Homeowners may soon be enjoying a new application for solar modules as ornamentation for their interior living spaces. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute have just developed a dye solar cell, made when an electricity-generating film is sandwiched between two glass panels using screen printing techniques. Made from organic dye and nanoparticles, the electricity generating film of the new module prototype is small enough for façade integration. This means the solar module can skip the roof and hang tough along the exteriors of corporate buildings and residential windows.

Still in its early stages, the dye solar cells don’t rival conventional silicon cells in efficiency. At only 4 percent efficient, they are recognized more for opening up a completely new element of decorative potential. The prototype is amber in color, but the glass façade can potentially be generated with an infinite array of colors and images down the line. Decorative twists, personalization, promotional designs, and company logos are included among the possibilities.

In this capacity, solar modules can provide protective shading and aesthetics for the indoor rooms while generating electricity. However, risks aren’t completely absent. Because air seepage can destroy the reactive substance, the glass panes require special sealing and long-term stability of the new module has yet to be certified. The Fraunhofer Institute will present the new technology at the Nanotech 2008 in Tokyo.

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Dyed Solar Cells May Offer Unique Installation Opportunities
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