A simplified method to modulate colors on industrial multicrystalline silicon solar cells with reduced current losses

This paper investigates the impact of SiOxNy/SiNx:H double layer antireflection (DLAR) coatings on color modulation and cell efficiencies of multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) solar cells. We presented a three dimensional ellipsoid surface model to simulate the concave-like morphology formed by acidic texturization. Afterwards, reflectivities of these acidic textures coated by DLAR coatings over 300-1100 nm are calculated by Monte Carlo ray tracing method. Simulated results show that DLAR coatings can flexibly modulate the color with reduced current losses compared to single SiNx:H layer. SiOxNy was deposited by electron beam evaporation onto fabricated industrial solar cells to vary their colors. The busbars were sheltered by a mask to prevent the deposition of SiOxNy on them. This simplified method avoids adjustment of the standard fabricating process. High agreement between simulated and measured reflectance is achieved. The IV test results of colored solar cells are in good accord with the calculated results, which indicates the effectiveness of DLAR coatings in reducing the current losses.