What Are Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells? Working, Manufacturing Process, Benefits, and Cons

Dye-sensitized solar cells, also known as DSSCs, are a type of third-generation solar cell that converts sunlight into electricity using light-absorbing dyes instead of traditional silicon. They are called dye-sensitized because light-absorbing organic or inorganic dye molecules are attached onto a semiconductor layer of titanium dioxide (TiO₂). It is these dye molecules that absorb light and inject electrons into TiO₂, allowing electricity generation from sunlight and artificial light sources.

Their latest recorded maximum lab efficiency is ~15%, and unlike silicon cells, which can last for 25 years with proper maintenance, DSSC solar cells have a lifespan of only 6 years.

The dye-sensitized solar cell working principle is based on the photoelectrochemical effect. The process of converting light into electricity in DSSC solar cells is pretty straightforward:

• Sunlight excites the dye molecules: The dye absorbs photons, which excite its electrons. The excited electrons inject themselves into the conduction band of the titanium dioxide semiconductor.
• Electrons travel through titanium dioxide to the external circuit: The resulting electron flow is the electrical power output.
• The dye gets refreshed by a liquid electrolyte: The same process repeats until solar radiation continues to hit the DSSC solar cells. 

While solar panels made of silicon solar cells are more preferred in rooftop solar systems for housing societies and homes as they are far more efficient and last longer, DSSC solar cells can be used in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), where flexibility is advantageous. They also excel in low-light and indoor environments, making them suitable for powering IoT sensors, electronic shelf labels, and portable devices. 

In this blog, we will explain what dye-sensitized solar cells are, how they work, their manufacturing process, applications, advantages, and disadvantages. We will also explain the key difference between dye-sensitized solar cells and silicon solar cells, why the latter is better as a rooftop solar panel system for homes, and the advantages of installing rooftop on-grid solar systems in India.

TL;DR Summary Box: What is Dye Sensitizing?

Dye sensitizing is the process that gives a dye-sensitized solar cell its ability to capture light. A porous film of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) semiconductor is coated with a thin layer of dye molecules. These molecules attach themselves to the TiO₂ surface. 

• Light falls on the dye: When photons hit the dye, the dye’s electrons move to a higher energy state. 
• The electrons are energized: The energized electrons are injected into the conduction band of TiO₂. From there, they travel through the material and into the external circuit as electrical current. 

This entire process can be compared to photosynthesis, where a light-absorbing molecule captures sunlight and passes on energy. In DSSC solar cells, a real electron is passed into a semiconductor. 

Here are the main topics covered in this blog in detail:

What is a Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell?

A dye-sensitized solar cell is a thin-film PV cell that uses light-absorbing dyes and titanium dioxide semiconductors to convert sunlight into electricity through the photoelectrochemical process. 

These third-generation solar cells, also called Gratzel cells, were invented by Brian O’Regan and Michael Gratzel in 1991 at UC Berkeley. Their highest-recorded laboratory efficiency is ~15%. What sets dye-sensitized solar cells apart from many other photovoltaic cells is their ability to operate in low-light conditions, as the dye they use can function with both sunlight and artificial light.

What Are the Components of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells? 

Dye-sensitized solar cells consist of four essential components: the titanium dioxide semiconductor, a sensitizer dye, an electrolyte, and a catalyst surface. 

Let’s check out all these four components and understand how they work in a coordinated photoelectrochemical process: 

• TiO₂ semiconductor, also known as photoanode: The photoanode is a thin, porous layer of titanium dioxide on transparent conductive glass. It holds the dye molecules and provides a pathway for injected electrons to reach the external circuit.
• Sensitizer dye with light-absorbing molecules: The sensitizer dye is a film of light-absorbing molecules attached to the TiO₂ surface. It captures light and passes the energized electrons into the semiconductor’s conduction band.
• An electrolyte that works like the charge transport medium: The electrolyte is a liquid, gel, or solid that moves charge inside the cell. It gives the dye back the electron it lost so that the dye can absorb light again. Additionally, electrolyte also moves ions between the electrodes to keep charges balanced.
• Counter electrode, also known as the catalytic surface: The counter electrode is a conductive plate coated with a catalyst such as platinum or carbon. By taking in electrons, it quickly converts the electrolyte back to its original form, which donates electrons to the dye. Thus, it maintains charge balance and keeps the cell operational until light is present.

