Theoretical suggestion indicated the substantial improvement of solar cells by using periodic structures. Yet, the promise has not been practically realized due to the lack of electrical analyses of periodical light absorbing structure. Here, we report the record high-efficiency of 16.9% for periodically patterned silicon (Si) solar cells. Periodic Si micro-pillars were fabricated for large-scale solar cells. The Si pillars with a height of about 5 pm provided significantly enlarged light-active surface, which improved the photo generated carrier collection efficiency. From optical aspects, the pillar structures reduced light reflection and hence effectively drove more photons into the absorber layer. Additionally, the enhanced pillar structured Si surface definitely contributed to reduce an electrical resistance of a solar cell. We demonstrated that the surficial enhanced Si design could be a promising approach for high-efficient solar cell applications. We may suggest a route for the optimum electrical designs of periodic structured solar cells. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.