Light trapping is essential to the performance of thin-layer polycryst
alline silicon solar cells. One relatively new method of light trappin
g is the use of textured or pigmented dielectric layers on the rear su
rface which diffuse and reflect light reaching the rear surface. This
article presents a one-dimensional optical model of thin silicon solar
cells with such rear diffuse dielectric reflectors. Experimental fron
t reflectance measurements and ray tracing simulations of thin, planar
silicon layers with rear diffuse dielectric rear reflectors are prese
nted and compared to the model with good agreement. Finally, an expres
sion for the upper limit of the optical enhancement factor is develope
d for this type of light trapping. (C) 1998 American Institute of Phys
ics.