Efficiency enhancement of silicon solar cells using a nano-scale honeycomb broadband anti-reflection structure

Abstract

This experiment demonstrates the process for manufacturing a ZnO honeycomb sub-wavelength structure using nanosphere lithography technology exhibiting excellent anti-reflection properties from the UV to NIR wavelength regions. This honeycomb nanostructure, combined with commercially available crystalline Si solar cells, show substantially improved conversion efficiency from 15.6% to 16.6% using optimized honeycomb sizes and precursor concentrations of ZnO. The present work develops an unsophisticated and economical technique suitable for industrial applications in producing a uniform and low-reflective texture. (C)2011 Optical Society of America