Patent Publication Number: US-2015068577-A1

Title: Solar panel

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to Chinese Application Serial Number 201310403916.7, filed Sep. 6, 2013, which is herein incorporated by reference. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of Invention 
     The present invention relates to a solar panel. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Solar panel modules use the photovoltaic effect to generate voltage or electric current while exposed to sunlight. In recent years, due to the promotion of renewable energy by many countries, the solar panel module industry has been growing very fast. 
     Solar panel modules can generate current or voltage outdoors, and can also be applied to indoor electrical products. When the solar panel module is applied to indoor electrical products, safety requirements are high, even though indoor environments are not as harsh as outdoor environments. During use of the solar panel module, the most common safety issue is that related to the generation of areas of extremely high temperature (or “hot spots”). 
     There are many causes for the generation of hot spots. For instance, a hot spot may be generated on a solar panel module due to a defect in the solar panel module, non-uniform welding, partial shading of the solar panel module, and a difference between solar cells in the solar panel module. Among these different causes of hot spots, “partial shading” is the most difficult to avoid and control. During use of a solar panel module, if a portion of the solar cells is shaded, a high resistance will be generated in the circuitry around such a portion of the solar cells, resulting in an abrupt increase in the temperature of this shaded area. 
     SUMMARY 
     A solar panel of the present invention is provided to minimize a reduction in efficiency related to generating electric power caused by partial shading of the solar panel. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, the solar panel includes a substrate, a plurality of solar cells, a plurality conductive wires and a plurality bypass diodes. The substrate includes a bottom area, a middle area, and a top area vertically and sequentially implemented from bottom to top. The middle area includes a first zone, a second zone and a third zone horizontally and sequentially implemented from left to right. The solar cells are disposed on the substrate in columns and in rows. The bottom area includes at least two rows of the solar cells, and the top area includes at least two rows of the solar cells. The wires serially connect the solar cells. The bypass diodes are disposed on the substrate, in which each of the first zone, the second zone, the third zone, the bottom area and the top area is disposed with at least one of the bypass diodes. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, the solar panel includes a substrate, a plurality of solar cells, a plurality conductive wires and a plurality bypass diodes. The substrate includes a bottom area, a middle area, and a top area vertically arranged from bottom to top. The top area includes a first zone, a second zone and a third zone horizontally arranged from left to right. The solar cells are disposed on the substrate in columns and in rows. The bottom area includes at least two rows of the solar cells. The wires serially connect the solar cells. The bypass diodes are disposed on the substrate, in which each of the first zone, the second zone, and the third zone is disposed with at least one of the bypass diodes, and the bottom area is disposed with at least one of the bypass diodes. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, the solar cells of the solar panel can be divided into a plurality of areas or zones, and each of areas or zones is disposed with a bypass diode to meet different environmental conditions. Hence, a suitable solar panel configuration may be realized to keep power generation loss to a minimum due to partial shading on the solar panel. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are given by way of example, and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings, 
         FIGS. 1-4  are schematic diagrams of a solar panel according to embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts. 
     To overcome the problem of hot spots caused by partial shading of solar cells, more bypass diodes are implemented in a solar panel and connected to solar cells thereof in parallel. However, the solar panel module may encounter different environments, seasonal changes, tree growth in the area surrounding the solar panel module, and other such external factors, such that the areas of partial shading will be different for each solar panel module. Thus, there is a need carefully and flexibly consider the location of the bypass diodes and the number thereof that are connected to the solar cells in parallel so as to prevent the solar panel module from undesirable power generation waste. 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a solar panel according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The solar panel  100  includes a substrate  110  and a plurality of solar cells  120  disposed on the substrate  110 . The solar cells  120  are disposed in rows and columns. According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the solar cells  120  are disposed on the substrate  110  in a 10×6 matrix. The solar cells  120  of the first embodiment are formed in the shape of squares. In other embodiments, the solar cells  120  may be formed in the shape of rectangles, or circles, or other polygon shapes. 
     The substrate  110  includes a bottom area  130 , a central area  140 , and a top area  150  that are vertically and sequentially disposed from bottom to top. The bottom area  130  includes at least two rows of the solar cells  120 , and the top area  150  includes at least two rows of the solar cells  120 . The central area  140  is disposed between the bottom area  130  and the top area  150 . 
