Parallel-connected monolithic dye-sensitised solar modules

Light-soaking and high-temperature storage testing of monolithic dye-sensitised solar modules with total area module efficiencies above 5% have been performed. Our experiences from the development of a four-layer monolithic dye-sensitised solar test cell for comparative testing of material components for dye-sensitised solar cells have directed our module development to a novel device design consisting of parallel-connection of individual monolithic cells. The results from the accelerated testing of the modules (total area of 17.0 cm(2)) with four parallel-connected cells (active area of 3.38 cm(2)/cell) are equivalent to those obtained for the monolithic single test cells when using identical device components. The successful transfer from cell to module stability is an important milestone in our ambition to develop a low-cost Photovoltaic (PV) technology. Moreover, our results indicate that intensified research and development to define the procedures for relevant accelerated testing of dye-sensitised solar modules is urgently required. Copyright (C) 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.