ROBUST DSC · Efficient and Robust Dye Sensitzed Solar Cells and Modules

ROBUST DSC aims to develop materials and manufacturing procedures for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSC) with long lifetime and increased module efficiencies (7% target). The project intends to accelerate the exploitation of the DSC technology in the energy supply market. The approach focuses on the development of large area, robust, 7% efficient DSC modules using scalable, reproducible and commercially viable fabrication procedures. In parallel with this objective, more fundamental research, employing new materials and device configurations, will target increasing the efficiency of labscale DSC to 14%. Progress on labscale devices will be fed directly into module development. The approach is based on the use of innovative low-cost materials, scalable manufacturing techniques, predictive device models and in-and outdoor lifetime testing. A sound and scientific understanding of the basic procedures to manufacture the cells and a thorough knowledge of the fundamental processes in the cell are important tools for our success. The partnership consists of: two SMEs (Orionsolar and G24i) that are committed to large-scale production of DSC, one industry (Corning) that has proven experience on inorganic frits for sealing of a variety of applications, three research institutes (ECN, IVF, FISE) with expertise in the field of long-term testing, up-scaling and module fabrication and four academic partners, world leaders in both new materials and concepts, and in fundamental research on cell function and modelling (EPFL, IMPERIAL, ICIQ, UAM). We anticipate that this project will result in the demonstration of a new scalable, low cost, photovoltaic technology. It will therefore form the basis of a potentially substantial business opportunity aiming at developing a new solar cell product with cost and payback characteristics strongly advantaged over existing technologies.