NOVELTY - Transparent backsheet (S1) (200) comprises: (a) a polymeric film substrate (210) for use as a backsheet for a photovoltaic module; and (b) a coating on at least one side of the polymeric film substrate. The coating layer comprises transparent polymeric resin and a crosslinking agent. The transparent polymeric resin has an acid value of 1-25. The coating layer is a patterned layer. The polymeric film substrate and any applied coatings are transparent to visible light. The backsheet having a patterned coating layer has a haze of greater than 30% and a clarity of less than 85%.    USE - The transparent backsheet is useful for a photovoltaic module (claimed).    ADVANTAGE - The transparent backsheet: utilizes the coating that provides excellent adhesion, without the problems of delamination seen in prior art laminated backsheets; exhibits improved hardness and durability; has patterned surface; and is of lower cost than TEDLAR (RTM: Polyvinyl fluoride film) or KYNAR (RTM: Resin-based architectural coatings) laminated backsheets.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are also included for:    (1) a transparent backsheet (S2) for a photovoltaic module comprising the component (a) as above per se, and a first coating (212) on a first side of the polymeric film substrate, where the first coating layer comprises transparent polymeric resin and a crosslinking agent, the transparent polymeric resin has at least one functional acid group, the coating layer is patterned so that light transmitted through the coating is diffused, and the backsheet including the substrate and any applied coating is transparent; and    (2) a coated film for use as a transparent backsheet for a photovoltaic module, comprising an unlaminated transparent substrate film, a coating applied to at least one side of the substrate film, where the coating comprises a transparent polymeric resin having at least one functional acid group and further comprising acrylic resin, polyurethane, and/or fluoropolymer resin, a pattern is applied to the coating, and the pattern causes light passing through the transparent substrate to be at least 90% diffused.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a schematic illustration of a cross-sectional view of photovoltaic module including the backsheet.    Encapsulant layer (106)    Transparent backsheet (200)    Polymeric film substrate (210)    First coating (212)    Second coating (214)