ColorSol: Sustainable products innovations through dye-sensitized solar cells
Climate protection and supply security are the central topics of the future of energy supply. Ubiquitously available photovoltaic energy is a particularly attractive and sustainable source of electrical energy for buildings, in remote areas or for mobile applications. The dye-sensitized solar cell, an innovative new solar cell technology, is giving rise to new applications.
Worldwide the dye-sensitized solar cell has been the subject of research for over 15 years. In contrast to conventional solar cells, the underlying principle is the conversion of light into electrical energy by means of an organic dye. Dye-sensitized solar cells are produced using simple screen-printing and are a promising technological development with regards to both production simplicity and to application possibilities and sustainability aspects. They open up new design possibilities (color, semi-transparency, patterns) and, because of their simple method of production, possess both a high potential for sparing resources and lowering costs as well as a high suitability for international dissemination. The application possibilities for photovoltaic, their economical feasibility and the energetic amortization period of the solar cell can thereby be improved.
Through offering a choice of colors and a semi-transparent surface, the dye-sensitized solar cell opens up new possibilities for design in the arena of building-integrated photovoltaics and, furthermore, combines the classical facade functions (weather and noise protection) with energy production. The same applies for structures such as bridges, stadiums and external stairs. Further areas of use include mobile applications, such as for calculators. The dye-sensitized solar cell stands out for low costs, environmentally friendly materials, freedom of design and easy replacement.
