Anti-reflective
(AR) coatings for photovoltaic (PV) cover glass are of great interest to the solar
industry since they are a straightforward way to increase module efficiency,
thereby lowering $/watt. Vacuum deposited multi-layer AR coatings have long
been used in other applications. However, for solar PV modules, these coatings
suffer from two major drawbacks: they reduce reflection in a relatively narrow wavelength
range and they are only effective in a limited range of incident angles. In
addition, the cost of vacuum-deposited multi-layer coatings is too high for PV
cover glass use, especially in light of the recent price pressures experienced
by solar module makers.
CSD
Nano’s bio-inspired and silica antireflective films work on the principle of the light
gradient index of refraction. Gradient surfaces can be
thought of having a low net reflectance based on destructive interference of an
infinite series of reflections; each with an incremental change in refractive
index.
