Through sheer inspiration, apparently. By imitating the structure of moth eyes, solar manufacturers hope that silicon panels will improve. Moth have very non-reflective eyes, a trait that helps them avoid nocturnal predators. If silicon panels reflected less light, more of it would stay intact towards the production of solar electricity.

Moth eyes have a series of bumps that help keep light from reflecting. With solar panels, spin coating can be used to imitate the effect. University of Florida professors are working on the process, which they call technologically easy and inexpensive. In addition, the process results in less than 2 percent reflection. Compare this to the current, more expensive-to-produce anti-reflection coating, which has a 35 to 40 percent reflection rate.

Links:

• Moth eyes may hold secret to more effective solar panels
• Moth eyes may hold key to more efficient solar cells

Posted on February 27th in Solar News by admin.