Fabricating omnidirectional low-reflection films by nano-imprinting method for boosting solar power generation of silicon-based solar cells

Low-reflection polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films are fabricated with nano-imprinting method. The films are then used to cover polycrystalline silicon solar cells. The morphological and optical properties of films are investigated. The films have periodic cylinder-like nanostructures and relatively low reflectivity in light incident angle ranging from 30 degrees to 60 degrees. The nanostructures are with a period of 600 nm and height of 90 nm. Besides, the polycrystalline Si solar cells covered with the films exhibit 12% more power generation than the cells covered with glass. Nano-imprinting method offers a cost-effective approach to fabricate omnidirectional anti-reflection films, which could boost the power generation of Si solar cells. Additionally, the films also have potential applications in different types of solar cells due to its facile fabricating process.