater than twice the period of the waveform and / or no larger than 15 cm. Thus, although the possibility of easy attachment with the help of a Hammers ensure, but at the same time not taken up too much space, which can not serve to generate electricity.

The shape of the wave-shaped element may be rectangular. A typical dimension has a width (i.e., an extension in the direction of the undulations) of between 40 cm and 90 cm, in particular between 45 cm and 55 cm. Just an upper limit such as 55 cm has been found to be practicable in order to be able to comfortably transport the wave-shaped element or the photovoltaic module under the arm. On the other hand, too narrow arrangements are too inefficient.

A typical length of the wave-shaped element or photovoltaic module (i.e., the extent parallel to the waveform) is between 100 cm and 220 cm, typically between 120 cm and 140 cm.

The photovoltaic module comprises several solar cells. By the electrical connection elements, of which the building component comprises at least one 390, both the solar cells connected to each other and a connection can be made out of the photovoltaic module out. Preferably, at least one electrical connection element such as a cable (i.e., a power connection for the two poles) projects out of the solar unit between the lower protection layer and the upper protection layer. This allows, for example, a simple connection of the solar cells to the mains of a building.

For example, semicrystalline, crystalline flexible or printed solar cells can be used as solar cells. Although flexible solar cells are more expensive to purchase, they are also less susceptible to mechanical influences. Also a mixed arrangement is conceivable. Crystalline solar cells are currently the most common solar cells.

Corrugated iron elements are often used and installed especially in emerging markets. Typical corrugated sheet members have a corrugation of 76/18, ie, a waveform having a period of 78 cm and a height (ie, shaft minimum to maximum shaft) of 18 cm. The photovoltaic module can be used in particular as a stand-alone system. This means that the photovoltaic module will not be connected to a public power grid 410. Rather, the generated electrical energy is consumed directly on site. The electrical connection element of the photovoltaic module of the present description is typically formed from two wires which are provided without a plug or socket.

The invention will now be described in detail by way of example with reference to the embodiments shown in the figures. In the figures, the same reference number designates the same element.

In the embodiments schematically illustrated by the figures, the wave-shaped element 1 is adapted by the wave shape in the frame 4 to a typical corrugated iron roof structure. The frame comprises four outer edges 15. Without being limited to the embodiments shown, the receiving area 5 into which the plurality of solar cells 20 can be accommodated is flat. The receiving area 5 typically has a fastening web 10 which is designed to receive the solar cells. The solar cells can typically be taken in the form of one or more solar units. As will be described in more detail later, the solar cells are typically adhered, in particular in the embodiments in which the wave-shaped element consists of sheet metal.

 430

As indicated in FIG. 1, it is possible in principle and without limitation to the embodiment of FIG. 1 that the receiving region has one or more recesses. This can serve the better ventilation of the solar cells, which in turn can be beneficial for the energy yield. The one or more recesses are thus behind the solar cells and in particular allow cooling of the solar cells by the ambient air. This is sometimes important for the efficiency of solar cells, which decreases with increasing temperatures. The recesses are designated in FIG. 1 by the reference numeral 11. Between several recesses, a gutter, the is shown in Fig. 1 and is provided with the reference numeral 1 2, be provided.

The pick-up area is typically made in the same step, in which the waveform is also placed in a previously flat sheet, typically by deep-drawing or stamping. In addition, then the one or more recesses can be introduced into the wave-shaped element, for example by punching, milling, or cutting.

FIG. 2 now shows an embodiment of a photovoltaic module 2. A multiplicity of solar cells 20 are introduced into the wave-shaped element 1. Typically, the solar cells 20 are incorporated in one or more solar units 21 in the wave-shaped element.

The solar cells are arranged centrally in the wave-shaped element 1 according to the exemplary embodiments of the figures. The frame 4 of the photovoltaic module remains free of solar cells.

In addition, an electrical connection element 3 may be present in the form of a connecting cable, which protrudes from the solar cell 20 from the wave-shaped element 1 460. The electrical connection element is typically soldered directly on the back of the solar unit to the executed busbars of the solar cells. In embodiments, the electrical connection element, such as a cable, is led out through a sealed hole on the back side of the wave-shaped element. For sealing silicone can be used. The connection element is guided, for example, along a metal bead for mechanical protection to the outer edge of the photovoltaic module. This makes it possible to easily guide the cable during installation in the interior of the roof.

It is quite general and unrelated to the terminal guide that a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure provides the photovoltaic module without a junction box. The connection element consists exclusively of in numerous embodiments a power cable consisting solely of the two mutually insulated lines for the two different poles.

The understanding underlying the present invention is illustrated by the schematic cross-sectional view of Fig. 3, which is shown along the dashed line A-A of Fig. 2. Basically, the wave-shaped element has a waveform as shown in the figures. This is typically 480 so that the frame 4 has a waveform. Without limiting to the figures shown, the receiving area according to embodiments of the invention is flat and thus in particular without waveform.

