Abstract: The present invention relates to an energy efficient housing and to a method of providing an energy efficient housing wherein building material and house structure aim to provide a system effectively using external temperature for house needs. The house is built of multilayered blocks having layers of concrete and layer of mixture of concrete, cellulose fiber and sand surrounded with exterior and interior stucco finish layers prepared by a simplified process. The concrete layer has a plurality of air passages with baffles used for transferring of hot and cool air which change the temperature from the house walls and roof heated with sun radiation or cooled by cold outside air. The hot air is transferred to a hot air reservoir for further household needs and cool air is transferred to a cold air reservoir.

Abstract: A solar collector plate (2) has a solar radiation receiving front absorber plane (3) that is wiped at its rear side by a cooling liquid (4) flowing in channels (5). Cavities (7), preferably behind the channels (5) and integrated in the solar collector plate (2), and that can be closed off by the very liquid flow (4), provide a closed air volume that gives a dampening effect regarding kickbacks and pressure transients in the liquid (4).

Abstract: Provided herein is a solar rooftop, comprising a prop having a crossbeam; a plurality of hollow solar collector tubes parallel disposed on the prop; a waterproof film contacted with the hollow solar collector tubes; a plurality of glass tubes parallel disposed on the waterproof film; and a glass plate disposed on the glass tubes; wherein the glass tubes are disposed between two adjacent vacuum collector tubes. The solar rooftop of the invention has high transparency, good heat insulation, heat accumulation, heat retention and sealing performance, long lifetime, and an automatic temperature adjustment function.

Abstract: A method for assessing solar insolation potential upon existing building rooftops in a given region comprises: (a) computing Global Horizontal Insolation values based on topographical Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data for the region; computing a Sky Transmissivity parameter as it affects Global Horizontal Insolation based on available climate and cloud cover data for the region; (c) applying an Albedo parameter for ground reflectivity and scattering to determine Diffuse Insolation values; (d) applying a Shading Coefficient based on measuring shadow surface areas in relation to total area from aerial photographs of the region over defined times and periods; (e) determining Total Building Roof Area based on image analysis of aerial photographs of the region, and applying a typical roof slope factor; (f) estimating typical Roof Slope, Type, and Orientation (azimuth) selected from a defined set (vocabulary) of rooftop types based on a visual survey of the region; and (g) calculating Total Building Rooftop Insola

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling ventilation air for a building, includes a radiating panel having an emissive surface for use on the building such that the emissive surface of the panel is directed skyward and exposed to ambient air. The radiating panel defines an air collection space between itself and the building and has a plurality of air openings for the ambient air to pass through the openings to the air collection space. A passageway extends between the air collection space and an interior of the building and is located for passage of cooled ambient air from the air collection space into the interior of the building. A fan is located for moving the cooled ambient air from the air collection space through the passageway to the interior of the building.

Abstract: An insulation system for use in a greenhouse, comprising at least one insulation panel adapted to be mounted in the ceiling of a greenhouse, and means to move the at least one panel from a closed position to an open position, whereby when the panel or panels are closed, air below the panels remains in the area of the greenhouse below the panels, and when the panel or panels are open, air below the panels can move to a space in the greenhouse above the panels.

Abstract: A hot water supply and fire hydrant system includes a plurality of heat-absorber plates (11) arranged on the whole area of the roof of a building in a sloping position for absorbing the radiating energy of the sun, a plurality of collector tubes (12) formed of metal tubes having a high heat transfer efficient and respectively mounted on the heat-absorber plates (11) for transferring heat energy from the heat-absorber plates to water flowing through the collector tubes, and a plurality of pipe connectors (15) respectively connected to the top and bottom ends of the collector tubes (12) for guiding water in and out of the collector tubes.

Abstract: A light element with a translucent surface includes an energy converter, wherein the translucent surface is so formed as to direct only that portion of the radiation onto the energy converter that impinges on the translucent surface. The energy converter may be a solar cell, a fluid line or a light guide. The light element is particularly suited for illuminating interior spaces with diffuse light.

Abstract: A photovoltaic attachment system for mounting photovoltaic panels on top of a building's roof is disclosed. The attachment system does not require drilling of holes into the roof and does not affect the integrity of the roof. The photovoltaic attachment system comprises of a grid of photovoltaic panels mounted on top of beams that are attached to the walls around the roof. The roof structure is not affected. No holes are drilled into or through the roof and no leakage of water through the roof will result from the mounting of the photovoltaic panels.

