The result of the procedure is a
solar cell that lasts no longer than a few months, but yet
it can provide insights into basic chemical, biological and
environmental processes. It is therefore a teaching tool,
and not a practical photovoltaic power module. The dye sensitized
solar cell (DSSC) technology was developed in the early 1990s
at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), where
Sol Ideas founder Greg P. Smestad received his Ph.D. Its central
technical challenge stems from the fact that it is difficult
to seal the liquid electrolyte in, and keep atmospheric gases
(like water and O )
out, over the 10-15 year lifetime of the device necessary
for economic viability as a power source. The dye in the TiO
DSSC solar cell also degrades unless special Ru-bpy
dyes are used. For more about the economics of PV, one
can refer to several sources, such as Optoelectronics
of Solar Cells. Researchers, such as those at
the EPFL, and several companies are working on solid state
and ionic liquid electrolytes, as well as sealing methods,
to improve the longevity of this thin film PV technology.
For more on these topics, visit our links
and information page, and go to our publications
page.
The main purpose of the educational procedure described at
this web site is to allow anyone, in any country, to explore
the basic operating principle of the dye sensitized solar
cell. It can inspire a new generation of researchers, while
teaching the basic principles of solar energy, chemistry,
physics, biology and environmental policy.
Some external sources of information:
© 2009, Sol Ideas Technology Development
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