49 patents in this list

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Modern solar panels lose up to 8% of their potential energy capture through surface reflection, while accumulated dust and debris can reduce efficiency by an additional 15-25% annually. These optical and contamination losses represent significant barriers to achieving theoretical maximum conversion efficiencies, particularly in regions with high solar irradiance where dust accumulation is most severe.

The fundamental challenge lies in developing coatings that simultaneously maximize light transmission while providing durable self-cleaning properties—two requirements that often demand opposing surface characteristics.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including nanostructured high-hardness compositions achieving 95.4% light transmittance, hybrid SiO2-TiO2 composites with dual anti-reflective and anti-soiling properties, and multilayer systems using refractive index-matched nanoparticles. These and other approaches demonstrate practical paths to enhanced solar panel performance through advanced surface engineering.

1. Dual-Repellent Self-Cleaning Anti-Reflection Coating with Nanostructured High-Hardness Composition

ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE GUANGXI POWER GRID CO LTD, 2024

A high-hardness dual-repellent self-cleaning anti-reflection coating for photovoltaic cells that combines superior mechanical durability with enhanced optical performance. The coating comprises a high-hardness formula containing perfluorooctyl ethyl acrylate, KH-570, methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, KH-171, methyl methacrylate, methacryloxy-cage polysilsesquioxane, and azobisisobutyronitrile. The coating is prepared through a controlled pH adjustment process that creates a unique nanostructured surface with enhanced mechanical strength and self-cleaning properties. The coating achieves 95.4% visible light transmittance while maintaining high Vickers hardness of 3422 HV, making it suitable for photovoltaic applications where both optical and mechanical performance are critical.

CN118126545A-patent-drawing

2. Silica Sol Coating with Perfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane and n-Hexane for Enhanced Hydrophobicity and Anti-Reflective Properties

THREE GORGES ELECTRIC ENERGY HUBEI CO LTD, 2024

A method for creating a high-efficiency, anti-reflective, and self-cleaning solar cell coating that achieves superior performance compared to conventional materials. The coating is prepared through a novel modification of silica sol that enables enhanced hydrophobicity and anti-reflective properties without the need for aging processes. The modified sol is formulated by combining perfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane with n-hexane, which selectively enhances the silica sol's surface properties. The resulting coating exhibits exceptional light transmission in the 300-900 nm range, reaching 99.4% transmittance at 580 nm. This coating can be applied to photovoltaic panels to significantly improve their visible light absorption rate and photoelectric conversion efficiency, while also preventing dirt and dust accumulation.

CN117886518A-patent-drawing

3. Multi-Layer Anti-Reflective Film with Nano-Silica and Fluorine-Containing Resin for Photovoltaic Glass

CNBM NEW ENERGY CO LTD, CNBM New Energy Co., Ltd., 2024

Anti-reflective film layer for photovoltaic glass that combines high-performance anti-reflective properties with improved durability and environmental stability. The film comprises a main anti-reflective layer comprising nano-silica dispersion, hollow silica particles, and pore-forming agent, with a secondary anti-reflective layer comprising fluorine-containing resin, curing agent, and nano-scale inorganic particles. The film achieves enhanced anti-reflective performance while maintaining superior optical clarity and environmental resistance compared to conventional anti-reflective coatings.

4. Method for Forming Sloped Nanostructures on Solar Cells via Masked Vapor Deposition

SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO, 2024

A method for creating three-dimensional nanostructures on solar cell surfaces through controlled deposition of vaporized material. The method employs a mask with strategically positioned openings to create sloped nanostructures with controlled angles, enabling enhanced internal reflection and absorption. The sloped nanostructures are formed by vaporizing material through controlled deposition, allowing precise control over the nanostructure's geometry and angle. This approach enables the fabrication of complex nanostructures on solar cell surfaces without the need for traditional physical texturing methods.

