Abstract
NREL scientists have invented the 'black silicon' nanocatalytic wet-chemical etch, an inexpensive, one-step process that literally turns the solar cells black, allowing them to absorb more than 98% of incident sunlight. The process costs just a few cents per watt of solar-cell power-producing capacity. Increases in manufactured cell efficiencies of up to 0.8% are possible because of the reducedreflectance of black silicon. This would reduce silicon solar module costs by $5-$10 per module.
Original language | American English |
---|---|
State | Published - 2013 |
NREL Publication Number
- NREL/FS-6A42-59020
Keywords
- angle of incidence
- antireflection coatings
- antireflective coatings
- black silicon
- diffuse light
- etch
- gold
- nanocatalytic wet-chemical etch
- nanoparticle
- Natcore Technology Inc.
- null
- R&D 100
- Red Bank, New Jersey
- silver
- solar cells