     According to the first embodiment, for example, the bottom area  130  includes three rows of the solar cells  120 , the central area  140  includes five rows of the solar cells  120 , and the top area  150  includes two rows of the solar cells  120 . Each row includes six solar cells  120 . 
     The central area  140  has a first zone  142 , a second zone  144 , and a third zone  146  that are horizontally and sequentially disposed from left to right. Specifically, the first zone  142  is located at the left side of the central area  140 , the third zone  146  is located at the right side of the central area  140 , and the second zone  144  is located between the first zone  142  and the third zone  146 . 
     The solar panel  100  further includes a plurality of conducting wires  160 , and the solar cells  120  are serially connected through the conducting wires  160 . Wherein the conducting wires  160  is connected with the electrode of each of solar cell  120 . It is to be noted that the conducting wires  160  of  FIG. 1  are used to represent the electrical connectivity among the solar cells  120 , and their illustration is not meant to limit the number of conducting wires or solders among the solar cells  120 . The solar panel  100  includes a first terminal  162  and a second terminal  164  that have opposite polarities. According to the first embodiment, the first terminal  162  is a positive electrode (or namely positive polarity end), and the second terminal  164  is a negative electrode (or namely negative polarity end). The first terminal  162  and the second terminal  164  are used to connect to external circuits or electrically connect to another solar panel. The first terminal  162  and the second terminal  164  are disposed on the same side of the substrate  110 . Specifically, the first terminal  162  and the second terminal  164  of the conducting wires  160  are disposed on the same side of the substrate  110 , and the first terminal  162  is connected to the first solar cell  120  in the top area  150 , while the second terminal  164  is connected to the last solar cell  120  of the bottom area  130 . The conducting wires  160  sequentially and serially connect the solar cells  120  in the top area  150 , then sequentially and serially connect the solar cells  120  in the third zone  146 , the second zone  144 , and the first area  142 , and finally sequentially and serially connect the solar cells  120  in the bottom area  130 . 
     The solar panel  100  further includes a plurality of bypass diodes  170   a - 170   f . The bypass diodes  170   a  and  170   b  are connected in parallel to the solar cells  120  of the bottom area  130 . Specifically, the bottom area  130  includes a first row of the solar cells  120   a , a second row of the solar cells  120   b , and a third row of the solar cells  120   c  that are sequentially arranged. The bypass diode  170   a  is connected to the first row of the solar cells  120   a  and the second row of the solar cells  120   b , and the bypass diode  170   b  is connected to the first row of the solar cells  120   a  and the third row of the solar cells  120   c . The bottom area  130  includes the bypass diodes  170   a  and  170   b  to prevent the generation of hot spots occurring due to partial shading of the solar panel  100 . For instance, if the first row of the solar cells  120   a  is shaded, the second row of the solar cells  120   b  is shaded, or the first row of the solar cells  120   a  and the second row of the solar cells  120   b  are both shaded at the same time, then the first row of the solar cells  120   a  and the second row of the solar cells  120   b  will be bypassed by the bypass diode  170   a , and the third row of the solar cells  120   c  will continue to function normally. If the solar cells  120   a ,  120   b ,  120   c  in the first, second, and third rows are all shaded at the same time, then the first row of the solar cells  120   a , the second row of the solar cells  120   b , and the third row of the solar cells  120   c  are bypassed by the bypass diode  170   b . Thus, such a technique can deal with the problem of partial shading of the solar panel  100 . 
     The bypass diode  170   c  is connected in parallel to two columns of the solar cells  120  of the first zone  142  that are serially connected. The bypass diode  170   d  is connected in parallel to two columns of the solar cells  120  of the second zone  144  that are serially connected. The bypass diode  170   e  is connected in parallel to two columns of the solar cells  120  of the third zone  146  that are serially connected. Each of the bypass diodes  170   c - 170   e  of the central area  140  is connected to two adjacent columns of the solar cells  120 . The bypass diode  170   f  of the top area  150  is connected to two adjacent rows of the solar cells  120 , preferred, the bypass diode  170   f  of the top area  150  is connected to two immediately adjacent rows of the solar cells  120 . It is to be noted that in practice, the bypass diodes  170   a - 170   f  are all disposed on the substrate  110 . However, in  FIG. 1 , the bypass diodes  170   a ,  170   b , and  170   f  are shown positioned outside of the substrate  110  so as to enable a clear depiction of the connections thereof with elements of the solar panel  100 . The drawings related to the subsequent embodiments will also be presented in the same way, and a similar explanation will not be repeated. 
