White Papers

Understanding the Influence of Belt Furnaces and Sintering Parameters on Efficiency of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC)

Abstract:

Dye-sensitized solar cells are the most cost-effective, third-generation solar technology available today. DSSC technology, invented in 1991 by Michael Gratzel and Brian O'Regan, has recently attracted more interest because of its low material cost, ease of production, and high conversion efficiency compared to other thin-film solar cell technologies. Nonetheless, due to technical constraints, the maximum efficiency is only half the efficiency of crystalline silicon-based solar cells. In an effort to replace the solar technologies we currently use, improving the efficiency of DSSC technology is critical for widespread adoption. The process parameters have a significant impact on determining the efficiency of the solar cell, as well as, the materials being applied. This paper will attempt to summarize the influence of material selection, the sintering process, and belt furnace parameters on the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells.