Anti Reflective Coating, often known as AR Coating, is a scientific technique for improving the performance of solar cell by lowering reflection and increasing light absorption. Over 30% of the surface of bare silicon is reflective. So, anti-reflection coatings (ARC) and surface texturing both help to reduce reflection. Solar cell anti-reflection coatings are comparable to those used on other optical devices like camera lenses.
What is Anti-Reflection Coating or ARC?
They are made up of a thin layer of dielectric material that has been purposefully chosen at a thickness such that interference affects the coating. It results in an out-of-phase reflection of the wave from the top surface of the anti-reflection coating compared to the wave reflected from the semiconductor surfaces. Silicon nitride or titanium oxide are both employed for the thin AR Coating.
How is Anti-Reflection Coating Applied?
Interference effect, which also frequently occurs when a thin layer of oil on water forms rainbow-like bands of color, is another type of coating in addition to anti-reflection coatings. There is no net reflected energy as a result of the destructive interference between these out-of-phase reflected waves.
The cells’ original dark grey hue will appear if the anti-reflection coating is not applied. By adjusting the thickness of the anti-reflection coating, the color of the solar cell can be altered.
Also See: Monocrystalline Solar Panel or Polycrystalline Solar Panel
How does Anti-Reflective Coating improve Solar Cell Performance?
An increase in the amount of light absorbed by a solar cell is facilitated by its anti-reflective coating. A solar cell’s power conversion efficiency (PCE) can be raised by boosting absorption, decreasing reflection loss, and applying an anti-reflection (AR) coating. In order to decrease the reflection loss, several researchers have added single- and double-layer AR coatings to solar cells.
What are Other Applications of Anti-Reflective Coatings?
These days, anti-reflective coatings are not just present on solar cell; they can also be applied on the glass surface or superstate of solar panels. So, the lessened glare from the glass will be another benefit aside from PV module efficiency.
- Some claim that this makes it easier for the panels to blend in with their surroundings.
- Additionally, it permits the panels to be set up close to airports as a panel without anti-reflective coating might blind a pilot.
Also Read: What is Potential Induced Degradation?