     In other words, the solar panel  100  includes a bottom area solar cell string in the bottom area  130 , a top area solar cell string in the top area  150 , a first central area solar cell string in the first zone  142 , a second central area solar cell string in the second zone  144 , and a third central area solar cell string in the third zone  146 . The bottom area solar cell string, the top area solar cell string, the first central area solar cell string, the second central area solar cell string, and the third central area solar cell string are connected in series. The first central area solar cell string, the second central area solar cell string, and the third central area solar cell string are connected in series and disposed between the bottom area solar cell string and the top area solar cell string. The second central area solar cell string is located between the first central area solar cell string and the third central area solar cell string. Each of the bottom area solar cell string, the top area solar cell string, the first central area solar cell string, the second central area solar cell string, and the third central area solar cell string includes a plurality of the solar cells  120  connected to each other in series. Some of the solar cells  120  of the bottom area solar cell string, the top area solar cell string, the first central area solar cell string, the second central area solar cell string, and the third central area solar cell string are connected to at least one bypass diode in parallel. If some of the solar cells  120  are shaded, then only the solar cell string of the solar cells  120  that are shaded will be bypassed, and other solar cells  120  that are not shaded will still normally function. 
     The substrate  110  may be made of glass, plastic or their combination. For instance, the substrate  110  may be made of tempered glass, polyvinyl fluoride (PVF, Tedlar® of DuPont), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyethylene Naphthalate (PEN) or their combination. It is to be understood that such materials are given by way of example and do not limit the present invention. Persons having ordinary skill in the art may flexibly choose the material of the substrate  110  depending on actual requirements. 
     The solar cells  120  has p-n semiconductor material or p-i-n semiconductor material, and two electrodes are connected with the p-semiconductor material and n-semiconductor material, respectively, wherein the p means positive type, n means negative type, i means intrinsic or semiconductor material within very low impurity. The semiconductor material may be monocrystalline silicon solar cells, polycrystalline silicon solar cells, amorphous silicon solar cells, cadmium telluride solar cells, CIS-based solar cells, CIGS-based solar cells, gallium arsenide solar cells, photochemical cells, dye-sensitized solar cells, polymer solar cells, nanocrystalline solar cells or their combinations. Similarly, such cell types are given by way of example and do not limit the present invention. Persons having ordinary skill in the art may flexibly choose the cell type of the solar cells  120  depending on actual requirements. 
     The solar panel  100  further includes a protective cover and a package layer, and the solar cells  120  and the bypass diodes  170   a - 170   f  are located between the substrate  110  and the protective cover, and secured by the package layer. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of a solar panel according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The solar panel  200  includes a substrate  210  and a plurality of solar cells  220  disposed on the substrate  210 . The solar cells  220  are disposed on the substrate  210  in rows and columns. According to the second embodiment of the present invention, the solar cells  220  are disposed on the substrate  210  in a 10×6 matrix. The solar cells  220  are formed in the shape of squares. In other embodiments, the solar cells  220  may be formed in the shape of rectangles, or circles, or other polygon shapes. 
     The substrate  210  includes a bottom area  230 , a central area  240 , and a top area  250  that are vertically and sequentially disposed from bottom to top. The bottom area  230  includes at least two rows of the solar cells  220 , and the top area  250  includes at least two rows of the solar cells  220 . The central area  240  is disposed between the bottom area  230  and the top area  250 . 
     According to the second embodiment of the present invention, for example, the bottom area  230  includes three rows of the solar cells  220 , the central area  240  includes four rows of the solar cells  220 , and the top area  250  includes three rows of the solar cells  220 . Each row includes six solar cells  220 . 
     The bottom area  230  includes a fourth zone  232  and a fifth zone  234  that are horizontally and sequentially disposed from left to right. Each of the fourth zone  232  and the fifth zone  234  includes the solar cells  220  that are disposed in a 3×3 matrix. 
