Optimizations of large area quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract In this paper, we address optimizations of dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) through the combination of important issues like semi-transparency, quasi-solid-state constructions and low-cost realization of serially connected modules. DSSCs with a transparency of 50% in the visible region, moderate efficiency ∼ 1 % , and long lifetime allow solar cells application in building elements like windows, facades and semi-transparent roofs. The use in DSSCs of gel polymer electrolytes prepared by liquid electrolyte incorporation into a polymer matrix such as poly-methyl-methacrylate presents encouraging results. A short circuit current ( I sc ) of 4.45 mA cm - 2 with an open circuit voltage ( V oc ) of 0.5 V were recorded in standard solar cells sensitized by cis-bis(thiocyano) ruthenium(II)-bis- 2 , 2 ′ -bipyridine- 4 , 4 ′ -dicarboxylate. Up-scaling tests demonstrate the easy realization of a 625 cm 2 module connected in series which allows power extraction up to ∼ 100 mW with an I sc of 25.1 mA and a V oc of 10.65 V under AM 1.5, 100 mW cm - 2 standard conditions. Losses are minimized by using a low-current/high-voltage coupling scheme.