Question

What property limits the performance of a traditional semiconductor-based solar cell? How is this limitation overcome in a modem Grätzel cell?

Answer 1

Gratzel cell or dye sensitized solar cell presented by Brian O'Regan and Michael Gratzel in 1988. This technology is based on artificial photosynthesis by which sunlight can be utilised to make energy. It is capable of absorbing more solar energy as compared to other PV solar cell, it's most important benefits is it can work in even low light, cloudy , non directed sun light. Which is not perform by semiconductor solar cell.

It is manufactured by thin conductive plastic lead, which is capable of absorbing more heat as compared to glass based solar cell. Simple to manufacture by roll printing technology.

In semiconductor based solar cell, requirement of directed sunlight, less absorption of solar energy, glass based lead etc are very serious concern. But Gratzel cell is capable of achieving all these properties.