     The central area  240  has a first zone  242 , a second zone  244 , and a third zone  246  that are sequentially and horizontally disposed from left to right. Specifically, the first zone  242  is located at the left side of the central area  240 , the third zone  246  is located at the right side of the central area  240 , and the second zone  244  is located between the first zone  242  and the third zone  246 . Each of the first zone  242 , the second zone  244 , and the third zone  246  includes the solar cells  220  that are disposed in a 4×2 matrix. 
     The top area  250  has a sixth zone  252  and a seventh zone  254  that are sequentially and horizontally disposed from left to right, and each of which includes the solar cells  220  that are disposed in a 3×3 matrix. 
     The solar panel  200  further includes a plurality of conducting wires  260 , and the solar cells  220  are serially connected through the conducting wires  260 . Wherein the conducting wires  260  is connected with the electrode of each of solar cell  220 . The solar panel  200  includes a first terminal  262  and a second terminal  264  that have opposite polarities. According to the second embodiment of the present invention, the first terminal  262  is a positive electrode (or namely positive polarity end), and the second terminal  264  is a negative electrode (or namely negative polarity end). The first terminal  262  and the second terminal  264  are used to connect to external circuits or electrically connect to another solar panel. The first terminal  262  and the second terminal  264  are disposed on the same side of the substrate  210 . Specifically, the first terminal  262  and the second terminal  264  of the conducting wires  260  are disposed on the same side of the substrate  210 , and the first terminal  262  is connected to the rightmost and bottom row solar cell  220  in the top area  250 , and the second terminal  264  is connected to the rightmost and top row solar cell  220  in the bottom area  230 . The conducting wires  260  sequentially and serially connect the solar cells  220  in the seventh zone  254  of the top area  250  and the solar cells  220  in the sixth zone  252  of the top area  250 , then sequentially and serially connect the solar cells  220  in the third zone  246  of the central area  240 , the second zone  244  of the central area  240 , and the first zone  242  of the central area  240 , and finally sequentially and serially connect the solar cells  220  in the fourth zone  232  and the fifth zone  234  of the bottom area  230 . 
     The solar panel  200  further includes a plurality of bypass diodes  270   a - 270   g . The bypass diode  270   a  and the solar cells  220  of the fourth zone  232  are connected in parallel. The bypass diode  270   b  and the solar cells  220  of the fifth zone  234  are connected in parallel. The bypass diode  270   c  and the solar cells  220  of the first zone  242  are connected in parallel. The bypass diode  270   d  and the solar cells  220  of the second zone  244  are connected in parallel. The bypass diode  270   e  and the solar cells  220  of the third zone  246  are connected in parallel. The bypass diode  270   f  and the solar cells  220  of the sixth zone  252  are connected in parallel. The bypass diode  270   g  and the solar cells  220  of the seventh zone  254  are connected in parallel. 
     In other words, the solar panel  200  includes a first central area solar cell string in the first zone  242 , a second central area solar cell string in the second zone  244 , a third central area solar cell string in the third zone  246 , a fourth bottom area solar cell string in the fourth zone  232 , a fifth bottom area solar cell string in the fifth zone  234 , a sixth top area solar cell string in the sixth zone  252 , and a seventh top area solar cell string in the seventh zone  254 . The first central area solar cell string, the second central area solar cell string, the third central area solar cell string, the fourth bottom area solar cell string, the fifth bottom area solar cell string, the sixth top area solar cell string, and the seventh top area solar cell string are connected in series. 
     The first central area solar cell string, the second central area solar cell string, and the third central area solar cell string are disposed between the fourth and fifth bottom area solar cell strings and the sixth and seventh top area solar cell strings. The second central area solar cell string is disposed between the first central area solar cell string and the third central area solar cell string. Each of the first central area solar cell string, the second central area solar cell string, the third central area solar cell string, the fourth bottom area solar cell string, the fifth bottom area solar cell string, the sixth top area solar cell string and the seventh top area solar cell string includes a plurality of the solar cells  220  connected in series to each other. Some of the solar cells  220  of the first central area solar cell string, the second central area solar cell string, the third central area solar cell string, the fourth bottom area solar cell string, the fifth bottom area solar cell string, the sixth top area solar cell string and the seventh top area solar cell string are connected to at least one bypass diode in parallel. If some of the solar cells  220  are shaded, then only the solar cell string of the solar cells  220  that are shaded will be bypassed, and other solar cells  220  that are not shaded will still normally function. 