Abstract: A covering component for protecting outer surfaces of buildings from atmospheric agents comprises a metal sheet (7), an insulating mass (8) arranged below said sheet (7), and heat exchanging means (7–9, 11, 12) comprising at least a passage channel (7B), the latter being an integral part of the component and being designed to be part of a solar energy heating system for a heat conveying fluid. The passage channel consists of a rib (7B) of the sheet (7) defining a cross section opening towards the insulating mass (8), and the outer surface of the passage channel thus formed is almost completely exposed to sunlight. In the preferred embodiment of the invention there is provided a cover made of transparent material (11), arranged above the sheet (7), which delimits together with the latter at least part of a hollow space (12) into which the rib (12) projects.

Abstract: A roofing panel (13) incorporating a heat exchange assembly is described, the roofing panel including: an internal fluid passageway (51) formed between a pair of spaced substantially parallel internal sheets (16, 17) for the passage therethrough of a fluid; respective external passageways (52, 53) formed between each internal sheet and a respective external sheet (21, 20) spaced from and substantially parallel to a respective internal sheet, and spacing ribs (18, 22, 24) between the sheets and forming with the sheets a plurality of fluid conduits (19) within the fluid passageway and a plurality of external conduits (23, 25) within the external passageways; wherein the panel is sealed at the sides thereof by the spacing ribs and is open at the ends thereof to provide access to the conduits which extend from one end of the panel to the other end thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for pre-heating ventilation air for a building. The apparatus includes a first sunlight-absorbent collector panel on the building. The panel is exposed to ambient air and defines a first air collection space between itself and the building. The first sunlight-absorbent collector panel has a plurality of air inlet openings to allow the ambient air to pass through the openings to the first air collection space. A second sunlight-absorbent collector panel on the building is adjacent the first sunlight-absorbent collector panel and defines a second air collection space between itself and the building. The second sunlight-absorbent collector panel has a plurality of air inlet openings to allow air to pass through the openings to the second air collection space. A glazing covers the second sunlight-absorbent collector panel and defines an intermediary air flow chamber between itself and the second sunlight-absorbent collector panel.

Abstract: A method of air-conditioning a building with low heat loss, having the following steps: providing a fresh-air/outgoing-air system for feeding fresh air through a heat accumulator being located beneath said building and extracting said outgoing air through the heat accumulator; routing the fresh-air and the outgoing air in first and second tubes, where the first tubes are nested in the second tubes so as to recover heat energy present in the outgoing air.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to framing systems and more particularly is concerned with systems adapted to mount panels or laminates in an array on a supporting roof structure of a building exemplified with the mounting of solar electric photovoltaic (PV) panels. The framing system described uses extruded elongate elements with a sealing element to frame the PV panel as a weatherproof PV solar roof tile. Individual frame element profiles effectively embody the PV building integration, (BiPV) or mounting method, of the solar tile within the frame itself. Only a few additional flashing components are needed to complete the PV tile array as part of the roof, or with minor variations, as a PV wall cladding. Full BiPV panel mounting methods show potential to be used for co-generation (PV/T) of solar thermal energy capture in buildings.

Abstract: The present invention includes a radiation collector configured to collect incident radiation. The radiation collector includes a radiation directing component configured to redirect the incident radiation, a buffer component configured to receive the radiation redirected by the radiation directing component, and a propagation component configured to receive the radiation from the buffer component and to propagate the radiation towards a first end of the propagation component.

Abstract: A structurally integrated solar collector. Roof and wall covering components are integrated with solar collectors to permit solar energy to be converted to heat, electricity and hot water for use within a building. A roof truss is described that additionally captures sunlight for illuminating a building. The roof and wall components are adaptable to heating and cooling seasons so as to minimize the loss of air-conditioned air in the summer time and to maximize solar heating during cold months. Solar energy captured by a structurally integrated solar collector can be directly converted to electricity through use of photovoltaic materials or by harnessing airflow through structurally integrated solar collector to obtain electricity through mechanical conversion.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for modulating the temperature of an enclosure includes a thermal storage means on a roof portion, and panels positioned above the thermal storage means. One panel is fixed in position, either over the thermal storage means or adjacent thereto. A pair of movable panels are arranged at different levels from the fixed panel and are adapted to move with respect to sides of the fixed panel to cover or expose the thermal storage means for solar heating during the day or cooling at night.

