Sol-gel based TiO2 paste applied in screen-printed dye-sensitized solar cells and modules

A simple manufacturing process based on screen-printing is crucial for a successful commercialization of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). We developed the sol–gel based TiO2 paste in such a way that solely a single step deposition is sufficient to realize a sponge-like structure of the layer assuring its high activity in DSSCs. For the first time the sol–gel based TiO2 paste was screen printed and tested in DSSC masterplates and PV mini-modules. Electroluminescence imaging of the mini-module proved layer homogeneity and no manufacturing defects. The conversion efficiency of the PV mini-module with the active area of 75 cm2 reaches 5.7% at STC.