Disclosed are optically transparent super-hydrophobic materials, and methods for making and using the same, that can include an optically transparent polymeric layer having a first surface and an opposing second surface. At least a portion of the first surface has been plasma-treated with oxygen and a fluorine containing compound. The treated surface includes nano- or micro-structures that are etched into the first surface and that are chemically modified with the fluorine containing compound. The nano- or micro-structures have a height to width aspect ratio of greater than 1, and a water contact angle of at least 150°. The optically transparent polymeric layer retains its optical transparency after said plasma-treatment. Due to their optical transparency, chemical and thermal robustness, weatherability, and self-cleaning performance, the super-hydrophobic materials disclosed are useful in high performing solar cell units in harsh semi-arid environments.