Improved Efficiency of Solar Cell using Silane based SnO2 Thin Films with Self-Cleaning and Antifogging Properties.

Antireflective (AR) coatings are widely used in the various applications of optical devices, flat panel displays, automotive windshields, and solar cell cover glasses. Usually, coatings with high transmittance and self-cleaning capability enhance solar cell efficiency. In this work, SnO₂ thin film with TEOS, ITES, and MTES by spin coating was deposited on glass substrates and analyzed. The prepared films was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, FESEM, and Water contact angle measurements (WCA). The prepared SnO₂/TEOS/ITES and SnO₂/TEOS/MTES films showed good optical transmittance of 92.46% and 92.56% with WCA of 9° and 92° respectively. The transmittance of the antireflective films was increased by 2% than the bare glass substrate. Also, the antifogging behavior of SnO₂/TEOS/ITES film was examined. Furthermore, the self-cleaning ability of the coatings helps to maintain the efficiency of the solar cell even during dust exposure. Thus, the antireflection coating can be applied to enhance the efficiency of the photovoltaic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]