Glass frit sealed dye solar modules with adaptable screen printed design

A cost effective glass soldering technique was developed which has been successfully applied to the dye solar cell (DSC) technology. A complete manufacturing process of DSC modules - ranging from screen-printed layers to semi-automated colouring and electrolyte filling - in a laboratory-scale baseline has been accomplished. The manufacturing process of 30 × 30 cm2 modules was partly transferred to large areas of 60 × 100 cm2. Electrolytes based on non-volatile organic ionic liquids have been tested as good candidates for long-term stability and performance. By screen printing a light scattering ZrO2 layer over the transparent active area of the module, various different patterns - ranging from logo-type to image-type designs - were realised. Additionally, the lead-free glass frit was coloured by inorganic pigments to adjust the unique esthetical appearance of the module.