Abstract
This UCF invention introduces a structured layer of conductive or composite nanoparticles arranged as a thin film or periodic grid on the front of a photovoltaic cell. By exploiting localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and surface lattice resonance (SLR), the design enhances optical transmission while functioning as a transparent conductive contact. This reduces shading and resistive losses compared to traditional fingers and busbars and improves overall PV efficiency across silicon, thin-film, and perovskite technologies.
Technical Details: The system uses subwavelength nanoparticles and/or 1D materials patterned as a continuous film or periodic lattice, enabling LSPR and SLR to suppress scattering, achieve <5% reflectance, and transmit >80% of incident sunlight while maintaining lateral conductivity for charge extraction. Materials options include Ag, Au, Cu, Al, alloys, polymers, ceramics, and graphene-encapsulated Cu; arrays may be single- or multi-layer and optionally embedded in dielectric or hydrogel matrices. Fabrication can be performed via photolithography, nanoparticle electrospray laser deposition, or spin coating with localized laser annealing; optional SiO2-based cover films and metallic landing pads improve durability and provide low-ohmic interfaces.
Benefit
Reduced shading losses: Minimizes optical blockage and resistive losses compared to metal grid fingers and busbars.Improved carrier extraction: Transparent conductive contact increases light coupling and electron collection.Customizable design: Adaptable materials and geometries for various PV architectures.Enhanced durability: Protective cover layers and landing pads increase environmental stability.Market Application
Silicon heterojunction modules: used in high-efficiency solar panels requiring transparent conductive contacts.Thin-film & perovskite PV devices: products include flexible PV sheets, tandem cells, and lightweight modules.Building-integrated PV systems: semi-transparent PV windows, façade-integrated panels, and skylight PV.Optoelectronic components: photodetectors, modulators, and plasmon-enhanced optical sensors leveraging high-transmission films.
Brochure
