Patent Publication Number: US-2013247964-A1

Title: Photoelectric conversion module

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a photoelectric conversion module. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     In recent years, solar power generation in which light energy is converted into electrical energy has attracted attention. 
     At a photoelectric conversion module used for such solar power generation, electricity obtained from a photoelectric converter at a photoelectric conversion panel provided at the photoelectric conversion module is extracted therefrom by conductive leads such as wire leads or the like. Such conductive leads are guided into the interior of a terminal box arranged at the non-light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion panel. At Japanese Patent Application Publication Kokai No. 2003-282915 and Japanese Patent Application Publication Kokai No. 2010-118394, electricity generated at a photoelectric conversion module is connected to external circuitry or the like by way of a terminal box. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     At the aforementioned photoelectric conversion module, through-hole(s) and the like are formed and an opening portion is provided for routing conductive leads through members which are present at the non-light-receiving side of the photoelectric conversion panel so that conductive leads (output wire leads) connected to photoelectric converter(s) can be guided into terminal box(es). Photoelectric conversion modules installed outdoors over long periods of time such as, for example, ten years or more have experienced deterioration of components at photoelectric converters and the like within photoelectric conversion panels due to entry of moisture and/or water from the foregoing opening portion. There have been cases where this has caused occurrence of lowered output at the photoelectric conversion module. 
     It is one object of the present invention to provide a photoelectric conversion module that has high reliability and that reduces entry of moisture/water into the interior of a photoelectric conversion panel. 
     A photoelectric conversion module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a photoelectric conversion panel. This photoelectric conversion panel includes a light-receiving surface, a non-light-receiving surface corresponding to a back surface relative to the light-receiving surface, a photoelectric converter located between the light-receiving surface and the non-light-receiving surface, a conductive lead electrically connected to the photoelectric converter, and an opening portion which is open at the non-light-receiving surface and through which the conductive lead is guided to the exterior. Furthermore, this photoelectric conversion module comprises a moisture barrier plate that has a one principal surface, an other principal surface corresponding to a back surface relative to the one principal surface, and a through-hole extending between the one principal surface and the other principal surface, and that is arranged at the non-light-receiving side so as to cause the opening portion to be covered by the one principal surface. In the present embodiment, this moisture barrier plate is arranged such that, as seen in plan view, the through-hole does not overlap the opening portion. Moreover, in the present embodiment, the conductive lead is arranged so as to create a gap between the non-light-receiving surface and the one principal surface at a location between the non-light-receiving surface and the one principal surface and is guided to the exterior from the through-hole. In addition, in the present embodiment, filling member is arranged in the gap. 
     A photoelectric conversion module according to an embodiment of the present invention can reduce the amount of moisture/water that enters from the opening portion and is directed toward photoelectric converter(s). This can improve reliability of the photoelectric conversion module. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a photoelectric conversion module according to an embodiment as seen from the non-light-receiving side thereof. 
         FIG. 2  is a partial enlarged sectional view of a photoelectric conversion panel which is a portion of a photoelectric conversion module according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view showing a portion of a photoelectric conversion panel at a photoelectric conversion module according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a sectional view at the location indicated by alternating long and short chain line A-A in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional view showing in schematic fashion a region in the vicinity of a terminal box at a photoelectric conversion module according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a sectional view showing in schematic fashion a region in the vicinity of a terminal box at a photoelectric conversion module according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a partial sectional view showing a variation on the photoelectric conversion module and the terminal box at the photoelectric conversion module. 
         FIG. 8  is a partial sectional view showing a variation on the photoelectric conversion module and the terminal box at the photoelectric conversion module. 
         FIG. 9  is a partial sectional view showing a variation on the photoelectric conversion module and the terminal box at the photoelectric conversion module. 
         FIG. 10  is a partial sectional view showing a variation on the photoelectric conversion module and the terminal box at the photoelectric conversion module. 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic exploded view showing in schematic fashion a portion of a photoelectric conversion module according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged sectional view showing in schematic fashion a region in the vicinity of the terminal box in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a plan view showing in schematic fashion a light-receiving surface of a photoelectric converter which is a portion of a photoelectric conversion module. 
         FIG. 14  is a plan view showing in schematic fashion a light-receiving surface at a photoelectric conversion module. 
         FIG. 15  is a sectional view showing in schematic fashion a region in the vicinity of a terminal box at a photoelectric conversion module according to another embodiment. 
     
    
    
     EMBODIMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     One of embodiments of photoelectric conversion modules according to the present invention will be described while referring to the drawings. In the following embodiments, note that a thin-film-type photoelectric conversion module and a crystalline-type photoelectric conversion module are respectively described. 
     &lt;Thin-Film-Type Photoelectric Conversion Module&gt; 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , a photoelectric conversion module M 1  includes a photoelectric conversion panel PA and a terminal box B 1  arranged at a non-light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion panel. 
     (Photoelectric Conversion Panel) 
     As shown in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 , the photoelectric conversion panel PA includes a photoelectric converter  1 , a first substrate  2 , a second substrate  9 , one or more conductive leads  11 , a first sealing member  12 , and a second sealing member  13 . In  FIG. 3 , the second substrate  9  is omitted so as to facilitate description of the internal structure of photoelectric conversion panel PA. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the photoelectric converter  1  is arranged on one principal surface of first substrate  2 , absorbs light incident thereon from the exterior, and has functionality for converting light into electricity. As shown in  FIG. 2 , this photoelectric converter  1  is formed by a back electrode  3 , a semiconductor layer  4 , a buffer layer  5 , a translucent electrically conductive layer  6 , and a current-collecting electrode  7 , which are sequentially stacked on the one principal surface of first substrate  2 . 