Abstract: There is disclosed a photovoltaic power generating structure in which a solar cell module is arranged on a base member, wherein a closed space portion cut off from the air is provided between the base member and the solar cell module. Thus, there can be provided a photovoltaic power generating structure which can be easily constructed at a low installation cost, can maintain a good output as a photovoltaic power generating system, is excellent in environmental resistance, and can improve fireproofness.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for modulating the temperature of an enclosure includes a thermal storage means on a roof portion, and panels positioned above the thermal storage means. One panel is fixed in position, either over the thermal storage means or adjacent thereto. A pair of movable panels are arranged at different levels from the fixed panel and are adapted to move with respect to sides of the fixed panel to cover or expose the thermal storage means for solar heating during the day or cooling at night.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to framing systems and more particularly is concerned with systems adapted to mount panels or laminates in an array on a supporting roof structure of a building exemplified with the mounting of solar electric photovoltaic (PV) panels. The framing system described uses extruded elongate elements with a sealing element to frame the PV panel as a weatherproof PV solar roof tile. Individual frame element profiles effectively embody the PV building integration, (BiPV) or mounting method, of the solar tile within the frame itself. Only a few additional flashing components are needed to complete the PV tile array as part of the roof, or with minor variations, as a PV wall cladding. Full BiPV panel mounting methods show potential to be used for co-generation (PV/T) of solar thermal energy capture in buildings.

Abstract: Solar water heaters may include a solar collector in a decorative structure, and solar collectors comprising a coil of tubing are adapted to be disposed in a decorative structure such as a wishing well. In one embodiment, a solar water heating system comprising a decorative structure and a coil of tubing disposed within the decorative structure, the coil having a helical shape and being oriented with its axis disposed generally vertically. In another embodiment, a method comprises the steps of providing a coil of tubing, the coil having an axis and the tubing of the coil being radially spaced from the axis; disposing the coil in a location receiving sunlight with the coil axis oriented generally vertically; and causing fluid to flow through the coil.

Abstract: A solar collector array is formed of a plurality of solar panels mounted on a frame made of support beams which may be sheet metal channel members. A butyl tape or other glazing material is applied between the back laminate of the solar panel and the beam. Clips are used to clamp the panels to the support beams. The clips have an upper portion that is generally T-shaped in profile, and a retainer in the form of a channel nut or bar, with a threaded hole that receives a bolt or similar threaded fastener. The retainer biases against the inwardly directed flanges of the channel support beam. Electrical wires and mechanical fasteners are concealed within the support beams.

Abstract: A structure or enclosure with a solar energy absorbing system, arranged so that at least one wall faces the sun and at least one wall is shaded. The structure has a thermal switch between the solar energy absorbing unit and a solar energy storage unit. The structure has a thermal switch between the solar energy storage unit and the interior. The structure has a thermal switch between the shaded wall of the structure and a heat dissipating heat sink. The thermal switch between the solar energy absorbing unit and the solar energy storage unit is modular and is replaceable with other thermal switches having different temperature set points. The thermal switches control the temperature of the interior of the structure in varying climates and sunlight conditions to within a desirable and limited range.

Abstract: A solar-powered water heating system provides heated water to a pool in an aesthetically-pleasing, leak-resistant manner. The invention provides a heat gathering unit disposed in a tray that fits within the deck boards of a typical roof. Shingles are disposed over the heat gathering unit and any leaks that occur within the heat gathering unit flow out over the top of the shingles. A drain conduit is provided below supply and return pipes so that any leaks flowing out of the supply and return pipes and their connections with the heat gathering unit will be directed out of the building structure to a location where the leak may be readily detected.

Abstract: A photovoltaic array (20, 20′) includes a plurality of elongated rails (28) each of which has a lower base (30) and an upper cap (32) of an extruded resin construction defining a pair of grooves (36) that open in opposite directions from each other to receive edges 36 of rectangular photovoltaic modules (22) so as to provide mounting thereof on a support surface (20, 24). The photovoltaic modules (22) are arranged in pairs (38) with the modules of each pair abutting each other and with each pair of modules being spaced along the elongated lengths of the rails from each adjacent pair of modules to provide openings (40) therebetween. Cross members (42) extend between the lower bases (30) of the rails to space the rails from each other and have upwardly opening shapes that receive electrical wiring (44).

