Fabrication, Performance Test and Efficiency of Electrical Energy of Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs)

Abstract

Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) were fabricated with three naturally occurring anthocyanin dyes extracted from naturally occurring seeds found in western African viz: raspberry, blackberry, pomegranate seeds as sensitizers. Extraction of anthocyanin was done using acidified ethanol. The highest power conversion efficiencies (η) of 0.3 % was achieved for the DSSCs fabricated using anthocyanin extracts of the seeds. The widespread availability of these seeds, high concentration of anthocyanins in them, and ease of extraction of anthocyanin dyes from these commonly available seeds render them novel and inexpensive candidates for solar cell fabrication. This study also synthesized conductive transparent glass as a substrate on which fabrication of solar power panels which after production is expected to generate <0.1 KvA to demonstrate the importance of these Soda Lime Glass (SLG). Twelve (12) Solar cells of averagely 300 mV and 0.02 A were fabricated. Equivalently these cells gave 3.51 volts averagely as peak voltage during the day and 2.08 volts as the lowest voltage during the lowest temperature. Although there were voltage variations when compared with standard silicon solar cells, the production could be improved upon if other metalloids that are economical are used for the production, or by increasing the number of cells.