     The substrate  210  may be made of glass, plastic or their combination. For instance, the substrate  210  may be made of tempered glass, polyvinyl fluoride (PVF, Tedlar® of DuPont), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyethylene Naphthalate (PEN) or their combination. It is to be understood that such materials are given by way of example and do not limit the present invention. Persons having ordinary skill in the art may flexibly choose the materials of the substrate  210  depending on actual requirements. 
     The solar cells  220  has p-n semiconductor material or p-i-n semiconductor material, and two electrodes are connected with the p-semiconductor material and n-semiconductor material, respectively, wherein the p means positive type, n means negative type, i means intrinsic or semiconductor material within very low impurity. The semiconductor material may be monocrystalline silicon solar cells, polycrystalline silicon solar cells, amorphous silicon solar cells, cadmium telluride solar cells, CIS-based solar cells, CIGS-based solar cells, gallium arsenide solar cells, photochemical cells, dye-sensitized solar cells, polymer solar cells, nanocrystalline solar cells or their combinations. Similarly, such cell types are given by way of example and do not limit the present invention. Persons having ordinary skill in the art may flexibly choose the cell type of the solar cells  220  depending on actual requirements. 
     The solar panel  200  further includes a protective cover and a package layer, and the solar cell  220  and the bypass diodes  270   a - 270   g  are located between the substrate  210  and the protective cover, and secured by the package layer. 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of a solar panel according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The solar panel  300  includes a substrate  310  and a plurality of solar cells  320  disposed on the substrate  310 . The solar cells  320  are disposed on the substrate  310  in rows and columns. According to the third embodiment of the present invention, the solar cells  320  are disposed on the substrate  310  in a 10×6 matrix. The solar cells  320  are formed in the shape of squares. In other embodiments, the solar cells  320  may be formed in the shape of rectangles, or circles, or other polygon shapes. 
     The substrate  310  includes a bottom area  330 , a central area  340 , and a top area  350  that are sequentially and vertically disposed from bottom to top. The bottom area  330  includes at least two rows of the solar cells  320 , and the top area  350  includes at least two rows of the solar cells  320 . The central area  340  is disposed between the bottom area  330  and the top area  350 . 
     According to the third embodiment of the present invention, for example, the bottom area  330  includes two rows of the solar cells  320 , the central area  340  includes six rows of the solar cells  320 , and the top area  350  includes two rows of the solar cells  320 . Each row includes six solar cells  320 . 
     The bottom area  330  includes an eighth zone  332 , a ninth zone  334  and a tenth zone  336  that are sequentially and horizontally disposed from left to right. The eighth zone  332  and the tenth zone  336  are located on opposite sides of the bottom area  330 , and the ninth zone  334  is located between the eighth zone  332  and the tenth zone  336 . Each of the eighth zone  332 , the ninth zone  334  and the tenth zone  336  includes the solar cells  320  that are disposed in a 2×2 matrix. 
     The central area  340  has a first zone  342 , a second zone  344 , and a third zone  346  that are sequentially and horizontally disposed from left to right. Specifically, the first zone  342  is located at the left side of the central area  340 , the third zone  346  is located at the right side of the central area  340 , and the second zone  344  is located between the first zone  342  and the third zone  346 . Each of the first zone  342 , the second zone  344  and the third zone  346  includes the solar cells  320  that are disposed in a 6×2 matrix. 
     The top area  350  has an eleventh zone  352 , a twelfth zone  354 , and a thirteenth zone  356  that are sequentially and horizontally disposed from left to right. The eleventh zone  352  and the thirteenth zone  356  are located on opposite sides of the top area  350 , and the twelfth zone  354  is located between the eleventh zone  352  and the thirteenth zone  356 . Each of the eleventh zone  352 , the twelfth zone  354 , and the thirteenth zone  356  includes solar cells  320  disposed in a 2×2 matrix. 
