As a clean and renewable energy source, solar energy’s battery module performance improvement is crucial for widespread application. Anti-reflective coating is one of the key technologies to improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency of Solar Cell Module. By reducing the reflection loss of light on the cell surface, more light energy can be absorbed and utilized by the cell. However, in addition to focusing on its initial anti-reflective effect, the durability of the coating cannot be ignored, because it is directly related to the performance stability and economic feasibility of the Solar Cell Module during long-term use.
A high-quality anti-reflective coating can significantly reduce the reflectivity of solar cell surfaces. Its principle is mainly based on optical interference and refractive index matching. By carefully designing the thickness and refractive index of the coating, the incident light can undergo multiple interference destructions between the coating and the battery surface, thereby reducing the intensity of the reflected light. In practical applications, the use of a coating structure composed of multiple materials can further optimize the effect. For example, a combination of materials such as nanoscale silicon dioxide and titanium dioxide can achieve low reflectivity over a wide spectral range. Experiments show that the reflectivity of a Solar Cell Module treated with an effective anti-reflective coating in the visible light band can be reduced from 8% - 12% without treatment to 2% - 5%, which significantly increases the cell's absorption of light energy. , thereby improving the photoelectric conversion efficiency, which can usually be increased by about 3% - 8%. The specific improvement depends on the quality of the coating and the performance of the battery itself.
Solar Cell Modules face various harsh conditions in the outdoor environment, and the durability of the anti-reflective coating faces many challenges. Ultraviolet radiation is one of the important factors affecting the durability of coatings. Long-term ultraviolet radiation may cause the coating material to age and decompose, thereby reducing its anti-reflective performance. In addition, temperature changes, humidity, sand erosion, etc. can also cause damage to the coating. For example, in high temperature and high humidity environments, the coating may undergo hydrolysis reactions; the impact of particles in wind and sand will wear away the coating surface. Studies have found that after 2 to 3 years of outdoor exposure, the reflectivity of some traditional anti-reflective coatings will gradually increase, and the photoelectric conversion efficiency will decrease accordingly. In order to improve the durability, additives such as ultraviolet absorbers and antioxidants can be added, while optimizing the chemical bonding structure of the coating to enhance its anti-aging and anti-erosion capabilities. The new organic-inorganic hybrid coating shows great potential in terms of durability, and it can still maintain good anti-reflective effect and battery performance after more than 5 years of outdoor testing.
The anti-reflective coating of Solar Cell Module has a significant effect in improving photoelectric conversion efficiency, but the durability problem still needs to be studied and solved in depth. By continuously exploring new materials, optimizing the coating structure and improving the preparation process, the anti-reflective effect can be improved and the durability of the coating can be enhanced. In the future, with the further development of material science and nanotechnology, it is expected to develop more efficient and durable anti-reflective coatings, which will provide strong support for the widespread application of Solar Cell Modules in the field of renewable energy and promote the global energy structure to shift towards clean energy. transformation process.
