The achievement of optimal performance is a crucial aspect of renewable energy resources. The study attempts to boost the power conversion efficiency of polycrystalline silicon (Si) photovoltaic cells by the application of anti-reflective coating (ARC). The solgel method is employed to synthesize yttrium oxide (Y2O3). The electro spraying method was utilized to apply the ARC on photovoltaic cells. The effect of coating on PV cells were determined through the structural, electrical, optical and thermal analysis. The antireflective material was uniformly applied over the coated substrate for 45 min (Y-I), 90 min (Y-II), 135 min (Y-III), and 180 min (Y-IV). The sample coated for 135 min showed an optimal power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.65 % and 20.09 % in the presence of neodymium light and direct sunlight, respectively, and a minimum electrical resistivity of 3.96 × 10−3 Ω-cm. In addition, Y-III coated cells exhibit a maximum absorbance of 94 %. The Y-III coated photovoltaic cells demonstrated the lowest temperature of 34.6 °C when exposed to an open environment and 40.6 °C when exposed to a controlled environment. The results from numerous studies demonstrated that Y2O3 can be a suitable ARC, which effectively improved the efficiency of photovoltaic cells.