Conductive white back reflector and scatter based on ZnO nanostructure arrays for harvesting solar energy

► Conductive white back reflectors (CWBR) based on ZnO nanorods were fabricated. ► Low temperature processes of back reflectors are suitable for the solar cells on plastic substrate. ► A ZnO seed layer and a chemical wet-etching process are used to control ZnO nanorod space. ► a-Si:H solar cells on the CWBR show improved light trapping and high efficiency.