Single-layer antireflection coated commercial silicon solar cells for module manufacturing applications

Design rules are presented for single-layer antireflection (SLAR) coatings for solar cells made for module encapsulation. The designs providing the highest output power for bare and encapsulated cells are not the same, and the trade-offs involved in choosing one or the other are discussed. Also presented are experimental data on the reflectance before and after encapsulation of commercial polycrystalline solar cells. The data are weighted with the AM1.5 solar spectrum to give the optical reflectance losses and encapsulation gain. Reflectance losses after encapsulation are in the range of 7% and 9% for SLAR coatings optimized for modules and solar cells, respectively.