We report on effect of Ce3+ co-doping on the downconversion luminescence in Tb3+-Yb3+ co-doped borate glasses. The luminescence properties of glasses singly doped and co-doped with Ce3+, Tb3+ and Yb3+ have been investigated. After co-doping with Ce3+ in the Tb3+-Yb3+ doped glasses, the near-infrared energy transfer involving the F-2(5)/(2) -> F-2(7/2) emission of Yb3+ (about 960-1040 nm) is achieved, along with eight times stronger luminescence of Tb3+: D-5(4) -> F-7(3-5) transition. The possible mechanism of the downconversion energy transfer phenomenon was discussed. The enhancement of visible and near-infrared luminescence can improve the photovoltaic energy conversion efficiency of solar cells. (C) 2010 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.