Question

Electrical Engineer Major

Book: Semiconductor Physics and Devices, 4th edition

Note: Please define variables, sketch graphs as needed, and make the shortest answer possible (something that can be memorized). Thank you!

Q. 19: Discuss how an anti-reflection layer on a solar cell works.

Answer 1

Anti reflection layer coating: is a technical method to increase the efficiency of a Solar cell by reducing the reflection of solar light falling on panel. It is also call AR Coating.

Materials used for coating - Silicon Nitride and Titanium Oxide

working: when light incident from Sun fall on solar panel it produces current by principle of Solar cell. But some part of solar light reflects back from panel (up to 8%) so efficiency of Solar cell is less then optimum. By using AR coating this reflection part of light is reduced to (up to 2%). Which directly increases efficiency solar cell.

Figure attached shows the side view of a solar cell with AR coating.

Thanspereut Cover AR Coatin Contact Csid Metal Backi

Advantages: 1. It improves the transmittance of solar light , so inceasei the efficiency of solar cell

2. Solar panel becomes produces less glare with AR Coating.

Note: thickness of AR Coating also shows a particular color of panel. Variation in thickness also varies the color of panel .

Hopefully Answer will be helpful :)