5. Nanocoating with Hydrophobic, Photocatalytic, and Nanoscale Light Transmission Features for Solar Cells and Windows

KAUNAS UNIV OF TECHNOLOGY, 2023

A multifunctional self-cleaning nanocoating for solar cells and window surfaces that combines anti-reflective, hydrophobic, and electrostatic properties. The coating features a hydrophobic top layer that repels water and dust, a photocatalytic layer that protects against organic pollutants, and a nanoscale structure that enhances light transmission and reflection control. The coating achieves self-cleaning through a surface modification process that creates a hydrophobic surface through nano-roughness, while maintaining mechanical stability through micro-roughness. This multifunctional coating enables optimized performance across multiple functional requirements without compromising the coating's overall performance.

6. Nanoscale Coating with Controlled Hydrophobic Nanoparticles and Surface Roughness for Solar Photovoltaic Panels

TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY, Tsinghua University, 2023

A nanoscale coating for solar photovoltaic panels that enhances light transmission while maintaining hydrophobic properties. The coating employs nanoparticles with controlled hydrophobicity and surface roughness to prevent dust and organic impurities from adhering to the solar panel surface. This nanoscale coating achieves high light transmission while maintaining the panel's self-cleaning capability, enabling continuous operation without manual cleaning.

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7. Hybrid Composite Coating Composition of SiO2 and TiO2 for Solar Modules with Anti-Reflective and Anti-Soiling Properties

RESOL CO LTD, 2023

Coating solution composition for solar modules that prevents reflection and contamination through a novel hybrid composite material. The composition combines SiO2 and TiO2 in a specific ratio to achieve both anti-reflective and anti-soiling properties. The composition is synthesized through a room-temperature curing process and electrostatic spray coating method, enabling effective protection of solar modules in field environments without compromising their performance.

KR20230150561A-patent-drawing

8. Nanocomposite Coating with Polylactic Acid Matrix and Titanium Dioxide-Silicon Dioxide Nanoparticles for Photovoltaic Panels

MARMARA UNIV STRATEJI GELISTIRME DAIRE BASKANLIGI MUHASEBE BIRIMI, 2023

A coating material for photovoltaic solar panels that combines anti-reflective and self-cleaning properties through a novel nanocomposite system. The coating comprises a matrix of polylactic acid (PLA) with titanium dioxide (TiO2) and silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles as base components. This nanocomposite system enables the coating material to exhibit both hydrophobic and photocatalytic properties, while maintaining compatibility with glass substrates. The coating achieves its self-cleaning effect through the hydrophobic interaction between the coating material and water droplets, while preventing direct sunlight reflection. This innovative coating material enables enhanced solar energy conversion while maintaining environmental sustainability.

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9. Solar Cell Front Plate with Nano-Coating and Lattice-Structured Surface Grooves

ZHEJIANG HETE PHOTOELECTRICITY CO LTD, 2022

A solar cell front plate with enhanced optical clarity and reduced glare through nano-coating and surface modification. The front plate features an anti-glare nano-coating applied to the surface, followed by surface imprinting of lattice-structured grooves. This lattice pattern distribution enhances light transmission while maintaining optical clarity, while the nano-coating provides superior anti-glare performance. The front plate can be fabricated using flexible substrates, enabling practical integration into solar panels.

CN114773978A-patent-drawing

10. Antireflective Multilayer Article with Nanostructured Layers and Refractive Index-Matched Nanoparticles

INST CATALANA DE RECERCA I ESTUDIS AVANCATS ICREA, 2022

Antireflective multilayer article with nanostructures that enables broadband suppression of light reflection across a wide spectral range. The article comprises a substrate, at least two layers with different refractive indices deposited on top of one another, and a pattern of nanoparticles with refractive indices matching the multilayer layers, with the nanoparticles having a refractive index within ±10% of the layer materials. The nanostructures are fabricated using sputtering deposition and patterning techniques, with the nanoparticles having dimensions below 1 nm. The resulting surface exhibits superior optical performance across the visible and near-infrared spectrum compared to traditional multilayer coatings, while maintaining superior mechanical durability.

