Structural coloring of solar photovoltaics with quasi-ordered photonic pigments

Abstract

Solar photovoltaic (PV) modules that are non-black but visually appealing can enhance their integration with roofs, facades, and vehicles. Inspired by the blue feather combing a keratin-air network with black melanin to create structural color, we herein demonstrate the coloring of PV modules by placing quasi-ordered photonic pigments atop solar cells. These pigments, composed exclusively of silica microspheres and polyacrylates, enable selective and diffuse reflection of visible light while negligible absorption of solar radiation. When incorporated into the encapsulation layers of industrial-grade silicon solar cells, they yield PV modules with non-iridescent and vibrant colors reminiscent of natural hues, such as sky blue and grayish-white. The colored PV modules exhibit power conversion efficiencies ranging from 19.4% to 21.2%, representing more than a 50% improvement compared with conventional pigments. When applied to building facades, they can boost the power generation potential of building-integrated PVs by 33%–54% across densely populated regions worldwide.