New Coat For Solar Cells
Posted by Srikant Rajan | # |
04:09:16 pm on July 29, 2008

Solar cells typically consist of an anti reflection coating to enhance light absorption by panel and minimize reflection losses.As with many components within a solar cell module ,these coatings add significantly to the cost.Now Australian researchers are trying to commercialize a low cost alternative which can enhance efficiencies of solar cells by 8%. Dubbed XeroCoat, this coating is effectively a thin glass layer riddled with tiny holes.Such a structure , gives the coating a large surface area and a very low refractive index that aid its anti reflection capabilities. Additionally the manufacturing process for XeroCoat is carried out at room temperature and pressure,mitigating use of expensive vacuum chamber equipment.

XeroCoat ,  can also be used as coating on glass and plastic surfaces as it has good anti fog properties .Researchers add  "The anti-fogging effect is achieved by water being drawn into the pores as it condenses on the coated surface,". Water is prevented from forming droplets and so the condensed water does not scatter light and the user does not see fogging of the surface “ . Seems XeroCoat is poised for success either way.

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