Here’s a tabulated snapshot of the role of all four components of a dye-sensitized solar cell:

How Are Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Made?

Making a dye-sensitized solar cell begins with a conductive glass sheet that allows light to pass through and carries current out. From there, thin layers are added in a set order, each with a simple role: one holds the dye, another moves charge, and another completes the circuit. 

Let’s check out the entire manufacturing process, broken down into simple steps:

• Step 1 – The glass is prepared with a conductive coating: The process starts with a piece of transparent glass that is already coated with a thin layer of a conductive material, usually fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO). This special glass acts as the base and also allows light to pass through.
• Step 2 – Titanium dioxide layer is added: A paste of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is spread on top of the glass and heated at high temperature. Heating makes the TiO₂ particles stick firmly to the glass and form a porous layer. The tiny pores are important because they give a large surface area for the dye to attach later.
• Step 3 – The thin film/layer of TiO₂ is sensitized with a light-absorbing dye: The titanium dioxide film is dipped into a solution that contains dye molecules. These dye molecules stick to the surface of TiO₂.
• Step 4 – Counter electrode is prepared: Another piece of conductive glass is coated with a thin layer of platinum or carbon. This layer doesn’t absorb light, but it acts as a catalyst to help the electrolyte perform its function later.
• Step 5 – Assembling the two pieces: The dye-coated glass and the counter electrode are placed facing each other, with a small gap between them. They are sealed around the edges so the liquid stays inside.
• Step 6 – Filling with electrolyte: The gap between the electrodes is filled with a liquid electrolyte, usually containing an iodide/triiodide redox couple. This liquid allows the dye molecules to refresh themselves after passing electrons to TiO₂.
• Step 7 – Sealing the cell: Finally, the opening used to fill the electrolyte is sealed tightly, preventing the liquid from leaking or evaporating. 

What is the Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Working Principle? 

The DSSC solar cells work on the photoelectrochemical effect, which follows the photosynthesis process to convert sunlight into energy. 

Let’s check out the entire process step-by-step:

• Step 1 – Light falls on the dye-sensitized solar cell: The dye molecules absorb photons present in the sunlight. These photons transfer their energy to the electrons present in the dye molecules, exciting them.
• Step 2 – Electron transfer to the semiconductor (TiO₂): The excited electrons leave the dye and enter the semiconductor layer. The dye remains attached to the semiconductor layer but loses its electron.
• Step 3 – Electron movement and collection: These electrons travel through the porous TiO₂ layer to the transparent conducting glass, which is usually FTO. Here, they are collected and flow through the external circuit as an electric current.
• Step 4 – Dye restoration: The electrolyte gives an electron back to the oxidized dye. This brings the dye back to its original state, allowing it to absorb light again.
• Step 5 – Loop closure at the counter electrode: Electrons returning from the external circuit reach the counter electrode, which is often platinum-coated, and convert triiodide back to iodide in the electrolyte. This completes the cycle and keeps charges balanced.

What is the Difference Between a Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell and a Silicon Cell?

The biggest difference between a dye-sensitized solar cell and a silicon cell lies in the way they convert sunlight into electricity. A silicon solar cell is a solid-state semiconductor device that uses a built-in electric field to separate charges and direct them to the metal contacts. A dye-sensitized solar cell, on the other hand, is a photoelectrochemical system. The dye molecules on porous titanium dioxide absorb light in DSSC solar cells, push electrons into the titanium dioxide, and an electrolyte restores the dye to a separate electrode. 

