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Solar cells need light reflective coating for glass that also absorbs heat

October 8, 2010

I am Sr. V-P of Technology for a mid-size manufacturing company. We are developing applications for LED infrared light in wavelengths of 532 - 1100 nm.
We are considering new applications for special coatings that could be used in solar panel manufacturing. We are looking for a thin coating that would absorb in the thermal infrared wavelengths, but be highly reflective in the visible light wavelengths to increase solar panel efficiency.

I would appreciate any technical references to existing products.

Dennis Morrison
Sr. VP Technology - Houston, Texas

October 13, 2010

Wouldn't 532nm be in the visible spectrum? IR starts at about 750nm. 532 should be a shade of green.

ZnO, TiO2, and In2O3 are all commonly used materials for absorbing IR and reflecting visible light. SnO2 might also work. Ag works, but ceramics are so much cheaper.

Robert H Kinner
- Toledo, Ohio

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