     The first substrate  2  has functionality for supporting the photoelectric converter  1 . As material for this first substrate  2 , soda-lime glass (soda-lime glass) having a thickness of an order of 1 mm to 3 mm; heat-resistant plastic such as polyimide resin or the like; and metal foil such as stainless steel, titanium or other such metal foil having a thickness of the order of 100 μm to 200 μm, the surface of which is covered with an oxide film or other such insulating film, are cited as examples. Furthermore, first substrate  2  is planar and has rectangular, circular, or other such shape. 
     Back electrode  3  has functionality for carrying out conduction of charge produced as a result of absorption of light by semiconductor layer  4 , described below. As material for this back electrode  3 , metals such as molybdenum, titanium, tantalum or the like; structures in which such metals are arranged in stacked layers; and the like are cited as examples. Furthermore, thickness of back electrode  3  may be on the order of 0.3 μm to 2 μm. 
     Semiconductor layer  4  is capable of functioning as a light absorbing layer, and is of p-type semiconductor conduction type. As material for this semiconductor layer  4 , copper indium diselenide (CuInSe 2 ), copper indium gallium diselenide (CuInGaSe 2 ), copper indium gallium selenium sulfide (CuInGaSeS), copper indium gallium disulfide (CuInGaS 2 ), or chalcopyritic compound such as copper indium gallium diselenide (CuInGaSe 2 ) or the like including a surface layer of copper indium gallium selenium sulfide (CuInGaSeS) thin film are cited as examples. Furthermore, a thickness on the order of 1 μm to 3 μm is sufficient for semiconductor layer  4 . 
     Buffer layer  5  is disposed on the semiconductor layer  4 , and is of different conduction type from semiconductor layer  4 . That is, if semiconductor layer  4  is p-type, then buffer layer  5  is of n-type. Thus, a pn junction is formed at the interface between semiconductor layer  4  and buffer layer  5 . As buffer layer  5 , CdS, ZnS, ZnO, In 2 Se 3 , In(OH, S), (Zn, In)(Se, OH), (Zn, Mg)O, and the like are cited as examples, the chemical bath deposition (CBD) or the like being employed for formation thereof. Here, In(OH, S) refers to a compound composed primarily of In, OH, and S. Furthermore, (Zn, In)(Se, OH) refers to a compound composed primarily of Zn (zinc), In, Se, and OH. Furthermore, (Zn, Mg)O refers to a compound composed primarily of Zn, Mg (magnesium), and O (oxygen). 
     In the present embodiment, if translucent electrically conductive layer  6  contains indium oxide, buffer layer  5  may be in a form containing indium. This will make it possible to reduce variation in electrical conductivity occurring due to interdiffusion of elements between buffer layer  5  and translucent electrically conductive layer  6 . Moreover, if a chalcopyritic material that contains indium is employed as semiconductor layer  4 , this will permit reduction in variation in electrical conductivity and carrier density due to interdiffusion of elements among the respective layers comprising semiconductor layer  4 , buffer layer  5 , and translucent electrically conductive layer  6 . 
     Furthermore, buffer layer  5  may contain Group III-VI compound(s) as main component(s). This will make it possible to improve moisture resistance of photoelectric converter  1 . Note that Group III-VI compound refers to a compound formed by a Group III-B element and a Group VI-B element. Furthermore, what is meant by a buffer layer  5  that contains Group III-VI compound(s) as main component(s) is that not less than 50 mol % of the compounds contained in the buffer layer  5  are Group III-VI compound(s). In such case, Group III-VI compound(s) may be present therein in an amount that is not less than 80 mol %. Moreover, the element Zn may be present in an amount that is not more than 50 atomic % of the metal elements making up buffer layer  5 . This will make it possible to improve moisture resistance of photoelectric conversion panel PA. In such case, the element Zn may be present therein in an amount that is not more than 20 atomic %. 
     Furthermore, thickness of buffer layer  5  may be 10 nm to 200 nm. This will make it possible to reduce excessive increase in series resistance. Buffer layer  5  may in addition be optically transmissive with respect to the range of wavelengths of light that is absorbed by semiconductor layer  4 . This will make it possible to increase efficiency of absorption at semiconductor layer  4 . Furthermore, resistivity of buffer layer  5  may be not less than 1 Ω-cm. This will permit reduction in leakage current. 
     Translucent electrically conductive layer  6  is provided on buffer layer  5 , and has functionality for carrying out conduction of charge produced at pn junction region(s) as a result of absorption of light by semiconductor layer  4 . As material for this translucent electrically conductive layer  6 , for example, compounds such as zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (ITO) which includes aluminum and tin, tin oxide (SnO 2 ) or zinc oxide which includes boron, gallium, indium, fluorine, and/or the like, are cited as examples. Specifically, zinc oxide and indium tin oxide which includes tin have better optical transmittance and resistance as compared with other materials. Furthermore, thickness of translucent electrically conductive layer  6  is on the order of 0.05 μm to 2 μm. 
     Current-collecting electrode  7  is provided on translucent electrically conductive layer  6 , and has functionality for collecting charge from translucent electrically conductive layer  6 . If current-collecting electrode  7  is formed from material(s) of lower resistance than translucent electrically conductive layer  6 , this will make it possible for charge to be collected efficiently. When the translucent electrically conductive layer  6  is formed from the aforementioned material(s), current-collecting electrode  7  may be configured to be metal material such as silver, copper, or the like. Furthermore, such current-collecting electrode  7  may be formed, for example, by screen printing or the like. 
