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Book: Advanced Nano and Micro materials for Photovoltaics: future and emerging technologies, Chapter 11: "Multifunctional Optical Coatings and Light Management for Photovoltaics"

Book · · Micro and Nano Technologies

In this chapter, we present a discussion of three main topics in coatings and light management for PV. First, we will cover the basic principles behind light management and broadly discuss approaches that can be used to mitigate reflective losses. Additionally, we build further on this topic by exploring the specific antireflection techniques used by PV glass and module manufacturers. Next, we explore antisoiling coatings, a relatively understudied area until recently. We comment on the distinctly different approaches to antisoiling coatings currently being explored by the PV community and the pros and cons of each. In addition, antisoiling coatings can also serve as antireflective coatings, providing a route to multifunctional coatings. Finally, we comment briefly on possible rich areas for new research efforts that we believe will provide a meaningful impact on solar module efficiency, reliability, and durability.

Research Organization:
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (SLAC), Menlo Park, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC); USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Solar Energy Technologies Office (EE-4S)
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-76SF00515; AC36-08GO28308
OSTI ID:
1444003
Report Number(s):
SLAC-PUB--17227; ISBN: 978-0-12-814501-2
Journal Information:
Micro and Nano Technologies, Journal Name: Micro and Nano Technologies
Publisher:
Elsevier
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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