Synthesis conditions, light intensity and temperature effect on the performance of ZnO nanorods-based dye sensitized solar cells

► We have analyzed dye sensitized solar cells made of vertically-aligned ZnO NRs. ► We analyzed the effect of synthesis conditions, light intensity, temperature and the effect of UV light irradiation. ► Increasing light intensity as well as temperature affect the series and shunt resistance of the devices reducing the final solar cell efficiency. ► Jsc is affected by light intensity whereas Voc is more directly related to temperature. ► Comparison with published data indicates that the synthesis technique applied could be behind the poor photovoltaic properties found for these ZnO-based DSC.