The British Renewable Energy and Sustainability Technology (CREST) Research Center at Loughborough University in the UK has introduced a groundbreaking multi-layer anti-reflection (AR) coating for glass surfaces, designed to boost solar panel efficiency while minimizing glare. This advanced coating is engineered to cover the entire spectral range that solar cells can utilize, significantly cutting down light reflection by over 70%. As a result, the output power of solar devices increases substantially.
Typically, standard glass reflects around 4% of incoming sunlight, which represents a considerable loss for photovoltaic systems. According to Professor Michael Walls, a researcher and co-inventor at CREST, this new AR coating reduces reflection to below 1%, allowing more light to be absorbed by the solar cells. This increase in light absorption translates into a rise in photocurrent and an approximate 3.5% improvement in overall solar cell efficiency.
The design developed by Loughborough University uses a laminated structure with a thickness under 300 nm, composed of just four alternating layers of zirconia and silica—both abundant and cost-effective materials. The team emphasized that the coating must not only perform well but also be economically viable. By using minimal layers and affordable components, they've created a solution that balances quality and cost.
This technology has been highlighted in IEEE PV magazines, particularly for thin-film CdTe solar panels, but it's also applicable to other thin-film technologies like copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) and amorphous silicon. Additionally, it can be used on the glass of crystalline silicon modules and even on emerging third-generation technologies such as organic photovoltaics and perovskite solar cells. The multi-layer structure can be customized depending on the specific wavelength requirements of each technology.
Professor Walls also noted that the “glare-reducing†coating could enhance the visual appeal of solar installations, making them more aesthetically pleasing. In their experiments, the AR coating was applied using magnetron sputtering, a technique originally developed for anti-reflection coatings on eyeglass lenses. This method is already compatible with industrial-scale production, as many glass manufacturers have the necessary equipment.
Experts believe that as production scales up, the cost of implementing this technology will drop significantly. Moreover, the material has proven to be scratch-resistant and durable, meeting the 25-year warranty standards required by PV manufacturers. Looking ahead, the research team aims to refine the coating design to suit a broader range of solar technologies, ensuring optimal performance across different wavelengths.
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