Dye solar cells
Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering
An innovative approach
Dye solar cells are electrochemical thin-film cells. They are based on nanocrystalline electrodes of titanium dioxide, in which a layer of organic dye is embedded. This helps to achieve a higher light yield and an improved electron transfer from the light absorbing molecules to the electrode.
In the laboratory under direct sunlight, a solar efficiency of up to 11% has been reached, in prototypes 4-5%. These figures are below those of the commercial available Si-cells, but it is assumed that the efficiency of dye-solar cells will further increase on the mid- to long-term perspective. Dye solar cells offer completely new fields of applications mainly due to two reasons: The production allows low price components and much simpler manufacturing processes by using large area screen printing. Additionally this technology enables more options for design and colour.
A first lifecycle analysis of dye solar cells shows, that the energy payback time is half as much as that of conventional Si-cells (see also the section on environmental impact – only in German). In a large scale implementation of dye solar cells in facades large energy savings will be possible. The expected low production costs could additionally push the diffusion of photovoltaic applications and therefore strengthen the use of renewable energy sources. Furthermore, beneficial social effects can be expected, due to inexpensive purchase prices, which is important for users e.g. in developing countries.
Picture: Prototype of a dye solar cell (source: Fraunhofer ISE)
Set Bookmark