The ColorSol® Project

Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering

Project content

In the project ColorSol®, it was shown that the up-scaling of the production of glass frit based dye solar modules is possible. Industrially applicable production processes and methods of quality control were developend and optimised. A filling machine for dye solar modules was developed and built as an industrial machine. Small series of dye solar cell modules were printed successfully and prototypes were made. A demonstrator panel was designed, planned and built showing the unique features of the technology with respect to colour and semi-transparency.

While developing application scenarios and demonstrators, requirements of future applicants and users were analysed and considered in depth, in order to be able to develop market oriented products for building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). Requirements for three possible uses of dye solar cells within BIPV were analysed (roof window, façade element, PV glazing) and in parallel, requirements with respect to costs, building regulations and design were derived. Concrete use scenarios and market scenarios were developed, the cost of future serial production was estimated and possible environmental impact of the technology was determined.

For the realisation of the serial production of dye solar cells, additional steps have to be taken, such as building up a pilot production with an optimised machine concept and the development of systems and components for specific quality control. With further demonstration objects, the possibilities for application of the dye solar cell technology could be analysed in more depth together with architects and façade experts, and moreover, the acceptance of the technology in the market could be increased.