Low Reflectivity Solar Cells.

Abstract

Techniques for both reducing and changing specular reflectance from silicon solar cell assemblies (cell and cover) were developed. Mechanical and chemical treatments of quartz cell covers yielded surfaces that acted like nearly perfect diffusers of incoming visible radiation. A four order of magnitude reduction in specular reflectivity was achieved in this manner. Selective etches and multiple antireflection (AR) coatings were used to reduce the total reflection from the cell. Etches such as sodium and potassium hydroxide reduced the total reflection over the entire silicon cell spectrum (350-1100 nm) to below one percent, with a corresponding increase in output current of nearly eight percent over conventionally prepared surfaces. Some degradation in fill factor was observed with the etched surface so that the current increase at the load voltage was somewhat less than at short circuit.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1976
Accession Number
ADA025922

Entities

People

  • James Avery
  • John Scott-monck
  • Paul Stella

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Assembly
  • Cells
  • Circuits
  • Degradation
  • Diffusers
  • Hydroxides
  • Potassium
  • Radiation
  • Reflectance
  • Reflection
  • Reflectivity
  • Short Circuits
  • Solar Cells
  • Solar Radiation
  • Spectra

Readers

  • Mathematics or Statistics
  • Solar Photovoltaics and Thermoelectric Devices.
  • Surface Coatings Technology.