Without being limited to the figures shown, the receiving area 5 can be increased relative to the rest of the wave-shaped element. This is to be understood that the height of the fastening web 1 0 is greater compared to the maximum height of the waveform. This allows the problem-free attachment to existing corrugated metal roof panels. In particular, the receiving area can be at least 1 mm higher than the maximum height of the shaft 490. It is typical, however, that the receiving area protrudes no more than 1 0 mm above the maximum height of the shaft.

The waveform makes it possible to arrange the photovoltaic module 1 overlapping with other building components, both those with solar cells, as well as with conventional corrugated metal elements. In this way, a positive connection between the wave-shaped element 1 and adjacent components is achieved. This considerably increases the stability of the overall composite. As a result, the solar cells 20 and the solar unit 21 are less mechanically stressed, since acting forces can be absorbed by the overall composite.

 500

As shown in the schematic cross-sectional views of the accompanying figures, according to embodiments, the waveform at a low position 15 within the wave-shaped element transitions into a projection which forms the receiving area. The low position 15 at which the waveform transitions into the projection is typically close to a minimum of the waveform, especially at a distance in the range of +/- 1 cm of the minimum, preferably at the minimum itself.

The receiving area is typically formed within the projection. The 510 receiving area usually has a height of at least 3/4 of the wave height, preferably approximately the wave height itself. The applicability to existing roof elements made of corrugated iron is thus guaranteed.

In addition, the projection ensures increased rigidity of the wave-shaped element or of the photovoltaic module. This is even more true in synergy with the normal way rectangular shape of the receiving area. This leads to an easier transportability or to a reduced risk of damage of the photovoltaic module. In addition, a water drain is formed by this geometry next to the receiving area, which extends groove-like around the low position 520 15 and is able to dissipate the water along this groove in use.

In embodiments of the present invention, the receiving area 5 is at least partially surrounded by a projection 1 2, typically completely. This has several advantages. On the one hand, it serves the rigidity of the wave-shaped element or of the photovoltaic module, in particular in the region of the receiving region. In addition, the projection is typically dimensioned such that its height is above the height of the solar unit. Compared with the attachment web 1 0 of the receiving unit of the projection 1 6 is typically increased, in particular on the order of +/- 5 mm with respect to the top of the 530 solar unit, in particular, the projection is at least at the same height as the solar unit. In further embodiments, the projection is increased by at least 1 mm with respect to the solar unit. During the transport of the photovoltaic module, the projection therefore serves to protect the solar unit, and in particular the typically hardened glass on top of the solar unit, which can otherwise be very easily destroyed just in the edge region of the solar unit.

The photovoltaic modules according to the invention can in particular be island systems which, during operation, have an output voltage of approximately 1 2-14 V available 540. Their design is therefore regularly with 1 8 V_mpp. It may be provided to use them with the help of a charge controller for charging electrical equipment without an additional interconnection is necessary. In principle, however, it is also possible to interconnect the photovoltaic module differently, so that it can be connected to inverters and forms a power supply for a building or is suitable as a power supply for a grid feed.

In particular, in the embodiments described herein, in which the wave-shaped element is made of sheet metal, the solar cells are firmly connected, for example, with the aid of an adhesive in the receiving area. As schematically illustrated in FIG. 3, the solar unit 21 is permanently connected to the wave-shaped element 1 with the aid of a double-sided adhesive tape 23, with which the photovoltaic module 2 is formed. Due to the similar coefficients of thermal expansion of glass and sheet metal, the splice is not subjected to constant mechanical stress during the course of the day. The solar cells are thus permanently fixed in the wave-shaped element and typically only by use of force herauslösbar again. This makes a selective theft of solar cells almost impossible.

560 According to embodiments, the wave-shaped element is formed in two parts.

 This is particularly the case when the wave-shaped element is made of a plastic. The division of the wave-shaped element takes place regularly perpendicular to the wave direction and in particular through the receiving area for solar cells.

Such an embodiment is exemplified in FIG. For the assembly of the photovoltaic module in the case of a two-piece wave-shaped element, the first part 7 of the wave-shaped element and the second part 8 of the wave-shaped element are pushed together at a joining groove 9 570 and permanently connected to each other, for example by gluing or by means of a snap closure or hot calking. This is usually done after introducing one or more solar units in the receiving area. As a result, as shown by way of example in FIG. 5, get the photovoltaic module 2. Gluing the one or more solar units in the receiving area of the wave-shaped element is not necessary in this case.

In particular, in the embodiments of the wave-shaped element described herein, in which the wave-shaped element is made of plastic, a 580 receiving groove for the solar cells, more typically the one or more solar units may be provided. This will be illustrated with reference to the schematic cross section shown in Fig. 6 along the dashed line of Fig. 5.

