Design of multi-layer anti-reflection coating for terrestrial solar panel glass

Abstract

To date, there is no ideal anti-reflection (AR) coating available on solar glass which can effectively transmit the incident light within the visible wavelength range. However, there is a need to develop multifunctional coating with superior anti-reflection properties and self-cleaning ability meant to be used for solar glass panels. In spite of self-cleaning ability of materials like TiO2 and ZnO, these coatings on glass substrate have tendency to reduce light transmission due to their high refractive indices than glass. Thus, to infuse the anti-reflective property, a low refractive index, SiO2 layer needs to be used in conjunction with TiO2 and ZnO layers. In such case, the optimization of individual layer thickness is crucial to achieve maximum transmittance of the visible light. In the present study, we propose an omni-directional anti-reflection coating design for the visible spectral wavelength range of 400–700 nm, where the maximum intensity of light is converted into electrical energy. Herein, we employ the quarter wavelength criteria using SiO2, TiO2 and ZnO to design the coating composed of single, double and triple layers. The thickness of individual layers was optimized for maximum light transmittance using essential Mcleod simulation software to produce destructive interference between reflected waves and constructive interference between transmitted waves.