Solaronix develops screen print process for making DSSC modules

Sara Ver-Bruggen - 21 Sep 2010

The Switzerland-based renewable energy technology developer Solaronix has developed a simple process for making small-area dye-sensitised solar cell (DSSC) modules.

The technique screen prints the layers of the cell and can produce modules of 30 x 30cm dimensions, comprising many serially connected cells.

The modules coming off the line can achieve efficiencies of at least 6%, making the technology ready for niche uses in some outdoor applications, and indoor applications such as consumer electronics.

However, according to CEO Toby Meyer, more development is needed to prepare the technology for building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) markets. He refers to extensive and time-consuming durability tests, some of which the company has already embarked upon for to assess its DSSC modules.

Testing

Meyer reveals a case for demonstrating applications for DSSC modules in Switzerland, at the birthplace of the technology, is gaining momentum. Discussions centre on using a building located at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), home of DSSC inventor Michael Grätzel's laboratory.

The idea is to place up to 1,000m² of dye solar cell modules, either on the building façade or on the roof, and show off the aesthetic advantages in terms of colour and shape, peculiar to this new type of PV technology.

In order to produce DSSC modules suitable for such outdoor building applications, a test line capable of producing modules up to 1m² dimensions would need to be built within the next couple of years to provide demonstrators for such an initiative.

The company has also spawned a spin-out firm, called Lumartix, which is commercialising low-energy light technology.

+Plastic Electronics Volume 3, issue 2, will include a series of special features on the commercialisation of dye-sensitised solar cells. The magazine will also be appearing at the forthcoming 4th International Conference on the Industrialisation of Dye Solar Cells, 1-4 November 2010.
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