Abstract: A solar cell module comprises a photovoltaic device having a flexible substrate. The photovoltaic device has a strain at least partly in the planar direction of the flexible substrate, and the strain is not greater than a critical value at which the photovoltaic device cracks. The solar cell module may further comprise a strain holding means for holding the strain. A deformable region where the photovoltaic device can be deformed when a region embracing the photovoltaic device is worked is defined so that a great variety of solar cell modules having a high reliability, also taking account of manufacture, can be designed with good efficiency.

Abstract: The invention provides a panel unit of controllable radiation transmissivity, including a housing constituted by a front, radiation-receiving panel and a rear panel, the panels being spaced apart and connected to one another by connecting means; a plurality of rotatable radiation-blocking members disposed between the front panel and the rear panel, the members being rotatable from one angular position in which the radiation-blocking members are adapted to substantially block the passage of light through the panel unit, to a selectable plurality of other angular positions in which the radiation-blocking members are adapted to provide a plurality of differing radiation transmissivities; characterized in that first guiding surfaces for the rotatable radiation-blocking members are disposed inside of, and extend across, the housing.

Abstract: To optimally arrange roofing material integrated solar battery modules having a rectangular form and same size on a roof setting surface, an arrangement range in which the solar battery modules can be arranged on the roof setting surface is determined. An arranging direction of the solar battery modules is determined. The number of solar battery modules which can be arranged almost horizontally in a line in the determined arranging direction and within the arrangement range is calculated. Solar battery modules of a line in a number not more than the calculated number are combined to form a solar battery module group. The solar battery module groups are arranged to set a center of the solar battery module group within the determined arrangement range and near a line almost vertically dividing the surface into two parts.

Abstract: A radiant energy collection unit that can be used in a solar panel heating system is described. The energy collection unit comprises an absorbing panel secured to a base panel and forming a channel there between. The channel is in fluid communication with an inlet feeder and an outlet conduit. The design of the collection unit allows for its use on a house, garage or similar building.

Abstract: This invention provides a solar cell module array comprised of two or more different types of modules, wherein said two or more different types of modules are rectangular, having different lengths and method for installing solar cell modules.

Abstract: A solar battery module is constructed in such a way that a photovoltaic element is fixed on a reinforcing sheet, a plurality of junction boxes for drawing power out of the photovoltaic element to the outside are provided on an anti-light-receiving-surface side of the reinforcing sheet, first spacer members having a height higher than a height of the junction boxes are placed along two opposite sides of the reinforcing sheet, and a second spacer member is placed between the plurality of junction boxes. When it is applied to a roof, the first spacer members are fixed on a roof substrate material, a space defined between the roofing material and the roof substrate material is open to the outside air, and the space is in communication with the inside of a house at the ridge. The above structure simplifies works for securing combination solar battery and roofing materials with forming a draft layer onto the roof.

Abstract: A solar-powered water heating system provides heated water to a pool in an aesthetically-pleasing, leak-resistant manner. The invention provides a heat gathering unit disposed in a tray that fits within the deck boards of a typical roof. Shingles are disposed over the heat gathering unit and any leaks that occur within the heat gathering unit flow out over the top of the shingles. A drain conduit is provided below supply and return pipes so that any leaks flowing out of the supply and return pipes and their connections with the heat gathering unit will be directed out of the building structure to a location where the leak may be readily detected.

Abstract: A hybrid roof covering element, which suitable for simultaneously heating a medium and generating electricity, and which comprises a single or multiple transparent layer, a flexible thin film solar cell sheet with a heat capacity of less than 3.5 kJ/m2K and a thermally insulating material, and a medium to be heated. The flexible thin film solar cell sheet comprises a carrier, a back electrode, a photovoltaic layer, and a transparent conductive front electrode and has a heat capacity of less than 3.5 kJ/m2K. This hybrid roof covering element has a response speed of more than 5.7·10−4 K/J if the medium to be heated is air and a response speed of more than 1·10−4 K/J if the medium to be heated is water.

