22.7% efficient silicon photovoltaic modules with textured front surface

This paper reports the highest ever independently confirmed efficiency for a photovoltaic module as demonstrated by two 778-cm/sup 2/ silicon solar cell modules of 22.7% efficiency. A key feature of these modules was the use of a pyramidally textured top module surface to reduce reflection from this surface as well as from the underlying cell surface, by trapping light within the top cover sheet. Higher current density and higher energy conversion efficiency for such a textured module are theoretically predicted and experimentally measured compared to a standard module with a planar front surface. This advantage becomes more significant for obliquely incident light.