Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels or devices with infrared (IR) reflecting films for enhanced efficiency

A reflective film for reflecting IR for use with photovoltaics and building materials, comprising:

• a substrate with a top surface and a bottom surface;
• a plurality of structures, each with a recessed surface, formed on the top surface of the substrate;
• and
• a reflective mask on the top surface of the substrate comprising a plurality of reflective elements each disposed on the recessed surface of one of the plurality of structures,
• wherein the IR reflecting film reflects at least 50 percent of light received on the top surface having a wavelength greater than about 950 nanometers (nm).

A method of fabricating an IR reflective film for use with photovoltaics and building materials, comprising:

• first forming a plurality of structures, each with a recessed surface, on a surface of a substrate formed of a substantially transparent material;
• and
• second forming a reflective mask on the top surface of the substrate comprising a plurality of reflective elements each disposed on the recessed surface of one of the plurality of structures,
• wherein, after the first and second forming steps, the IR reflecting film reflects at least 50 percent of light received on the surface having a wavelength greater than about 950 nanometers (nm).