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

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%∼1%, and long lifetime allow solar cells application in building elements like windows, façades 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 (Isc)(Isc) of 4.45mAcm-2 with an open circuit voltage (Voc)(Voc) of 0.5 V were recorded in standard solar cells sensitized by cis-bis(thiocyano) ruthenium(II)-bis-2,2′2,2′-bipyridine-4,4′4,4′-dicarboxylate. Up-scaling tests demonstrate the easy realization of a 625cm2 module connected in series which allows power extraction up to ∼100mW with an IscIsc of 25.1 mA and a VocVoc of 10.65 V under AM 1.5, 100mWcm-2 standard conditions. Losses are minimized by using a low-current/high-voltage coupling scheme.