High efficiency solar cells are development goal of Solar cell industry. Plasmonic solar cell technology is one of technologies of high efficiency solar cells which have been researched actively in recent years. The research progress of plasmonic solar cell

from principle

materials to technology

was discussed comprehensively. Surface plasmon resonance effect of noble metal nanoparticles was used to enhance optical absorption in plasmonic solar cells. The technology can be used both in traditional silicon solar cells and thin film solar cells

especially in light trapping structure design of thin film solar cells. Moreover

the technology can easy combine with traditional manufacturing process and has the potential to achieve commercialization.