     At the photoelectric converter  1 , isolation trenches P 1  thru P 3  are provided at respective layers formed on a single first substrate  2 . This makes it possible for a plurality of photoelectric conversion units formed in the photoelectric converter  1  to be made to an embodiment in which the units are electrically connected in series through use of a portion of current-collecting electrode(s)  7 . In such an embodiment, integration of photoelectric conversion units will permit improvement in output voltage. Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 3 , respectively provided at either end portion of photoelectric converter  1  are output-extracting portions  8 . For example, one of the output-extracting portions  8  may correspond to a back electrode  3  located at one end of photoelectric converter  1 . Furthermore, the other of the output-extracting portions  8  may correspond to region(s) located at at least one of current-collecting electrode  7  and translucent electrically conductive layer  6  located at the other end of photoelectric converter  1 . At such time, one of the output-extracting portions  8  would be a cathode, and the other of the output-extracting portions  8  would be an anode. In addition, conductive leads  11  would be electrically connected to this pair of output-extracting portions  8 . That is, the photoelectric converter  1  is electrically connected to the conductive leads. Note that when output-extracting portion  8  is to be provided at back electrode  3 , a region at which semiconductor layer  4 , buffer layer  5 , and the like are not formed may itself be used as output-extracting portion  8 . This will make it possible to eliminate the step for forming output-extracting portion  8 . Furthermore, speaking of the output-extracting portion  8 , when output-extracting portion  8  is provided at translucent electrically conductive layer  6 , translucent electrically conductive layer  6  itself or current-collecting electrode  7  itself may be used as output-extracting portion  8 . Furthermore, for connection between the output-extracting portion(s)  8  and the conductive leads  11 , electrically conductive adhesive which contains electrically conductive particles such as silver, and the like, may, for example, be used. This will make it possible to reduce electrical resistance while maintaining adhesive strength. Note that the output-extracting portion(s)  8  may be formed such that a stacked region including semiconductor layer  4 , buffer layer  5 , and translucent electrically conductive layer  6  is formed on the first substrate  2 ; a portion of the stacked region is thereafter removed; and current-collecting electrode(s)  7  are made to extend to portion(s) of the removed portion. 
     An exemplary method of manufacturing photoelectric converter  1  will next be described. 
     Back electrode  3  is first be formed with using sputtering method by depositing a metal such as molybdenum, and the like, on approximately the entire surface, except for a region on the order of 3 mm to 10 mm inward from the periphery, of cleaned first substrate  2  such as soda-lime glass. Patterning of back electrode  3  is then carried out by using a YAG laser or the like to irradiate desired location(s) at back electrode  3  to form the isolation trench P 1 . Sputtering method, vapor deposition method, printing method, or the like may thereafter be used to form semiconductor layer  4  on the patterned back electrode  3 . CBD method or the like may then be used to form buffer layer  5  on the semiconductor layer  4 . Sputtering method, metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) method, or the like may then be used to form translucent electrically conductive layer  6  on the buffer layer  5 . Mechanical scribing or the like may then be used to form the isolation trench P 2  and the isolation trench P 3 , and patterning of the semiconductor layer  4 , the buffer layer  5 , and the translucent electrically conductive layer  6  may be carried out. Screen printing method or the like may then be employed to apply metal paste on the translucent electrically conductive layer  6 , this thereafter being fired to form current-collecting electrode(s)  7 . 
     Second substrate  9  has functionality for protecting photoelectric converter  1  from the external environment. Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 4 , because a photoelectric conversion panel PA is such that light is primarily incident thereon from the second substrate  9  side thereof, the second substrate  9  includes light-receiving surface  9   a . Conversely, at photoelectric conversion panel PA, the other principal surface, which corresponds to the back surface relative to the one principal surface of first substrate  2 , is non-light-receiving surface  2   a . Note that the “non-light-receiving surface” is intended to indicate a surface on which the light which primarily contributes to photoelectric conversion is not incident, and is not intended to mean that no light whatsoever can be incident thereon. Furthermore, for the shape and material of the second substrate  9 , besides tempered super water glass, similar materials to the first substrate  2  may also be employed. 
     The conductive leads  11  have functionality for guiding electricity obtained from output-extracting portion  8  to the exterior. As such conductive leads  11 , metal foil such as copper (Cu) having thickness on the order of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm and width on the order of 1 mm to 7 mm is cited as an example. Furthermore. The surface of such metal foil may be coated with tin, nickel, solder, or the like. This will permit satisfactory electrical connection to the output-extracting portion  8 . 
     Furthermore, an opening portion  14 , which is open in the direction of non-light-receiving surface  2   a , is formed at first substrate  2 . Such opening portion  14  is a hole which is formed from the one principal surface of the first substrate  2  to the other principal surface thereof (non-light-receiving surface  2   a ). With this, the conductive leads  11  can pass through the opening portion  14  and be guided to the exterior. This opening portion  14  may be provided in advance prior to formation of photoelectric converter  1  or may be provided following formation of photoelectric converter  1 . In a case where the material of the first substrate  2  is glass or plastic, or metal such as stainless steel, opening portion  14  may be formed by machining method using a drill or by laser processing method using a YAG (yttrium-aluminum-garnet) laser or the like. 
     First sealing member  12 , which has functionality for protecting photoelectric converter  1  while adhering first substrate  2  and second substrate  9 , is arranged so as to cover photoelectric converter  1 . Furthermore, the first sealing member  12  is translucent. As material for such first sealing member  12 , a resin having copolymerized ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (hereinafter “EVA”) as main component is cited as an example. In such case, to promote crosslinking of resin, the EVA may include crosslinking agent such as triallyl isocyanurate. 