     The solar panel  300  further includes a plurality of conducting wires  360 , and the solar cells  320  are serially connected through the conducting wires  360 . Wherein the conducting wires  360  is connected with the electrode of each of solar cell  320 . The solar panel  300  includes a first terminal  362  and a second terminal  364  that have opposite polarities. According to the third embodiment, the first terminal  362  is a positive electrode (or namely positive polarity end), and the second terminal  364  is a negative electrode (or namely negative polarity end). The first terminal  362  and the second terminal  364  are used to connect to external circuits or electrically connect to another solar panel. The first terminal  362  and the second terminal  364  are disposed on different sides of the substrate  310 . Specifically, the first terminal  362  and the second terminal  364  of the conducting wires  360  are disposed on opposite sides of the substrate  310 . For instance, the first terminal  362  is connected to the leftmost solar cells  320  in the first row of the top area  350  (when the rows are counted from a bottom-to-top direction), and the second terminal  364  is connected to the rightmost solar cells  320  in the first row of the bottom area  330  (when the rows are counted from a bottom-to-top direction). The conducting wires  360  sequentially and serially connect the first terminal  362 , the solar cells  320  of the eleventh zone  352 , the twelfth zone  354 , and the thirteenth zone  356  of the top area  350 , then sequentially and serially connect the solar cells  320  in the third zone  346 , the second zone  344 , and the first zone  342  of the central area  340 , and finally sequentially and serially connect the solar cells  320  of the eighth zone  332 , the ninth zone  334 , and the tenth zone  336  of the bottom area  330 . 
     The solar panel  300  further includes a plurality of bypass diodes  370   a - 370   i . The bypass diode  370   a  and the solar cells  320  of the eighth zone  332  are connected in parallel. The bypass diode  370   b  and the solar cells  320  of the ninth zone  334  are connected in parallel. The bypass diode  370   c  and the solar cells  320  of the tenth zone  336  are connected in parallel. The bypass diode  370   d  and the solar cells  320  of the first zone  342  are connected in parallel. The bypass diode  370   e  and the solar cells  320  of the second zone  344  are connected in parallel. The bypass diode  370   f  and the solar cells  320  of the third zone  346  are connected in parallel. The bypass diode  370   g  and the solar cells  320  of the eleventh zone  352  are connected in parallel. The bypass diode  370   h  and the solar cells  320  of the twelfth zone  354  are connected in parallel. The bypass diode  370   i  and the solar cells  320  of the thirteenth zone  356  are connected in parallel. 
     In other words, the solar panel  300  includes a first central area solar cell string in the first zone  342 , a second central area solar cell string in the first zone  344 , a third central area solar cell string in the third zone  346 , an eighth bottom area solar cell string in the eighth area  332 , a ninth bottom area solar cell string in the ninth zone  334 , a tenth bottom area solar cell string in the tenth zone  336 , an eleventh top area solar cell string in the eleventh zone  352 , a twelfth top area solar cell string in the twelfth zone  354 , and a thirteen top area solar cell string in the thirteenth zone  356 . The first central area solar cell string, the second central area solar cell string, the third central area solar cell string, the eighth bottom area solar cell string, the ninth bottom area solar cell string, the tenth bottom area solar cell string, the eleventh top area solar cell string, the twelfth top area solar cell string, and a thirteen top area solar cell string are connected in series. 
     The first central area solar cell string, the second central area solar cell string, and the third central area solar cell string are disposed between the eighth through tenth bottom area solar cell strings and the eleventh through thirteenth top area solar cell strings. The second central area solar cell string is disposed between the first central area solar cell string and the third central area solar cell string. Each of the first central area solar cell string, the second central area solar cell string, the third central area solar cell string, the eighth bottom area solar cell string, the ninth bottom area solar cell string, the tenth bottom area solar cell string, the eleventh top area solar cell string, the twelfth top area solar cell string and the thirteenth top area solar cell string includes a plurality of the solar cells  320  connected in series to each other. Some of the solar cells  320  of the first central area solar cell string, the second central area solar cell string, the third central area solar cell string, the eighth bottom area solar cell string, the ninth bottom area solar cell string, the tenth bottom area solar cell string, the eleventh top area solar cell string, the twelfth top area solar cell string and the thirteenth top area solar cell string are connected to at least one bypass diode in parallel. If some of the solar cells  320  are shaded, then only the solar cell string of the solar cells  320  that are shaded will be bypassed, and other solar cells  320  that are not shaded will still normally function. 
