Kazi Kutubuddin Sayyad Liyakat,
- Professor and Head, Department of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, Brahmdevdada Mane Institute of Technology, Solapur, Maharashtra, India
Abstract
In the global race toward renewable energy dominance, the focus often fixes upon the exotic materials within the photovoltaic cell: silicon type, junction structure, or emergent perovskites. Yet, the most immediate and profound efficiency gains are often secured by a layer so thin it is invisible, a film of optimized material applied directly to the glass interface: the Anti-Reflective (AR) coating. These coatings are not merely an expensive aesthetic choice; they are fundamental photonic engineering tools, tasked with capturing light that would otherwise be rejected, acting as the silent, indispensable gatekeepers of solar efficiency. The quest for improved solar panel efficiency has led to significant research into anti-reflective (AR) layers, which minimize light reflection and maximize photon absorption. This study explores the effectiveness of various AR coatings, including silicon dioxide (SiO₂), titanium dioxide (TiO₂), and multilayer thin films, applied to photovoltaic (PV) cells. Through numerical simulations and experimental testing, one can evaluate their optical properties, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Results indicate that nanostructured AR layers, particularly those inspired by biomimicry (e.g., moth-eye structures), significantly outperform conventional single-layer coatings, achieving up to a 96% reduction in reflection losses in the 300–1100 nm wavelength range. Furthermore, our study suggests that optimizing refractive index gradients in multilayer AR films can enhance light-trapping capabilities without compromising scalability for industrial production. This research underscores the critical role of AR coatings in advancing solar energy harvesting and provides a roadmap for future innovations in PV technology.
Keywords: Solar panel, PV technology, anti-reflective (AR) coating, coating, multi-layer AR coatings
[This article belongs to Journal of Thin Films, Coating Science Technology & Application ]
Kazi Kutubuddin Sayyad Liyakat. AR Coatings in Solar Efficiency: A Study. Journal of Thin Films, Coating Science Technology & Application. 2025; 12(03):26-35.
Kazi Kutubuddin Sayyad Liyakat. AR Coatings in Solar Efficiency: A Study. Journal of Thin Films, Coating Science Technology & Application. 2025; 12(03):26-35. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jotcsta/article=2025/view=235156
References
- Liyakat KS, Liyakat KK. PV power control for DC microgrid energy storage utilisation. J Digit Integr Circuits Electr Devices. 2023;8(3):1-8.
- Shaikh NN, Chavan MD, Shirshikar VG, Kutubuddin K. PV penetrations in conventional power system and generation of harmonic and power quality issues: A review. Int J Power Electron Control Converters. 2023;9(2):12-19.
- Liyakat KK, Kutubuddin K. IoT based boiler health monitoring for sugar industries. In: 15th International Conference on Advances in Computing, Control and Telecommunication Technologies (ACT); 2024 Jun 15. Vol. 2.
- Sayyad Liyakat KK. IoT based boiler health monitoring for sugar industries. Grenze Int J Eng Technol. 2024;10(2):5178-5185.
- Kazi SS, Liyakat KK. Polymer applications in energy generation and storage: A forward path. J Nanosci Nanoeng Appl. 2024;14(2):31-39.
- Liyakat KK. Review of biopolymers in agriculture application: An eco-friendly alternative. Int J Compos Constit Mater. 2024;10(1):50-62.
- Liyakat SS. Quantum key distribution in optical fiber communication: A study. Trends Opto-Electro Opt Commun. 2025;15(1):30-40.
- Mulla NR, Liyakat KS. Pipeline pressure and flow rate monitoring using IoT sensors and ML algorithms to detect leakages. Int J Artif Intell Mech Eng. 2025;1(1):20-30.
- Mulla NR, Liyakat KK. Nuclear energy: Powering the future or a risky relic? Int J Sustain Energy Thermoelectr Gener. 2025;1(1):52-63.
- Mulla NR, Liyakat KK. Sensor-based aircraft wings design using airflow analysis. Int J Image Proc Smart Sens. 2025 Jun;1(1):55–65.
Journal of Thin Films, Coating Science Technology & Application
| Volume | 12 |
| Issue | 03 |
| Received | 03/10/2025 |
| Accepted | 06/11/2025 |
| Published | 15/11/2025 |
| Publication Time | 43 Days |
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