     The second sealing member  13  is arranged at periphery portion of first substrate  2  and second substrate  9 . While the second sealing member  13  is arranged between the first substrate  2  and the second substrate  9  in the present embodiment, it is also possible for the second sealing member  13  to be arranged so as to cover the outside circumferential faces of the first substrate  2  and the second substrate  9 . This second sealing member  13  has functionality for reducing entry of moisture/water and the like into photoelectric converter  1 . Such second sealing member  13  may constitute resin which contains desiccant. As such resin, butyl rubber, urethane, polyurethane, and so forth are cited as examples. Furthermore, the desiccant is desiccant that has functionality for physically or chemically adsorbing or absorbing moisture/water which has entered thereinto. As such desiccant, anhydrous compounds, clay, zeolite, molecular sieves such as porous glass, silica gel, calcium chloride, magnesium sulfide, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, and so forth are cited as examples. 
     Next, an exemplary method for manufacturing photoelectric conversion panel PA will be described. Photoelectric converter  1  may first be formed on the first substrate  2  as described above. Conductive leads  11  may then be attached to output-extracting portion(s)  8  of photoelectric converter  1 . The member(s) used to connect the conductive leads  11  and the output-extracting portion  8  may be chosen as appropriate in correspondence to the material(s) used at conductive leads  11  and output-extracting portion  8 . For example, when a portion of back electrode  3  which contains molybdenum is used as output-extracting portion  8 , solder which contains indium may be used for connection thereof. Or when a portion of translucent electrically conductive layer  6  which comprises ITO is used as output-extracting portion  8 , electrically conductive adhesive comprising epoxy resin or the like into which silver or other such filling member has been kneaded may be used for connection thereof. Or when the output-extracting portion  8  is formed from silver or copper, solder which has been provided in advance at conductive leads  11  may be used for connection thereof. 
     Then, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the conductive leads  11 , which are arranged peripherally about the photoelectric converter  1 , is bent appropriately in the direction of opening portion  14 , and is guided toward the non-light-receiving-surface  2   a  side thereof by way of opening portion  14 . Then the second sealing member  13  having width T is applied to circumference of the photoelectric converter  1  on the first substrate  2 . Then, a sheet-like and on-the-order-of-0.1-mm-to-0.6-mm-thick first sealing member  12  and second substrate  9  are arranged and stacked in this order on the photoelectric converter  1 . These laminated bodies are lastly placed in a laminator, where it is, for example, held at 100° C. to 200° C. for on the order of 15 min to 60 min while being pressed under reduced pressure, causing softening and crosslinking of the EVA so that the laminated body becomes an integral structure, to manufacture a photoelectric conversion panel PA. Note that the second sealing member  13  may be applied on the first substrate  2 , or a tape-like member which has formed in advance may be placed on the first substrate  2  or the second substrate  9 . 
     Terminal Box 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , a terminal box B 1  is attached to the non-light-receiving surface  2   a  of the photoelectric conversion panel PA. The terminal box B 1  is equipped with a moisture barrier plate  15 , a frame  16 , and a lid member  17 . 
     The moisture barrier plate  15  is arranged such that one principal surface thereof faces the non-light-receiving surface  2   a . Furthermore, at the moisture barrier plate  15  of the present embodiment, a stage  18 , a terminal  19 , and so forth are mounted on the other principal surface, which corresponds to the back surface relative to the one principal surface. The moisture barrier plate  15  is composed of material(s) not readily permeated by moisture/water. That is, the moisture barrier plate  15  is not a member that is not permeated by moisture/water whatsoever. In addition, the moisture barrier plate  15  may have insulating characteristics. This will permit reduction in occurrence of short circuits that may otherwise be caused by contact with the conductive leads  11 . Furthermore, because the moisture barrier plate  15  is in compressive contact with conductive leads  11  and non-light-receiving surface  2   a , the material(s) may be chosen therefor of sufficient strength to withstand the compressive contact. As such material, a glass-type material which is not readily permeated by moisture/water, which is of comparatively high strength, and which has insulating characteristics is desirable. As another material, a resin having low permeability with respect to moisture/water such as polyethylene may also be used therefor. When such resin is used, a material in which a metal layer intervenes between layers of such resin may be employed. This will permit further reduction in permeation thereof by moisture/water. A material including a metal sheet that has been coated with resin, glass, or the like may also be employed as the moisture barrier plate  15 . 
     Furthermore, the moisture barrier plate  15  is provided with a through-hole  15   a  which extend from the one principal surface of the moisture barrier plate  15  to the other principal surface thereof. Such through-hole  15   a  is used to guide the conductive leads  11  to terminal  19  provided on the other principal surface of the moisture barrier plate  15 . That is, the conductive leads  11  are guided to the side thereof at which the terminal  19  is present by way of the through-hole  15   a.    
     In addition, at photoelectric conversion module M 1 , the moisture barrier plate  15  is arranged such that the opening portion  14  is covered by the one principal surface thereof. Thus, in the present embodiment, because the moisture barrier plate  15  is arranged so as to cover opening portion  14 , it is possible to reduce the size of the entrance through which moisture/water enters the opening portion  14  as compared with the situation in which the moisture barrier plate  15  is not provided. Such moisture/water tends to enter from joint C between the photoelectric conversion panel PA and a frame member  16  located at the periphery of the moisture barrier plate  15 . In the present embodiment, however, because the distance  51  from the joint C to the opening portion  14  can be made large, it is possible to further reduce entry of moisture/water. 
     Furthermore, the moisture barrier plate  15  is arranged such that, as the moisture barrier plate  15  is seen in plan view, the through-hole  15   a  does not overlap the opening portion  14 . As a result, as the moisture barrier plate  15  is seen in plan view, this causes the distance S 2  to exist between the through-hole  15   a  and the opening portion  14 . When such distance S 2  is present, moisture/water entering from the through-hole  15   a  side will not readily reach the opening portion  14 . Note that moisture/water entering from the through-hole  15   a  side is primarily moisture/water that enters from the joint between the lid member  17  and the frame member  16 . 
     Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the conductive leads  11  are arranged between the one principal surface of the moisture barrier plate  15  and the non-light-receiving surface  2   a  of the photoelectric conversion panel PA. At such time, the conductive leads  11  are arranged such that a gap K is created between the non-light-receiving surface  2   a  and the moisture barrier plate  15 , filling member  20  being arranged within this gap K. 
     The filling member  20  is composed of material which permits the moisture barrier plate  15  to adhere to the non-light-receiving surface  2   a  of the photoelectric conversion panel PA. As such material, polyolefinic resins such as butyl rubber (polyisobutene-isoprene), polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene, polyisobutylene, and the like, are cited as examples. Furthermore, the foregoing materials have good moisture resistance and insulating characteristics. 
     Furthermore, the filling member  20  may contain filling member for adjustment of viscosity and color. As such filler, chalk, silica, carbon black, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, talc, kaolin, mica, and the like are cited as examples. Filling member  20  may also contain antioxidant to reduce deterioration due to oxidation. As such antioxidant, hindered phenols, hindered amines, thioether, and so forth are cited as examples. 
     Furthermore, the filling member  20  may contain desiccant. The desiccant which may be used are similar to the desiccant which may be contained by the second sealing member  13 . 
     Note that the materials which may be used for the filling member  20  are similar to those at the aforementioned second sealing member  14 . Thus, in the present embodiment, because the filling member  20  is arranged at the gap K, it is possible to further reduce entry of moisture/water that would otherwise reach the opening portion  14  from the joint C. 
     Note that when the second sealing member  13  and the filling member  20  are formed from the same material, the distance S 1  may be made larger than the width T of the second sealing member  13  of the photoelectric conversion panel PA. This will permit further reduction in entry of moisture/water. 
     Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a projection  11   a  is formed at the conductive leads  11 . In such case, the projection  11   a  comes in contact with the filling member  20  at least other than the tip thereto. This makes it possible to increase the amount of the filling member  20  that can be arranged between the conductive leads  11  and the non-light-receiving surface  2   a  or moisture barrier plate  15 . This makes it possible to further increase the effect whereby the filling member  20  reduces entry of moisture/water. A conductive leads  11  having such projection  11   a  may, for example, be formed by an embossing operation involving stamping with a die having a non-flat surface profile. Furthermore, the shape of the projection  11   a  may be elongate and more or less parallel to the width direction of the conductive leads  11 , or may be in the shape of randomly formed island-like feature or the like, with height thereof being on the order of 0.1 mm to 3 mm. Note where the conductive leads  11  including such projection  11   a  also includes an embodiment in which the conductive leads  11  itself is bent in wavelike fashion. 
     The frame member  16  is arranged on the periphery of the moisture barrier plate  15  so as to enclose conductive leads  11  therewithin. Furthermore, the lid member  17  is arranged at the top face of the frame member  16 . As material for the frame member  16  and the lid member  17 , resins such as modified PPE (polyphenylene ether), modified PPO (polyphenylene oxide), and the like, are cited as examples. Such resins have good insulating characteristics and ability to withstand outdoor environments over long periods of time. 
     Stage  18  is arranged on the other principal surface of moisture barrier plate  15  at a location in the vicinity of the central region within terminal box B 1 . This stage  18  supports the terminal  19  which is electrically connected to conductive leads  11 . As material for such stage  18 , as was the case with the aforementioned frame member  16  and lid member  17 , modified PPE, modified PPO, and other such resins are cited as examples. 
     The terminal  19  has functionality for guiding electricity from the conductive leads  11  to cable  21 . This terminal  19  may, for example, be composed of a strip of copper having a thickness on the order of 0.5 mm to 2 mm, and is secured to the moisture barrier plate  15  by a screw  22   a.    
     The cable  21  has functionality for guiding electricity generated at the photoelectric conversion module M 1  to an external load. One end of this cable  21  is secured to the terminal  19  by a screw  22   b , and the other end thereof is electrically connected to circuitry or the like at the aforementioned load. As such cable  19 , a cable having a multistranded core, of cross-sectional area on the order of 3.5 mm 2 , including on the order of 5 to 20 strands made of copper, the core being covered with polyethylene, vinyl chloride, or the like, may, for example, be employed. 
     Next, an exemplary method for attaching a terminal box B 1  to the photoelectric conversion panel PA will be described. First, after the conductive leads  11  have been guided out of the opening portion  14 , the conductive leads  11  are bent in a prescribed direction so as to run alongside the non-light-receiving surface  2   a  of the photoelectric conversion panel PA. The filling member  20  is then applied between the one principal surface of the moisture barrier plate  15  and the non-light-receiving surface  2   a , and the moisture barrier plate  15  is secured to the photoelectric conversion panel PA. At such time, the filling member  20  is applied so as to be respectively arranged at the gap K between the one principal surface of the moisture barrier plate  15  and the conductive leads  11  and between the non-light-receiving surface  2   a  and the conductive leads  11 . The end portion of conductive leads  11  are then routed out therefrom by way of the through-hole  15   a  so as to reach the other principal surface of the moisture barrier plate  15 , and the end portion of conductive leads  11  which have been guided out of the through-hole  15   a  is secured to the terminal  19  using solder or the like. Note that the moisture barrier plate  15  and the frame member  16  may take the form of components which are secured in advance by means of adhesive or the like, or the moisture barrier plate  15  may be secured first, with the frame member  16  being separately secured to the moisture barrier plate  15  thereafter. 