     The substrate  310  may be made of glass, plastic or their combination. For instance, the substrate  310  may be made of tempered glass, polyvinyl fluoride (PVF, Tedlar® of DuPont), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyethylene Naphthalate (PEN) or their combination. It is to be understood that such materials of the substrate  310  are given by way of example and do not limit the present invention. Person having ordinary skill in the art may flexibly choose the material of the substrate  310  depending on actual requirements. 
     The solar cells  320  has p-n semiconductor material or p-i-n semiconductor material, and two electrodes are connected with the p-semiconductor material and n-semiconductor material, respectively, wherein the p means positive type, n means negative type, i means intrinsic or semiconductor material within very low impurity. The semiconductor material may be monocrystalline silicon solar cells, polycrystalline silicon solar cells, amorphous silicon solar cells, cadmium telluride solar cells, CIS-based solar cells, CIGS-based solar cells, gallium arsenide solar cells, photochemical cells, dye-sensitized solar cells, polymer solar cells, nanocrystalline solar cells or their combinations. Similarly, such cell types are given by way of example and do not limit the present invention. Persons having ordinary skill in the art may flexibly choose the cell type of the solar cells  320  depending on actual requirements. 
     The solar panel  300  further includes a protective cover and a package layer, and the solar cell  320  and the bypass diodes  370   a - 370   i  are located between the substrate  310  and the protective cover, and secured by the package layer. 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram of a solar panel according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The solar panel  400  includes a substrate  410  and a plurality of solar cells  420  disposed on the substrate  410 . The solar cells  420  are disposed on the substrate  410  in rows and columns. According to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the solar cells  420  are disposed on the substrate  410  in a 10×6 matrix. The solar cells  420  are formed in the shape of squares. In other embodiments, the solar cells  420  may be formed in the shape of rectangles, or circles, or other polygon shapes. 
     The substrate  410  includes a bottom area  430  and a top area  440  that are sequentially and vertically disposed from bottom to top. The bottom area  430  includes at least two rows of the solar cells  420 . According to the fourth embodiment, for example, the bottom area  430  includes three rows of the solar cells  320 , and the top area  440  includes seven rows of the solar cells  420 . Each row includes six solar cells  420 . 
     The top area  440  has a first zone  442 , a second zone  444 , and a third zone  446  that are sequentially and horizontally disposed from left to right. Specifically, the first zone  442  is located at the left side of the top area  440 , the third zone  446  is located at the right side of the top area  440 , and the second zone  444  is located between the first zone  442  and the third zone  446 . 
     The solar panel  400  further includes a plurality of conducting wires  450 , and the solar cells  420  are serially connected through the conducting wires  450 . Wherein the conducting wires  450  is connected with the electrode of each of solar cell  420 . The solar panel  400  includes a first terminal  452  and a second terminal  454  that have opposite polarities. According to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the first terminal  452  is a positive electrode (or namely positive polarity end) and the second terminal  454  is a negative electrode (or namely negative polarity end). The first terminal  452  and the second terminal  454  are used to connect to external circuits or electrically connect to another solar panel. The first terminal  452  and the second terminal  454  are disposed on the same side of the substrate  410 . Specifically, the first terminal  452  and the second terminal  454  of the conducting wires  450  are disposed on the same side of the substrate  410 , and the first terminal  452  is connected to the rightmost solar cell  420  in the last row of the top area  440 , and the second terminal  454  is connected to the rightmost solar cell  420  in the last row of the bottom area  430 . The conducting wires  450  sequentially and serially connect the first terminal  452 , the solar cells  420  of the third zone  446 , the second zone  444 , and the first zone  442  of the top area  440 , then sequentially and serially connect the solar cells  420  of the bottom area  430 . 
