Abstract: A method of producing a photovoltaic cell having a cover, comprising the steps of: providing a photovoltaic cell which comprises a crystalline silicon substrate; providing a transparent substrate; forming an antireflective coating on said transparent substrate to provide a coated transparent substrate; and covering the photovoltaic cell with said coated transparent substrate. The antireflective coating is a hybrid organic-inorganic material having an inorganic portion comprising silicon, oxygen and carbon, and further comprising an organic portion with organic groups connected to the inorganic portion. Methods of producing solar panels, coated glass substrates as well as antireflection coatings are disclosed as well as novel compositions of hybrid organic-inorganic materials.

Abstract: A layered structure comprising a substrate layer; and a layer of a siloxane polymer on the substrate layer, the layered structure being capable of being bent about a mandrel having a radius of curvature without breaking. The layer of the siloxane polymer has a thickness of 1 to 50 ?m, in particular about 5 to 20 ?m, and it is obtained by depositing on the substrate a composition comprising at least three different silane monomers, including at least one bi-silane; at least one of the silane monomers having an active group capable of achieving cross-linking to adjacent siloxane polymer; at least partially hydrolyzing the silane monomers to form siloxane polymer chains; and cross-linking the siloxane polymer chains so as to achieve a cross-linked siloxane polymer layer on the substrate.

Abstract: A computer or personal communication device or a similar device, comprising a CPU; and a display; wherein the display comprises; an array of optical elements; a touch sensor; and a glass cover having a coating that is oleophobic. The coating of the glass is a polymer having silicon, oxygen and carbon in the backbone. Optionally it may comprise fluorine. The coating has a water contact angle of 65 or more, an oil contact angle of 20 degrees or more, and a pencil hardness of 7H or more. Thus, the coating combines properties of hydro-and oleophobicity and hardness.

Abstract: A method of passivating a silicon substrate for use in a photovoltaic device, comprising providing a silicon substrate having a bulk and exhibiting a front surface and a rear surface, and forming by liquid phase application a dielectric layer on at least said rear surface. The dielectric layer formed at the rear surface is capable of acting as a reflector to enhance reflection of light into the bulk of the silicon substrate, and the dielectric layer is capable of releasing hydrogen into the bulk as well as onto a surface of the silicon substrate in order to provide hydrogenation and passivation. The present invention provides an inexpensive, low cost method of improving the electrical and/or optical performance of photovoltaic devices through the application of coating chemicals onto the backside of the silicon substrate.

Abstract: A method of producing a photovoltaic cell having a cover, comprising the steps of: providing a photovoltaic cell which comprises a crystalline silicon substrate; providing a transparent substrate; forming an antireflective coating on said transparent substrate to provide a coated transparent substrate; and covering the photovoltaic cell with said coated transparent substrate. The antireflective coating is a hybrid organic-inorganic material having an inorganic portion comprising silicon, oxygen and carbon, and further comprising an organic portion with organic groups connected to the inorganic portion. Methods of producing solar panels, coated glass substrates as well as antireflection coatings are disclosed as well as novel compositions of hybrid organic-inorganic materials.

Abstract: A computer or personal communication device or a similar device, comprising a CPU; and a display;wherein the display comprises;an array of optical elements;a touch sensor; and a glass cover having a coating that is oleophobic. The coating of the glass is a polymer having silicon, oxygen and carbon in the backbone. Optionally it may comprise fluorine. The coating has a water contact angle of 65 or more, an oil contact angle of 20 degrees or more, and a pencil hardness of 7H or more. Thus, the coating combines properties of hydro-and oleophobicity and hardness.

Abstract: A method of producing a photovoltaic device which comprises a solar cell substrate forming the bulk of the device with at least one layer deposited thereon defining a surface of the device, said method comprising the step of introducing a functional layer on the substrate, said layer being capable of releasing hydrogen, and activating said layer to achieve hydrogenation of the photovoltaic device. The method makes it possible, in the case of thick film solar cell production, to have the whole manufacturing sequence performed using chemicals applied under atmospheric conditions.

Abstract: A method of passivating a silicon substrate for use in a photovoltaic device, comprising providing a silicon substrate having a bulk and exhibiting a front surface and a rear surface, and forming by liquid phase application a dielectric layer on at least said rear surface. The dielectric layer formed at the rear surface is capable of acting as a reflector to enhance reflection of light into the bulk of the silicon substrate, and the dielectric layer is capable of releasing hydrogen into the bulk as well as onto a surface of the silicon substrate in order to provide hydrogenation and passivation. The present invention provides an inexpensive, low cost method of improving the electrical and/or optical performance of photovoltaic devices through the application of coating chemicals onto the backside of the silicon substrate.

Abstract: A method of modifying a silicon substrate which is intended for use in a photovoltaic device, comprising the steps of providing an n-type silicon substrate having a bulk and exhibiting a front surface and a rear surface; and forming by liquid phase application dielectric layers on said front and rear surfaces. The dielectric layer formed at the rear surface is capable of acting as a reflector to enhance reflection of light into the bulk of the silicon substrate, and the dielectric layer formed at the front comprises oxygen, hydrogen and at least one metal or semimetal and is capable of releasing hydrogen into the bulk as well as onto the surfaces of the silicon substrate in order to provide hydrogenation and passivation. The present invention provides a low cost method of improving the electrical or optical performance, or both, of photovoltaic devices: an increase in the efficiency of the current extraction and reduction of recombination occur within the device.

Abstract: A method of passivating a silicon substrate, comprising providing a silicon substrate having a surface, forming a stack of passivating and anti-reflection coating layers on said surface by liquid phase deposition, wherein the passivating and anti-reflection coating layers comprise hydrogenated silicon oxide layers, and providing at least titanium oxide or tantalum oxide capping layer on the stack opposite to the silicon substrate surface. The procedure offers an alternative to the existing ALD or PECVD methods using SiH4 and other gases, enabling the PV manufacturers to apply chemicals rather than work with hazardous gases to produce a series of layers that provide passivation as well as light absorption.