     Next, the cable  21  is inserted into the interior of the terminal box B 1  from an access hole at a side face of the frame member  16 , and the screw  22   b  is used to secure the conductive portion of the crimped terminal or the like which is attached at the end portion of the cable  21  to terminal  19 . At such time, packing  23  to reduce entry of moisture/water may be provided at the access hole of the frame member  16 . Lid member  17  is lastly attached and secured thereto by a screw or the like. Prior to attachment of lid member  17 , note that the interior of the terminal box B 1  may be filled with a potting member such as silicone resin, epoxy resin, or the like. This will permit reduction in occurrence of corrosion at metal members such as the terminal due to moisture/water which has entered thereinto from the exterior. Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 5 , when the photoelectric conversion module M 1  is such that the moisture barrier plate  15  is arranged within the non-light-receiving surface  2   a  of the photoelectric conversion panel PA, the opening portion  14  may be located nearer than the through-hole  15   a  to the central region of the moisture barrier plate  15 . As compared, for example, with a situation such as that shown in  FIG. 6  in which the opening portion  14  is located nearer than the through-hole  15   a  to the outer edge of the moisture barrier plate  15  (terminal box B 1   a ), this will make it possible to cause moisture/water to less readily enter the opening portion  14  from the joint C. Moreover, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , after the conductive leads  11  have been guided out of the opening portion  14  so as to be directed toward the periphery of the photoelectric conversion panel PA, within the terminal box B 1  it is bent toward the central region of the moisture barrier plate  15 . As a result, as compared with the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5  lends itself more readily to reduction in size of the terminal box. 
     Variations on the photoelectric conversion panel PA, the conductive leads  11 , and the moisture barrier plate  15  will next be described. Although the conductive leads  11  are provided with the projection  11   a  which comes in contact with the filling member  20  so as to respectively project toward the other principal surface of moisture barrier plate  15  and the non-light-receiving surface  2   a  of the photoelectric conversion panel PA, it is not limited to this embodiment. That is, the embodiment may be such that, at the gap K between the conductive leads  11  and the moisture barrier plate  15  and the gap K between the conductive leads  11  and the photoelectric conversion panel PA, when such members are brought into compressive contact, the filling member  20  is made to enter and fill the aforementioned gap. 
     Such an embodiment is shown in  FIG. 7 , where projection(s)  2   b  of the non-light-receiving surface  2   a  of the photoelectric conversion panel PA and the projection(s)  11   a  of the conductive leads  11  are respectively provided in such fashion as to project toward the one principal surface of the moisture barrier plate  15 . Furthermore, another embodiment is shown in  FIG. 8 , where projection(s)  15   b  of the one principal surface of the moisture barrier plate  15  and the projection(s)  11   a  of the conductive leads  11  are respectively provided in such fashion as to project toward the non-light-receiving surface  2   a  of the photoelectric conversion panel. Furthermore, another embodiment is shown in  FIG. 9 , where projection(s)  15   b  of the one principal surface of the moisture barrier plate  15  and projection(s)  2   b  of the non-light-receiving surface  2   a  of the photoelectric conversion panel PA are respectively provided in such fashion as to project toward the conductive leads  11 . 
     Note that if, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the aforementioned projections which come in contact with the filling member  20  are respectively formed from the photoelectric conversion panel PA, the conductive leads  11 , and the moisture barrier plate  15 , it will be possible to increase the area over which the filling member  20  comes in contact with the respective members (the photoelectric conversion panel PA, the conductive leads  11 , and the moisture barrier plate  15 ). Furthermore, as the aforementioned moisture barrier plate  15  and photoelectric conversion panel PA, a member with projections formed by an embossing operation or the like is carried out in advance at moisture barrier plate  15  and first substrate  2 . Furthermore, if the projections provided at the respective members including the photoelectric conversion panel PA, the conductive leads  11 , and the moisture barrier plate  15  are provided over approximately the entire surfaces at the filling member  20  sides of the respective members, it will be possible to further increase the area over which filling member  20  comes in contact therewith. 
     Crystalline-Type Photoelectric Conversion Module 
     Next, referring to  FIGS. 11 through 14 , embodiments of crystalline-type photoelectric conversion modules will be described. Photoelectric conversion module M 2  includes a photoelectric conversion panel PB and a terminal box B 2 . As shown in  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12 , the photoelectric conversion panel PB includes a translucent substrate  31 , plurality of photoelectric converters  32 , and conductive connectors  33  which electrically interconnect mutually neighboring photoelectric converters  32 . The photoelectric conversion panel PB further includes a light-receiving-side sealing member  34  and a non-light-receiving-side sealing member  35  which seal the photoelectric converters  32  and the conductive connectors  33 , a back sheet  36 , and a conductive lead  37 . Note that the terminal box B 2  is attached to the back sheet  36  which corresponds to the non-light-receiving surface of photoelectric conversion module M 2 . 