     The solar panel  400  further includes a plurality of bypass diodes  460   a - 460   e . The bypass diodes  460   a  and  460   b  are connected in parallel with the solar cells  420  of the bottom area  430 . Specifically, the bottom area  430  includes a first row of solar cells  420   a , a second row of solar cells  420   b , and a third row of solar cells  420   c  that are vertically and sequentially connected from bottom to top. The bypass diode  460   a  is connected to the first row of solar cells  420   a  and the second row of solar cells  420   b , and the bypass diode  460   b  is connected to the first row of solar cells  420   a  and the third row of solar cells  420   c . The bottom area  430  includes the bypass diodes  460   a  and  460   b  to prevent the generation of hot spots occurring due to partial shading of the solar panel  100 . The bypass diode  460   c  is connected with the solar cells  420  of the first zone  442  of the top area  440 , the bypass diode  460   d  is connected with the solar cells  420  of the second zone  444  of the top area  440 , and the bypass diode  460   e  is connected with the solar cells  420  of the third zone  446  of the top area  440 . The bypass diodes  460   c - 460   e  of the top area  440  are connected to two adjacent rows of the solar cells  420 , respectively, preferred, the bypass diodes  460   c - 460   e  of the top area  440  are connected to two immediately adjacent rows of the solar cells  420 . It is to be noted that in practice, the bypass diodes  460   a - 460   e  are all disposed on the substrate  410 . However, in  FIG. 4 , the bypass diodes  460   a  and  460   b  are shown positioned outside of the substrate  410  so as to enable clear depiction of the connections thereof with elements of the solar panel  400 . 
     In other words, the solar panel  400  includes a bottom area solar cell string in the bottom area  430 , a first top area solar cell string in the first zone  442 , a second top area solar cell string in the second zone  444 , and a third top area solar cell string in the third zone  446 . The bottom area solar cell string, the first top area solar cell string, the second top area solar cell string, and the third top area solar cell string are connected in series. The second top area solar cell string is located between the first top area solar cell string and the third top area solar cell string. Each of the bottom area solar cell string, the first top area solar cell string and the third top area solar cell string includes a plurality of solar cells  420  connected to each other. Some of the solar cells  420  of the bottom area solar cell string, the first top area solar cell string and the third top area solar cell string are connected to at least one bypass diode in parallel. If some of the solar cells  420  are shaded, then only the solar cell string of the solar cells  420  that are shaded will be bypassed, and other solar cells  420  that are not shaded will still normally function. 
     The substrate  410  may be made of glass, plastic or their combination. For instance, the substrate  110  may be made of tempered glass, polyvinyl fluoride (PVF, Tedlar® of DuPont), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyethylene Naphthalate (PEN) or their combination. It is to be understood that such materials are given by way of example and do not limit the present invention. Persons having ordinary skill in the art may flexibly choose the materials of the substrate  410  depending on actual requirements. 
     The solar cells  420  has p-n semiconductor material or p-i-n semiconductor material, and two electrodes are connected with the p-semiconductor material and n-semiconductor material, respectively, wherein the p means positive type, n means negative type, i means intrinsic or semiconductor material within very low impurity. The semiconductor material may be monocrystalline silicon solar cells, polycrystalline silicon solar cells, amorphous silicon solar cells, cadmium telluride solar cells, CIS-based solar cells, CIGS-based solar cells, gallium arsenide solar cells, photochemical cells, dye-sensitized solar cells, polymer solar cells, nanocrystalline solar cells or their combinations. Similarly, such cell types are given by way of example and do not limit the present invention. Persons having ordinary skill in the art may flexibly choose the cell type of the solar cells  420  depending on actual requirements. 
     The solar panel  400  further includes a protective cover and a package layer, and the solar cells  420  and the bypass diodes  460   a - 460   e  are located between the substrate  410  and the protective cover, and secured by the package layer. 
     It is to be noted that although the aforementioned embodiment describes the solar cells in a 10×6 matrix, in practice, the aforementioned embodiment can also be applied to the solar cells in a 12×6 matrix if the proper modification is made to the solar cells of the first zone, the second zone and the third zone. 
     The solar panel of the present invention includes different areas of solar cells. Bypass diodes are implemented in each area of solar cells, and depending on environmental conditions, are used to realize a suitable solar panel configuration to keep power generation loss to a minimum due to partial shading on the solar panel. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the structure of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. In view of the foregoing, it is intended that the present invention cover modifications and variations of this invention provided they fall within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.