A metallo-dielectric waveguide array used as an encapsulation material for silicon solar cells. The array is produced through light-induced self-writing combined with in situ photochemical synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Each waveguide comprises a cylindrical core consisting of a high refractive index polymer and silver nanoparticles homogeneously dispersed in its medium, all of which are surrounded by a low refractive index common cladding. These waveguide array films are processed directly over a silicon solar cell.