ABSTRACT

Among all the third generation photovoltaics (PV), dye sensitized solar cell (DSC) technology has been developed up to the commercialization level. The large interest on this hybrid PV technology is mainly related to color and transparency tuning, the possibility to use both rigid and flexible substrates, low embedded energy, superior indoor performance and diffused light operability. Moreover, easy and simple large area manufacture processes, low production CAPEX and moderate environmental costs pushed both scientific and industrial interest on this PV technology. DSC modules can be fabricated by adopting techniques and methods already developed in other industrial sectors, while only a limited partof the entire fabrication process (e.g. electrolyte injection and sealing) has been specifically developed for this PV technology.
In this chapter, we will discuss the design, fabrication and industrial manufacture of DSC modules including a discussion on stability and demonstrative installations. Unlike small area cells, module fabrication presents additional issues related to encapsulation, interconnections, layers uniformity, reverse bias stresses, panel lamination, which need to be handled and optimized to scale the device without penalizing efficiency and stability. In order to perform processes on large area, the transition from laboratory to production line can be achieved by the use of a high degree of automation. This would satisfy the repeatability and sturdiness of the realized devices, a fundamental characteristic for a mass production. Concerning stability, DSC modules need to present a lifetime ranging from 5 years (low-cost electronic applications) to 20 years (power-plant application or building integrated PV applications) to ensure a reliable use of this technology.

Jessica Barichello, Luigi Vesce, Fabio Matteocci, Enrico Lamanna, Aldo Di Carlo

DOI: 10.1016/j.solmat.2019.03.029

Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells 197 (2019) 76–83

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0927024819301485