Abstract: A multi-purpose photovoltaic module framing system is provided which combines and integrates the framing system with the photovoltaic electrical system. The user friendly framing system is easy to install and can be directly mounted to a roof surface without auxiliary brackets and beams. The economical framing system has aesthetically pleasing frames to mechanically hold and support photovoltaic modules. The multi-purpose frames desirably have integral electrical raceways which conceal and protect most electrical components and wires. The reliable frames are specially constructed and arranged to permit easy access to output wires and do not require junction boxes. Ground clips can be directly connected to the convenient framing system.

Abstract: A solar system house having a solar-heat collecting portion on a roof, a solar-heat collecting duct communicated with the solar-heat collecting portion; and a handling box connected to the solar-heat collecting portion. The handling box includes a back-flow damper that prevent a back-flow toward the solar-heat collecting duct, an air-flow change damper that allow selection between a descending duct and an exhaust duct opened to the outside, a solar-heat collecting fan positioned between the back-flow chamber and the air-flow change damper, and a driving motor for rotating the solar-heat collecting fan in the handling box, which is a direct current (DC) motor to be driven by a solar-battery and a rechargeable battery electrically connected to the solar-battery.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for growing plants is disclosed. The system includes a first thermal panel with multiple flow channels, the thermal panel being located between a growing space and a light source. A cooling fluid is circulated in a countercurrent flow pattern (i.e. in at least two different directions). The channels may be connected to one or more headers, which serve as a fluid manifold to deliver fluid and collect fluid from the flow channels. Growing closely spaced plants from seed or cuttings to transplants for the field or a greenhouse is one application of this system.

Abstract: Solar cell systems are normally made as a number of panel plates sized typically 0.5-1×1 m, with associated mounting means for holding the plates in suitably inclined positions relative to a horizontal or vertical mounting base. According to the invention, these panel plates may advantageously be changed into a lamella-shaped structure, e.g. with a width of only 10-20 cm and, in return, with a much larger length dimension, whereby strips of a solar cell sheet material can be supported by already highly developed and inexpensive carrier systems, whether or not these also serve another purpose with respect to sun shading. A number of relevant advantages is obtained in using carrier laminae made of aluminium.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed by which the temperature of an enclosure can be prevented from reaching extremely high or extremely low points. The enclosure provides a functional area whose temperature is adjusted by heated or cooled water contained within a water container which is located above the functional area and below the ceiling of the enclosure. The water in the water container is heated or cooled, depending on the desired effect, by exposing the water to atmospheric conditions while passing through a radiator/absorber located on the roof of the enclosure. The radiator/absorber has an inclined configuration, with higher and lower ends. The water passes from the water container to the radiator/absorber and back again to the water container through a pair of conduits. A warm water conduit runs between one end of the water container and the higher end of the radiator/absorber, while a cold water conduit runs between the other end of the water container and the lower end of the radiator/absorber.

Abstract: A carbon/carbon system is provided for collecting, storing and/or dissipating heat in a building structure. Carbon/carbon panels are used to collect heat generated by solar energy and other heating sources. The panels are interconnected either directly to each other or using heat transfer conduits. The heat collected by the carbon/carbon panels is transferred to heat storage areas or to areas for immediate use using heat transfer conduits.

Abstract: Roof members of the present invention are those fixed to the roof, each roof member being a combination solar cell and roof member having a solar cell element and a metal reinforcing member, wherein a metal member is provided below the combination solar cell and roof member or a metal member is provided along an adjacent portion between adjacent combination solar cell and roof members, wherein the metal member is electrically conductive to metal reinforcing members of plural combination solar cell and roof members and wherein the metal member is electrically grounded. Provided based on this structure are the roof members easy to install and excellent in the external view and electric safety.

Abstract: There is disclosed a photovoltaic power generating structure in which a solar cell module is arranged on a base member, wherein a closed space portion cut off from the air is provided between the base member and the solar cell module. Thus, there can be provided the photovoltaic power generating structure which can be easily constructed at a low installation cost, can maintain a good output as a photovoltaic power generating system, is excellent in environmental resistance, and can improve a fire-proof performance.

