IP Library › Granted Patent US 8,445,309
Granted Patent B2
US 8,445,309 · App. 13/214,831 · Granted May 21, 2013

Anti-reflective photovoltaic module

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,445,309
App. No.
13/214,831
Granted
May 21, 2013
Kind
B2
Abstract

A method of forming an anti-reflective surface for photovoltaic modules. A photovoltaic module including a surface configured to be illuminated is provided. The surface is contacted with an etchant, thereby modifying a portion of the surface to alter the index of refraction.

Claims (14)

1. An anti-reflective forming method for photovoltaic module manufacturing comprising:

providing a photovoltaic module including a surface comprising silica, the surface configured to be illuminated and having a first index of refraction; and

contacting the surface with an etchant, thereby modifying a contacted portion of the surface to have a second index of refraction, the second index of refraction being different from the first index of refraction.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the surface comprises glass.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second index of refraction of the portion is lower than the first index of refraction.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein modifying a portion of the surface comprises forming a porous anti-reflective surface on a superstrate glass of the photovoltaic module.

5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising transporting the photovoltaic module on a conveyor.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the etchant comprises hydrogen fluoride.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the etchant comprises fluorosilicic acid.

8. The method of claim 1 further comprising cleaning the photovoltaic module after the step of contacting the surface to the etchant.

9. The method of claim 1 further comprising heating the etchant.

10. The method of claim 1 further comprising adjusting the position of the surface to control the depth of the second index of refraction into the surface.

11. The method of claim 1 further comprising electrochemically etching the surface.

12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the surface is coated with a transparent conductive oxide material.

Assignments (7)
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Feb 13, 2026
From: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
To: FIRST SOLAR, INC.
Reel/Frame 074858/0364 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jul 10, 2023
From: FIRST SOLAR, INC.
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 064237/0462 →
TERMINATION AND RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENT RIGHTS Recorded Nov 15, 2021
From: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
To: FIRST SOLAR, INC.
Reel/Frame 058132/0566 →
TERMINATION AND RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENT RIGHTS Recorded Nov 15, 2021
From: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
To: FIRST SOLAR, INC.
Reel/Frame 058132/0261 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Jul 12, 2017
From: FIRST SOLAR, INC.
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 043177/0581 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE PATENT APPLICATION 13/895113 ERRONEOUSLY ASSIGNED BY FIRST SOLAR, INC. TO JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. ON JULY 19, 2013 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 030832 FRAME 0088. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE CORRECT PATENT APPLICATION TO BE ASSIGNED IS 13/633664. Recorded Sep 19, 2014
From: FIRST SOLAR, INC.
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
Reel/Frame 033779/0081 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Jul 19, 2013
From: FIRST SOLAR, INC.
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
Reel/Frame 030832/0088 →