11. Nanoscale Antireflection Film Structure with Silicon Nitride, Oxygen-Rich Silicon Dioxide, and Zinc Oxide Layers

TIANJIN AIKO SOLAR ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, Tianjin Aiko Solar Energy Technology Co., Ltd., Guangdong Aiko Solar Energy Technology Co., Ltd., 2022

A self-cleaning solar energy anti-reflection film structure and battery technology that enhances power conversion efficiency through a novel nanoscale antireflection coating. The coating comprises a silicon nitride layer with a thickness of 55-65nm, an oxygen-rich silicon dioxide layer with a thickness of 4-10nm, and a nanoscale zinc oxide layer with a thickness of 6-12nm. These nanoscale layers are deposited through PECVD and exhibit superior optical matching characteristics compared to conventional anti-reflection coatings. The nanoscale zinc oxide layer, with its high refractive index, enables effective light absorption while minimizing reflection. The silicon nitride and oxygen-rich silicon dioxide layers enhance the coating's optical properties, particularly in the visible and near-infrared spectral range. The self-cleaning solar energy antireflection film structure enables efficient light transmission while maintaining optical matching, resulting in improved power conversion efficiency for solar cells.

CN215644512U-patent-drawing

12. Nano-SiO2 Sol-Derived Superhydrophobic Anti-Reflection Film with Controlled Thickness

KAISHENG JINGHUA GLASS CO LTD, 2021

Superhydrophobic anti-reflection film and photovoltaic glass that combines enhanced light transmission with improved water repellency. The film utilizes a unique nano-SiO2 sol derived from a tetraethyl orthosilicate-ethanol-water mixture, catalyzed by an alkali catalyst. The film achieves superior hydrophobicity while maintaining high light transmission, making it suitable for photovoltaic applications. The film is applied to glass substrates using a dipping and pulling process, resulting in a thickness of 100-80 nm.

CN113387597A-patent-drawing

13. Composite Antireflection Film with ZnO Seed and Nanostructure Layers for Silicon Solar Cells

UNIV ZHEJIANG, 2021

Composite antireflection film for silicon solar cells with improved antireflection properties. The film consists of a ZnO seed layer on the cell surface followed by a ZnO nanostructure layer grown on top. The seed layer improves the quality and growth speed of the nanostructure layer. The nanostructure can be cones, needles, or rods with controlled shape and thickness. The total film thickness is 10-9000 nm. The composite structure reduces reflection over a wider wavelength range compared to a single ZnO layer.

14. Nanostructured Titanium Dioxide Coating for Solar Glass with Integrated Photocatalytic and Anti-Reflective Properties

DONGGUAN CSG SOLAR GLASS CO LTD, Dongguan CSG Solar Glass Co., Ltd., 2021

Solar glass anti-reflective coating with self-cleaning functionality that combines high light transmission with enhanced cleaning performance. The coating comprises a self-cleaning high-reflection solar glass that incorporates a novel nanostructured surface with integrated photocatalytic properties. The coating's surface features nanostructured titanium dioxide particles that can be activated by light to facilitate self-cleaning through photocatalytic reactions. This dual-function coating achieves superior cleaning efficiency while maintaining high light transmission, making it particularly suitable for applications with heavy industrial pollution.

15. Transparent Solar Glass with Nano-Coated UV and Visible Light Absorbing Film

BRITE HELLAS SA, 2021

Transparent solar glass with enhanced photovoltaic efficiency through a nano-coating that selectively absorbs UV and visible light while emitting infrared radiation. The coating, comprising a single-layer organic/inorganic film deposited by inkjet printing, is applied to the backside of the glass substrate. This innovative nano-structure enables the conversion of non-harvestable solar radiation into usable photons, significantly increasing the photovoltaic system's overall efficiency. The transparent solar glass design enables direct sunlight penetration while maintaining optical transparency, making it suitable for applications requiring both high transmittance and photovoltaic performance.

