This paper reports impressive enhancements in the efficiency of crystalline silicon solar cells through the application of a Eu-doped silicate phosphor luminescent downshifting (LDS) layer controlled by spin-on film technique. Surface morphology was examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM), chemical composition was analyzed using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and fluorescence emission was characterized using photoluminescence (PL) measurements at room temperature. The optical reflectance, absorbance, and external quantum efficiency (EQE) response of SiO2-coated cells with and without Eu-doped silicate phosphor were measured and compared. An 18.77% improvement in efficiency was achieved, as determined by photovoltaic current-voltage measurement under one-sun AM 1.5 G illuminations. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.