Abstract: An energy system for buildings uses solar absorbers, heat exchangers and heat accumulators, and has the following features to improve the thermal balance of the building: the solar absorber has tubes or pipes laid to form meanders between the roofing and an insulating layer arranged thereunder; the solar absorber is subdivided into at least two zones each with its own liquid circulation system; there is arranged below the building a solid heat-accumulator to which heat can be supplied or removed using embedded tubes or pipes; the heat accumulator is subdivided into at least two zones, i.e.

Abstract: A solar cell module comprising a photovoltaic element, and at least a surface side filler and a surface protective member which are disposed in this order on a light incident face of said photovoltaic element, wherein said surface side filler comprises a non-crosslinked organic polymer resin and a crosslinked organic polymer resin, said crosslinked organic polymer resin being provided on at least a surface of said non-crosslinked organic polymer resin. Said solar cell module excels particularly in weatherability and moisture resistance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar collector, comprising: a cover layer to be directed toward the incident solar radiation; a system of tubes which is thermally coupled to the cover layer and through which heat transfer medium, in particular liquid such as water, can flow between a feed connection and a discharge connection; a substantially form-stiff carrier layer supporting the tube system and the cover later. The solar collector according to the invention has the special feature that: the cover layer consists of a weather-resistant plastic roof-covering foil; the tubes consist at least partially of a plastic material welded fixedly to the cover layer; the carrier layer is provided with recesses in which the tube system is accommodated.

Abstract: A roof unit is constructed in such an arrangement that a plurality of combination solar battery and roof panels, each having flanges at two opposite sides, are placed adjacent to each other with clearance on a joining/fixing member, the adjacent combination solar battery and roof panels are fixed to the joining/fixing member in the clearance by a removable fixture, and a removable cap is placed in an upper part of the clearance. This arrangement simplifies the work at a work site, decreases the construction cost, and decreases work errors. In addition, measurement or replacement of each module can be made even after mounting, thus providing a practical vertical-roofing roof excellent in maintainability and also in wind endurance.

Abstract: A multi-purpose photovoltaic module framing system is provided which combines and integrates the framing system with the photovoltaic electrical system. The user friendly framing system is easy to install and can be directly mounted to a roof surface without auxiliary brackets and beams. The economical framing system has aesthetically pleasing frames to mechanically hold and support photovoltaic modules. The multi-purpose frames desirably have integral electrical raceways which conceal and protect most electrical components and wires. The reliable frames are specially constructed and arranged to permit easy access to output wires and do not require junction boxes. Ground clips can be directly connected to the convenient framing system.

Abstract: For facilitating work and improving durability of a grounding conductor without a need for preparation of a separate grounding conductor for grounding a solar cell array, a solar cell array is provided comprising a plurality of solar cell modules each comprising a solar cell element and an electroconductive outer portion, the plurality of solar cell modules being electrically connected by an electric wire, wherein the electric wire has a plurality of cores, at least one of the cores being connected to an electric connection portion for leading a power of the solar cell elements out and at least one of the cores being connected to a grounding portion.

Abstract: A photovoltaic solar module in plate form, in particular for use as a curtain wall or roof element, with at least one outer pane facing towards the incident light, at least one inner cover arranged at a distance behind it in the direction of the incident light, and, if necessary, an edge structure surrounding the outer pane and the inner cover, joining them to one another to form a seal. Solar cells are arranged between the outer pane and the inner cover, embedded in cast resin, laminating film(s) or the like, with a system of conductors interconnecting them electrically, from which connecting leads for electrical connection to other adjacent solar modules lead into the area located outside the plate structure.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device comprises a metal with a smooth surface; a transparent conductive layer formed on the smooth surface; and a photoelectric conversion layer formed on the transparent conductive layer. The transparent conductive layer has an irregular surface at a side opposite to the smooth surface.

Abstract: A solar cell module according to the present invention includes at least a base material, a first insulating material formed on the base material, a photovoltaic element set including a plurality of photovoltaic elements formed on the first insulating material, and a second insulating material formed on the photovoltaic element set. The base material has an L or W shape. In one embodiment, the base material has an L section shape, and a bent portion is formed in a portion where no photovoltaic element is arrange. In another embodiment, the photovoltaic element set includes a wiring material for electrically connecting the photovoltaic elements, and a bent portion is formed in a portion where the wiring material is arranged. Power generation and heat collection efficiency are increased, and optical deterioration of a non-single-crystal semiconductor are decreased in the present solar cell modules.