Integrated dye-sensitized solar cell module with conversion efficiency of 8.2%

We investigated an integrated dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC) module composed of a number of rectangular cells connected in series. Because neighboring cells are processed in reverse, the module is known as the W-contact module. It achieves a high active area of 85% by eliminating the interconnection between neighboring cells. By adjusting the transmittance of the Pt-coated counterelectrode, the TiO2 thickness, and the composition of the electrolyte, we achieved an overall energy conversion efficiency of 8.2% (aperture area of 25.45 cm(2)) as measured by a public test center under AM 1.5 irradiation. This sets a record for the confirmed efficiency of a DSC submodule.