TechnicalUp to date · Jan 15, 2026
Anti-Reflective Coating
A thin layer applied to solar cell surfaces (typically silicon nitride) that reduces light reflection from 30-35% to under 3%, allowing more photons to enter the cell.
Why It Matters
Without anti-reflective coating, a third of sunlight would bounce off the panel surface. This coating is why solar panels appear dark blue or black.
Related Terms
Module Efficiency
The percentage of sunlight that a solar panel converts into electricity. Modern panels range from 15-22% efficient.
Monocrystalline Silicon
Solar cells made from a single continuous crystal of silicon. They offer the highest efficiency (20-24%) among mainstream technologies and are identified by their uniform dark appearance.