     As translucent substrate  31 , substrate comprising glass, polycarbonate resin, or the like may be employed. As the aforementioned glass, super white crown glass, tempered glass, heart-strengthed glass, heat-strengthened glass, light reflective glass, or the like may be employed. When the aforementioned glass is employed, thickness of the translucent substrate  31  may be on the order of 3 mm to 5 mm. On the other hand, when polycarbonate resin or other such synthetic resin is employed, thickness of the translucent substrate  31  may be on the order of 5 mm. 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , the photoelectric converter  32  may be planar in shape, being formed, for example, from monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, or the like which is such that thickness thereof is on the order of 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm, and size thereof is on the order of 150 mm to 160 mm, square. Formed at the interior of this photoelectric converter  32  is a PN junction (not shown) at which a P layer containing an abundance of P-type dopant such as boron and an N-type layer containing an abundance of N-type dopant such as phosphorous come in mutual contact. Furthermore, busbar electrodes  38  and finger electrodes  39  are provided at photoelectric converter  32 . The busbar electrodes  38  and the finger electrodes  39  is formed, for example, by screen printing of electrically conductive paste that contains silver or the like. The finger electrode  39 , which has functionality for gathering carriers, is formed so as be on the order of 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm in width. Furthermore, a multiplicity of finger electrodes  39  is formed at intervals of approximately 2 mm to 4 mm in such fashion as to be parallel to one side of the photoelectric converter  32 . Furthermore, on the order of two to three busbar electrodes  38 , which have functionality for collecting carriers gathered by the finger electrodes  39 , are formed so as to intersect the finger electrodes  39  in perpendicular fashion. Furthermore, because the busbar electrodes  38  are electrically connected to the conductive connector  33 , the busbar electrodes  38  are formed such that width thereof is on the order of 1 mm to 3 mm. Note that approximately the entire surface of the busbar electrode  38  may be coated with solder for protection thereof and so as to facilitate attachment of conductive connector  33  thereto. Note that busbar electrodes  38  are also formed in similar fashion at the non-light-receiving side of the photoelectric converter  32 . 
     The conductive connector(s)  33  have functionality for causing busbar electrodes  38  of mutually neighboring photoelectric converters  32  to be electrically interconnected and for causing a plurality of photoelectric converters  32  to be connected in series. More specifically, the conductive connector  33  causes a busbar electrode  38  formed on a light-receiving surface of one photoelectric converter  32  to be electrically connected to a busbar electrode  38  formed on a non-light-receiving surface of another photoelectric converter  32 . The conductive connector  33  is, for example, metal foil such as copper, aluminum, or the like that has been coated with solder of thickness on the order of 20 μm to 70 μm. To prevent the conductive connector  33  itself from creating shadow at the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric converter  32  when soldering is being carried out, width of this conductive connector  33  may be made the same as the busbar electrode  38  of the photoelectric converter  32 , or may be made smaller than the width of the busbar electrode  38 . The conductive connector  33  may have enough length for permitting the busbar electrodes  38  of adjacent photoelectric converters  32  to be electrically interconnected. At such time, conductive connector  33  is connected so as to more or less completely overlap the busbar electrode  38  of the photoelectric converter  32 . This will make it possible to lower resistance of photoelectric converter  32 . For example, when a photoelectric converter  32  having a polycrystalline silicon substrate which is on the order of 150 mm, square, is employed, width of conductive connector  33  is on the order of 1 mm to 3 mm, and length thereof is on the order of 250 mm to 300 mm. 
     As the light-receiving-side sealing member  34  and the non-light-receiving-side sealing member  35 , EVA or polyvinyl butyral (PVB) that has been molded into sheets on the order of 0.4 mm to 1 mm in thickness using T die and an extruder may be employed. A laminator may be used to apply heat and pressure under reduced pressure to cause these to soften and fuse with other members so as to form an integral structure. Note that the non-light-receiving-side sealing member  35  need not be transparent, it being possible to cause titanium oxide or pigment or the like to be present therein so as to make it colored with white color or the like as to match the surrounding environment in which the photoelectric conversion module is installed. 
     The back sheet  36  protects the photoelectric converter  32  and so forth from the exterior and also reduces entry of moisture/water and so forth thereinto from the exterior. As such back sheet  36 , weather-resistant fluorinated resin sheeting which sandwiches aluminum foil therebetween, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sheeting on which alumina or silica has been vapor-deposited, and/or the like may, for example, be employed. In addition, the back sheet  36  may be provided with an opening portion  36   a.    
     The conductive lead  37  is electrically connected to the photoelectric converter  32  within the photoelectric conversion panel PB, being guided to the terminal box B 2  from the opening portion  36   a  of the back sheet  36  as shown in  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12 . As such conductive lead  37 , similar materials as were mentioned with respect to the aforementioned conductive lead  11  of the photoelectric conversion module M 1  may also be employed here. Note that the terminal box B 2  provided at the photoelectric conversion module M 2  is similar in constitution to the terminal box B 1  provided at the photoelectric conversion module M 1 . 
     An exemplary method of manufacturing photoelectric conversion module M 2  will next be described. As shown in  FIG. 14 , the photoelectric converters  32  are connected in series by the conductive connector(s)  33  and are arranged in matrix-like fashion. The conductive leads  37  may then be connected those photoelectric converters  32  which are at either end of the photoelectric converters  32  connected in series. 
     The translucent substrate  31 , the light-receiving-side sealing member  34 , the photoelectric converter  32  connected by the conductive connector  33 , the non-light-receiving-side sealing member  35 , and the back sheet  36  are then sequentially placed one atop the other to form a laminated body. At such time, one end portion of conductive lead  37  is routed out therefrom to the back side of the back sheet  36  from the opening portion  36   a  of the back sheet  36  and the through-hole formed in advance at the non-light-receiving-side sealing member  35 . The foregoing laminated body is then arranged inside a laminator and then heated while being subjected to compressive load under reduced pressure so as to be made into an integral structure. During this laminating operation, the light-receiving-side sealing member  34  and the non-light-receiving-side sealing member  35  are held for on the order of 15 min to 60 min at a temperature that will cause softening and crosslinking of (e.g., on the order of 120° C. to 160° C.) so as to cause the foregoing laminated body to become an integral structure. 
