New anti-reflective coating invented for solar cells
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute say they have invented a new type of anti-reflective coating to be used on photovoltaic solar cells that will dramatically increase the effectiveness of the panels. Traditionally, these solar cells absorb approximately 67% of the sun’s rays, allowing 33% of the potential energy to be lost. This new coating that can absorb sunlight striking from almost any angle, increases the absorption rate to 96%.
Lead researcher Shawn-Yu Lin said that the coating is comprised of seven layers that are stacked in such a way that they are able to trap light from all angles. The coating is made of silicon dioxide and titanium dioxide nanorods. Normally solar panels must move to track the sun throughout the day, however this coating would eliminate that need, since it would capture the sunlight at any angle.
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