Solar photovoltaic cells based on nano-silicon have significantly less reflection than bulk silicon or a traditional PV cell. Specifically, while bulk silicon reflects over 30% of light across the spectrum (at normal incidence) and PV manufacturers are able to reduce this to 5-8% with anti-reflection coatings and surface texturing, nano-silicon can reflect less than 1% of incoming light. This leads to more of the light being absorbed in the solar cell and more electricity for the end-user.
In addition, while the effectivenes of most anti-reflection coatings declines at non-normal incidence, Bandgap’s nano-silicon retains reflection below 4% for angles up to 70 degrees, yielding more KWh per KW installed than traditional silicon-based PV products.
Bandgap Engineering, Inc.
