Reverse Bias Degradation in Shadowed Devices in TiO2 Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Modules

Abstract

ABSTRACTMismatched or shadowed individual cells in a module can operate in the Reverse Bias (RB) regime. Subjecting a dye solar cell (DSC) to an accelerated RB stress by forcing a constant current equal to 2-fold its ISC, produced significant alterations on the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics in RB with time and a severe loss of cell efficiency in 32h. We investigated and identified a key mechanism for RB charge transfer and degradation in DSCs. I-V characteristics in RB were found to be sensitive to the type of dye utilized and to TiCl4 substrate treatment.