Random subwavelength structures on glass to improve photovoltaic module performance

Date

2022

Authors

Cornago Santos, Ignacio
Buceta, Alicia
Zugasti, Eugenia

Director

Publisher

Elsevier
Acceso abierto / Sarbide irekia
Artículo / Artikulua
Versión publicada / Argitaratu den bertsioa

Project identifier

Impacto

Abstract

Glass samples have been processed by a single-step self-masking RIE (Reactive Ion Etching) process to obtain random subwavelength structures (SWSs), which mimic anti-reflective and anti-soiling patterns present in nature. The SWSs fabricated on glass provide an excellent broadband omnidirectional anti-reflective (AR) property (<1% absolute reflectance) in the spectral region (300–1200) nm due to the graded refractive index that these SWS produce in the air–glass interface, reducing the reflectance. Moreover, these SWSs increase the roughness of the glass surface enhancing its wettability and anti-soiling properties. In order to quantify the performance improvement of photovoltaic devices when using these structured glasses as front cover, commercial PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact) solar cells have been laminated with these structured glasses using the standard configuration (glass/EVA/Solar Cell/EVA/backsheet) and their electrical parameters such as I–V curve, spectral response, and IAM (Incidence Angle Modifier) factor have characterized.

Description

Keywords

Anti-reflective, Anti-soiling, Photovoltaic glass, Solar cells, Subwavelength structures, Super-hydrophilic

Department

Institute of Smart Cities - ISC

Faculty/School

Degree

Doctorate program

item.page.cita

Pinto, C. L., Cornago, I., Buceta, A., Zugasti, E., Bengoechea, J. (2022) Random subwavelength structures on glass to improve photovoltaic module performance. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 246(111935). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2022.111935.

item.page.rights

© 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Licencia

Los documentos de Academica-e están protegidos por derechos de autor con todos los derechos reservados, a no ser que se indique lo contrario.