Synergistically designed antireflective cover for improving wide-angle photovoltaic efficiencies

Abstract

We demonstrated that a well-designed nanopatterned cover improves photovoltaic efficiency across a wide range of incident angles (θ). A nanopatterned cover was created using an integrated ray-wave optics simulation to maximize the light absorption of the surface-textured Si photovoltaic device. A hexagonally arranged nanocone array with a 300 nm pitch was formed into a polymer using nanoimprinting, and the nanostructured polymer was then attached to a glass cover with an index-matching adhesive. Angle-resolved current density-voltage measurements on Si photovoltaic devices showed that the nanopatterned glass cover yielded a 2–13% enhancement in power conversion efficiency at θ = 0–60°, which accounted for its broadband antireflective feature. We performed all-season-perspective simulations based on the results of the integrated ray-wave optics simulations and solar altitude database of South Korea, which validated the sustainability of the developed nanopatterned cover during significant seasonal fluctuations.

Directional Radiative Cooling via Exceptional Epsilon-Based Microcavities

“…This alleviates the greenhouse effect, suggesting a strategy for radiative cooling in a closed system. , Directional radiative coolers typically emit thermal energy in a vertical orientation, capitalizing on the angle-dependent transmittance of the atmospheric window. Consequently, the developed side-emission thermal emitters hold the promise of facilitating radiative cooling for the sidewalls of buildings and building integrated photovoltaics . Finally, ENZ-material-covered optical resonators produce a strong light–matter interaction, which can be leveraged to achieve perfect light absorption and enhance nonlinear effects …”

“…Consequently, the developed side-emission thermal emitters hold the promise of facilitating radiative cooling for the sidewalls of buildings and building integrated photovoltaics. 40 Finally, ENZ-material-covered optical resonators produce a strong light−matter interaction, which can be leveraged to achieve perfect light absorption 41 and enhance nonlinear effects. 42…”