     The end portion of the conductive lead  37  which has been routed out therefrom to the back side of the back sheet  36  is then guided to the interior of terminal box B 2 . A similar method as employed at the photoelectric conversion module M 1  may lastly be employed to attach the terminal box B 2  to the top surface of the back sheet  36  (the non-light-receiving surface of photoelectric conversion panel PB). At the photoelectric conversion module M 2 , note as shown in  FIG. 14  that the frame portion  40  may be attached at the periphery of the photoelectric conversion panel PB so as to reduce damage to the photoelectric conversion panel PB. 
     Similar to the photoelectric conversion module M 1 , such photoelectric conversion module M 2  will make it possible to reduce entry of moisture/water thereinto from the exterior and to improve reliability. 
     Variations 
     Another embodiment of a photoelectric conversion module according to the present invention will next be described with reference to  FIG. 9 . The photoelectric conversion module M 3  shown in  FIG. 9  differs from the aforementioned photoelectric conversion module M 1  with respect to the structure of the terminal box. More specifically, unlike the terminal box B 1 , a terminal box B 3  provided at the photoelectric conversion module M 3  is such that the moisture barrier plate  15  is provided in the form of a member separate from the bottom member of the terminal box. That is, at the terminal box B 1 , the bottom member of the terminal box B 1  serves as the moisture barrier plate  15 . 
     At the terminal box B 3 , because the moisture barrier plate  15  is a member separate from the bottom member of terminal box B 3 , there is increased freedom with respect to selection of the moisture barrier plate  15 . That is, the materials which are employed at the moisture barrier plate  15  of terminal box B 3  are not limited to materials such as those which can be used at the bottom member of terminal box B 1 . For this reason, glass or metal which has better ability to withstand moisture/water and endurance are more readily employed at the moisture barrier plate  15  of terminal box B 3  as compared with the resin materials which are more readily employed at the terminal box B 1 . More specifically, when the moisture barrier plate  15  is to be formed from glass, soda-lime glass having a thickness on the order of 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm may, for example, be employed. Furthermore, aluminum, stainless steel, or the like may be employed when the moisture barrier plate  15  is to be formed from metal. At such time, the foregoing metal plate may be coated with insulating material such as resin, glass, or the like. This will make it possible for the moisture barrier plate  15  to have insulating characteristics. Such the moisture barrier plate  15  may, for example, be fitted in the bottom member of the terminal box B 3 . Alternatively, epoxy-type adhesive or the like may be used to cause the moisture barrier plate  15  to adhere to the bottom member of terminal box B 3 . 
     Furthermore, the terminal box B 3  also differs from the terminal box B 1  with respect to the potting material with which the interior of the terminal box is filled. More specifically, the terminal box B 3  differs from the terminal box B 1  in that the former employs two types of potting material (first potting material  41  and second potting material  42 ). 
     The first potting material  41  is arranged so as to cover the conductive leads  11 , the stage(s)  18 , the terminal(s)  19 , and so forth. As such first potting material  41 , material having good endurance may be employed. Butyl rubber is cited as an example of such a material. 
     The second potting material  42  is arranged on the first potting material  41 . As such second potting material  42 , material having good heat resistance may be employed. Silicone resin is cited as an example of such a material. Silicone resin, which does not readily change shape even at temperatures of on the order of 50° C. to 100° C., has good heat resistance. 
     Thus, the terminal box B 3 , which employs two types of potting material, will make it possible to reduce flow of the first potting material  41  even in an environment of high temperature. As a result, reliability of the photoelectric conversion module M 3  under high-temperature conditions will be further improved. 
     Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 15 , the terminal box B 3  may be such that portions of the frame member  16  are provided with foot regions  16   a . Providing such foot regions  16   a  will make it possible to further increase thickness of the filling member  20  at location(s) between the one principal surface of the moisture barrier plate  15  and the non-light-receiving surface  2   a  of the photoelectric conversion panel PA. This will make it possible to further reduce entry of moisture/water. Height of such foot regions  16   a  may, for example, be on the order of 1 mm to 5 mm. Furthermore, such foot regions  16   a  may, for example, be formed by injection molding or the like so as to be integral with the frame member  16 . 
     The present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments but admits of a great many revisions and variations within the scope of the present invention. For example, at a thin-film-type photoelectric conversion module, amorphous silicon layers may be used instead of semiconductor layer(s) and buffer layer(s). Furthermore, at a crystalline-type photoelectric conversion module, microcrystalline silicon may be used instead of crystalline silicon. 
     EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     
         
         
           
             M 1 -M 3 : Photoelectric conversion module 
             B 1 -B 3 , B 1   a : Terminal box 
             PA, PB: Photoelectric conversion panel 
               1 ,  32 : Photoelectric converter 
               2 : First substrate 
               2   a : Non-light-receiving surface 
               2   b : Projection(s) 
               3 : Back electrode 
               4 : Semiconductor layer 
               5 : Buffer layer 
               6 : Translucent electrically conductive layer 
               7 : Current-collecting electrode 
               8 : Output-extracting portion 
               9 : Second substrate 
               11 ,  37 : Conductive lead 
               11   a : Projection(s) 
               12 : First sealing member 
               13 : Second sealing member 
               14 : Opening portion 
               15 : Moisture barrier plate 
               15   a : Through-hole 
               15   b : Projection(s) 
               16 : Frame 
               16   a : Foot region 
               17 : Lid member 
               18 : Stage 
               19 : Terminal 
               20 : Filling member 
               21 : Cable 
               22   a ,  22   b : Screw 
               23 : Packing 
               31 : Translucent substrate 
               33 : Conductive connector 
               34 : Light-receiving-side sealing member 
               35 : Non-light-receiving-side sealing member 
               36 : Back sheet 
               38 : Bus bar electrode 
               39 : Finger electrode 
               40 : Frame member 
               41 : First potting material 
               42 : Second potting material