Strategy for improving efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract

Within the next generation of photovoltaic devices, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) are one of the foci of today’sresearch interest. In this paper, we discuss DSCs from the viewpoint of physics. The equivalent-circuit model of DSCs is proposed by an analysis of internal resistance. The methods of improving short-circuit current density, open circuit voltage, and fill factor are demonstrated on the basis of the equivalent-circuit model of DSCs. The fair and accurate evaluation method of cell performance for DSCs is also explained. As a result, a maximum efficiency of 10.4% (aperture illumination area 1.004 cm², confirmed by a public test center) was achieved. The current state and future prospects of DSCs are also surveyed.