Transparent multifunctional thin films on low–iron float glass for solar energy applications

In the current project we will develop multifunctional thin films on low iron glass that exhibit anti-reflective, self-cleaning, and UV-protective ability for exploitation in the photovoltaics (PV) industry.

These high-performance coatings will give an enhanced and sustained efficiency of cover glasses with reduced service demand. The lifetime-integrated performance of PV devices using the developed thin films is expected to be boosted by 30 %.

To achieve this, we will do optical modelling for choosing optimal materials and structures for the coatings that will be fabricated. The coatings will be applied on low-iron glass.

The functional properties of the coated glass, such as optical, mechanical, and chemical properties, will be characterized by state-of-the-art methods.

Coated glasses will then be used for manufacturing lab-scale prototypes for quantifying the effect on the solar cell efficiency.