Nanometer SiO2 Antireflection Coating for Solar Modules

In the applications of solar cells, reflection is an unwanted loss process. Using antireflective solar glass can improve the generating efficiency of solar cells. Here the design, synthesis, modification, and characterization of the nano antireflective film for solar modules are reported. Nanometer SiO2 antireflection coating solution was prepared by Sol-gel method. Porous membrane with visible light transmittance of up to 98.2% can be derived from base-catalyzed sol. With modification of the mechanical durability of the samples, the transmittance was improves to 97.43%. Average over wavelength range from 400 to 800 nm, the reflection losses were reduced to only 3.44% by applying the nanometer SiO2 antireflection coating to the cover glass, that is, the AR coating achieves a transmittance enhancement of 5.6% comparing to the original glass. Uniform antireflection and high scratch have been achieved.