What is Dye Solar Cell (DSC)
Dye Solar Cells (DSC) are a 3rd generation technology of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells for solar power generation and deemed a “game changing” technology in today’s solar energy production market. Invented in 1988 by Professor Michael Graetzel of Lausanne Polytechnique, Switzerland, the “Graetzel” dye cell is based on a layer of nano-sized titanium dioxide particles impregnated with dye. Following years of extensive research around the globe, DSC technology is now ready for commercialization into solar panels.
Dye cells require low-cost materials including glass, titania powder and carbon powder, while other cell materials such as dye and electrolyte will decrease in price as DSC enters mass production. Simply put, DSC is derived from nature itself, replicating the natural process of photosynthesis using a sandwich of electrolyte, titanium oxide and dye to create electric current. DSC production is based on screen printing equipment rather than vacuum systems and does not require silicon, as cells work significantly better than thin-film or silicon in variable lighting conditions, greatly improving energy production.
3GSolar developed the world’s most efficient large DSC, and is now working with Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) technology, a radical innovation, to leverage the power of its DSC production and double the dye cell efficiency at an ultra-low cost. This cost advantage combined with simple, low-cost manufacturing and the ability to work in challenging light conditions, will make 3GSolar DSC the product of choice for many applications in developed and developing countries.