16. Double-Layer Antireflection Coating with Fluorinated Silica and Mesoporous Silica Dispersions

UNIV WUHAN TECH, 2020

A double-layer antireflection coating for solar cells that enhances efficiency through a novel combination of bottom and top layers. The coating consists of a bottom layer comprising a fluorinated silica polymer dispersion and a modified mesoporous silica dispersion, which are combined in a 2:1 ratio. The bottom layer is cured to form a thin, uniform layer. The top layer is prepared by mixing the modified mesoporous silica dispersion with a fluorinated silica polymer solution. The top layer is cured to form a thicker, more robust layer. The bottom and top layers are combined to create a wide-band antireflection coating that provides superior light management compared to conventional single-layer coatings.

17. Inorganic Oxide Layer with Dense Oxide Particles and Aluminium Oxide for Solar Module Coating

DSM IP ASSETS BV, 2020

Coating for solar modules that combines enhanced anti-soiling properties with improved durability. The coating comprises an inorganic oxide layer with pores that contain a specific type of dense oxide particles. The dense oxide particles have an aspect ratio of at least 2 and a smaller diameter of 3-20 nm, and the coating formulation includes between 0.1-30 wt% aluminium oxide equivalents of aluminium containing compound. The dense oxide particles form a network that provides both anti-soiling and anti-reflective properties, while the aluminium oxide enhances durability. The coating formulation can be applied to substrates like cover glass and then converted into a functional coating.

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18. Thin-Film Solar Cell with Nanostructure Array Anti-Reflective Layer Featuring Moth-Eye Pattern

BEIJING BOYANG DIONGRONG PHOTOVOLTAIC TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2020

Thin-film solar cell with nanostructure anti-reflective layer and preparation method. The solar cell incorporates a nanostructure array anti-reflective layer with protrusions and depressions on the window layer surface, where the array features a moth-eye pattern. This nanostructure layer effectively suppresses light reflection at the interface between the window layer and air, thereby enhancing solar cell efficiency.

19. Method for Forming Antireflection Coatings Using Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticle-CTAB Solution

UNIV WUHAN TECH, 2019

A method for preparing antireflection coatings on solar cells by using a novel mesoporous silica nanoparticle precursor. The method involves preparing a solution containing cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) with a specific concentration and concentration ratio, followed by the incorporation of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) into the CTAB solution. The CTAB solution is then applied to the solar cell surface, where the MSNs form a thin film that enhances light transmission through the solar cell.

20. Coating Solution Comprising Nano-TiO2, Nano-SiO2, Graphene Quantum Dots, and PVP Stabilizer

UNIVERSITY OF SHANGHAI FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, 2019

A coating solution for improving the transmittance and environmental resistance of solar cell panels. The coating solution contains nano-TiO2, nano-SiO2, graphene quantum dots, PVP stabilizer, and water. The coating is applied to solar panels to improve light transmittance and environmental performance. The nano-TiO2 and nano-SiO2 provide antireflection and photocatalytic properties, while PVP stabilizes the nano-particles and improves coating adhesion. The graphene quantum dots enhance light transmission. The coating improves solar panel efficiency and durability in outdoor environments.

CN110104989A-patent-drawing

21. Nanocone-Based Anti-Reflective Coating with Silicon Nitride Nanopillars on Silicon Nitride Layer

22. Multi-Layer Anti-Reflection Film with Carbon Nanocone-Embedded Nano Glass Plate for Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells

23. Nanoporous Surface Coating with Dual Hydrophobic-Hydrophilic Properties for Transparent and Reflective Surfaces

24. Anti-Reflective Film Comprising Hollow Silica Nanospheres and Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Dispersed in Acid Silica Sol

25. Anti-Reflective Film with Base Layer and Nano-Hollow Sphere Layer for Broad Spectrum Wavelength Performance

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