Without limiting to the embodiment according to FIG. 6, in the assembled state of the photovoltaic module, the receiving groove 6 partially, typically completely surrounds the receiving region. The receiving groove thereby creates an opening which extends in the direction of the solar unit to be accommodated or the solar unit already introduced, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The receiving groove typically serves the positive reception of 590 one or more solar units. The depth of the groove (i.e., the depth of the opening for receiving the one or more solar units) is typically 0.5 to 1.0 cm. The width of the groove is typically 0.5 cm. However, the width of the receiving groove is typically chosen to be slightly smaller than the thickness of the one or more solar units, so that the connection between the solar cells and the wave-shaped element can also be non-positive.

Due to the geometry, the receiving groove described herein typically projects the height of the solar unit. The receiving groove thus additionally has the functionality which has been discussed 600 by way of example with reference to FIG. 3 for the projection 12, namely that in the case of a transport the sensitive surface of the one or more solar units is better protected.

The provision of a receiving groove is especially thought of in a two-piece wave-shaped element. Provision of a receiving groove, the sticking of the solar cells can be omitted in the receiving area. An attachment of the solar cells by means of the receiving groove has the advantage that caused by different thermal expansion coefficients different expansions of the wave-shaped element and the solar cell 610 can be absorbed by both components, without damaging the solar cells. This may be particularly important in the case of a plastic wavy element.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the photovoltaic module described herein applied to and permanently connected to an existing roofing member 31 by means of nails 30. As also illustrated in the left part of the figure, another covering element can be provided during the assembly of the photovoltaic module, so that the frame 4 of the photovoltaic module is embedded between the roof element and 620 the covering element.

The present description uses examples to disclose the invention and also to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, particularly to make and use devices or systems, and to carry out any methods involved. Various specific embodiments have been disclosed; One skilled in the art will recognize that the spirit and scope of the claims encompasses further correspondingly effective modifications. In particular, mutually non-exclusive features of the embodiments described above may be combined with others. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. LIST OF REFERENCES

I Wavy element

2 solar unit

 3 Electrical connection element

 4 frames

 5 recording area

 6 receiving groove

 7 First part of the wave-shaped element

8 Second part of the wave-shaped element

9 Adding

 10 fastening bridge

 I I recess

12 gutter

 15 outer edges

 16 advantage

 20 solar cells

 21 solar unit

 23 Double-sided adhesive tape

 30 nail

 31 roof element

 32 Second roof element

Claims

claims 1 . A wavy element (1) for receiving a plurality of solar cells (20), comprising:  a wavy frame (4), said frame having four outer edges (15);  an accommodating portion (5) formed integrally with the wavy frame for receiving a plurality of solar cells, the receiving portion defining a planar support surface;  wherein the minimum distance of the receiving area to at least two outer edges (15) of the frame corresponds to at least half a period of the waveform and / or at least a distance of 3.5 cm;  wherein the wave-shaped element is made of sheet metal and has a maximum thickness of 0.6 mm. 2. Wavy element according to claim 1, wherein the corrugated sheet has a thickness of less than or equal to 0.5mm, and in particular a thickness of 0.2mm. 3. Wavy element according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a the receiving region at least partially, preferably completely surrounding projection (1 6). A wavy element (1) for receiving a plurality of solar cells (20), comprising:  a first part (7) and a second part (8) joined together along a joining groove (9) and forming a wavy frame (4), the frame having four outer edges (15); an integrally formed with the first part first receiving portion portion and an integrally formed with the second part second receiving portion portion, wherein the first and second receiving portion portion form a receiving area (5), wherein the receiving area is adapted to receive a plurality of solar cells and to a flat support surface Are defined; 1 wherein the minimum distance of the receiving area to at least two outer edges of the frame corresponds to at least half a period of the waveform and / or at least a distance of 3.5 cm;  wherein the wave-shaped element is formed of plastic. 5. Wavy element according to claim 4, further comprising a receiving portion partially, preferably completely encircling receiving groove (6). 6. Wavy element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving area further comprises at least one, preferably two recesses (1 1). 7. A photovoltaic module (2) comprising a wave-shaped element according to one of the preceding claims and a plurality of solar cells (20) which are arranged in the receiving region of the wave-shaped element (1). 8. A method of manufacturing a wave-shaped element according to any one of claims 1-3, comprising:  Providing a sheet;  simultaneous deep drawing of the waveform and the flat recording area in one step; and  optional formation of a recess within the receiving area. 9. A method of manufacturing a photovoltaic module, comprising: - Producing a wave-shaped element according to claim 8;  Sticking, in particular by means of a double-sided adhesive tape, a plurality of solar cells in the receiving area. 10. A method for producing a wave-shaped element according to any one of claims 4-6, comprising:  Injection molding the first part of the wave-shaped element; and  Injection molding of the second part of the wave-shaped element. 2 A method of manufacturing a photovoltaic module comprising:  Producing a wavy element according to the method of claim 10;  Inserting a plurality of solar cells into a receiving region of the wave-shaped element at least partially, preferably completely circumferential groove; and  Connecting the first part of the wave-shaped element to the second part of the wave-shaped element. 3