Recent progress in outermost surface engineering for solar panels

Recently, there has been significant interest and research in anti-reflective, anti-smudge, and light conversion coatings for the glass covers of solar cells. These coatings offer several advantages, such as improving the efficiency of solar cells in harnessing sunlight and converting it into power, protecting against ultraviolet (UV) damage and dust buildup, and prolonging the lifespan of solar cells. This paper briefly outlines the basic concepts and current developments in anti-reflection, anti-smudge, and spectrum regulation technologies. It then provides a comprehensive overview of recent research progress in these coatings, including multifunctional options. Finally, the paper discusses the challenges and emerging trends related to the practical application of multifunctional coatings on the surfaces of solar cells to enhance understanding in this area and facilitate its future development.