Multifunctional and durable engineered glass for PV applications

High throughput laser processing was used to identify novel glass topologies that enable anti reflective and self-cleaning behavior. Over 10,000 unique topologies were manufactured and tested for their optical and wetting performance, with over 1,000 demonstrating improved performance in both metrics vs. bare glass. Initial screening determined the wettability and transmission of each topology and each was manufactured and characterized in a matter of seconds. Promising topologies were further tested, and demonstrated high optical transmission after artificial soiling, as well as abrasion resistance. Direct laser processing of the glass eliminates chemical processing for enhanced surface performance, and the wide variety of topologies may be re-created using other manufacturing techniques. The topologies created here may increase clean photovoltaic performance by 3%, and anti-soiling can eliminate up to 40% of additional losses.