Rational Design of Solar Cells for Efficient Solar Energy Conversion

4Advantages of Polymer Electrolytes for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells

L.P. Teo and A.K. Arof

Centre for Ionics University of Malaya, Physics Department, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

4.1 Why Solar Cells?

Solar cells convert sunlight into electricity. Currently, the world’s supply of electricity is derived from fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and natural gas. However, the reserves of these conventional energy sources are being depleted. Solar power generation is one of the fast expanding sources of renewable electricity. There are many benefits of solar power production. Solar power generation does not require fossil fuels. Compared to other methods of producing electricity, it does not pose serious environmental issues. Solar energy could adequately complement electricity provision from an electricity transmission grid during peak hours. Solar technology applications are easily adaptable and installation at the customer site is also possible. The Malaysian government has placed emphasis on solar energy application since Rancangan Malaysia ke‐9 or the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

Solar cells have come a long way and dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is a third generation photovoltaic system. The first generation is the silicon solar cell and the second generation is the thin film technology. Although the price of the first generation solar cell has reduced, the emerging third generation technology promises to be less expensive. The advantage of the ...