Solar Module Using Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Solar module in this work comprises dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC) in series connection. The DSSC is made from transparent fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass on which two layers of titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) have been deposited and then soaked in ruthenium dye to form the photoanode. A phthaloylchitosan based gel polymer electrolyte containing iodide/triiodide redox mediator was sandwiched between the photoanode and platinum counter electrode. The two layers of TiO 2 have different particle sizes. The first layer (~ 15 nm particle size) acts as blocking layer whereas the second layer (particle size ~21 nm) is mesoporous. The current-voltage characteristics and impedance measurements have been performed on the solar panel. Results show that the solar module comprising five DSSCs connected in series is capable to produce current around 0.7 mA•cm −2 , voltage of ~3.3 V and power density of ~1.1 mW•cm −2 under solar simulator with light intensity of 18 mW•cm −2 . The feasibility of the solar panel has been tested in practical applications e.g. operating small decorative items that require small power to function.