Let’s check out all the differences between the two types in detail:

Why Are Silicon Solar Panels Better For Rooftop Solar Systems For Homes?

Silicon solar panels are the best options for residential and commercial rooftop solar systems as they can last for 25+ years with proper solar panel cleaning practices. There are multiple high-efficiency solar panels, such as mono-PERC half-cut bifacial solar panels with an efficiency of up to 22.5%, and TOPCon silicon solar panels with an efficiency of 25-26%. 

Thin-film DSSC solar cells, on the other hand, can last for only 6 years, and their maximum efficiency recorded in the laboratory is 15%. 

Here are the multiple reasons why installing on-grid rooftop solar systems is beneficial: 

• They are the most affordable type of photovoltaic solar system: On-grid solar systems do not require lithium batteries to store solar energy, as any extra current generated by the panels can be sent to the grid. On the other hand, hybrid solar systems and off-grid solar systems use a lithium battery bank to store solar energy. It makes them expensive to install and maintain.
• The government offers financial assistance: If you’re a homeowner or a housing society, you can receive a subsidy under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana for installing on-grid rooftop solar systems. This assistance will not be offered if you install off-grid or ground-mounted solar systems.
• You will save tens of lakhs of rupees: On-grid solar systems, when correctly sized, can meet all energy requirements, reducing electricity bills by 90% or more. Since they last 25+ years, all the money you would have spent on paying bills is saved over 25 years with a solar system, as it generates free solar electricity. 

Here’s a comparison table that takes you through the money you will have to invest for installing a 5 kW solar system in India with subsidy, vs how much money this system will save for you in 25 years:

*Please note: The 5 kW solar panel price in India with subsidy mentioned above is indicative as of 27th September 2025 for the SolarSquare Blue 6ft variant. The actual solar plate price depends on your DISCOM charges, city, product variant opted for, panel type, inverter type, mounting structure height, type of after-sales service, savings guarantee, roof height, etc. Prices are subject to change. Additionally, when calculating savings, we have considered an annual tariff escalation of 3% and an annual degradation of 1%. The actual final savings from a 5 kW solar system depends on the types of solar panels you’ve installed and their efficiency, intensity of sunlight your rooftop receives, orientation of the panels and tilt angle, the pollution level and weather conditions in your city, the temperature, shadow on the roof, impact of dirt/dust, and how well you maintain your panels after installation.

Couldn’t find the ideal solar system size and the savings details for your city in the table above? Use SolarSquare’s free solar panel calculator to get an idea about the estimated cost of installing a rooftop solar system that will be able to support all your energy requirements and the savings that it will offer in its 25-year lifespan.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells?

Dye-sensitized solar cells are flexible and can absorb even artificial light, and work well in diffuse lighting, cloudy conditions, and indoor environments. However, despite these advantages, they have a shorter lifespan and lower efficiency than silicon solar cells.

Lets check out all the advantages and disadvantages of dye-sensitized solar cells in detail.

What Are the Advantages of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells?

DSSC solar cells are lightweight, flexible, and capable of generating electricity even under low-light conditions. 

Here are the multiple advantages of dye-sensitized solar cells in detail: 

• They’re cost-effective: They use inexpensive materials, such as titanium dioxide and organic dyes, which significantly reduce production costs.
• They perform well in low-light conditions: These solar cells can work in diffuse lighting, cloudy conditions, and indoor environments.
• They are available in multiple designs: DSSC solar cells are available in transparent, semi-transparent, and various colors for architectural integration.
• They’re lightweight: Since they weigh less and have a flexible design, they can be used in BIPV. 

What Are the Disadvantages of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells?

Dye-sensitized solar cells have a shorter lifespan and significantly lower efficiency compared to silicon solar cells. 

Let’s check out all the major limitations that bar DSSC solar panels from going mainstream in commercial and residential rooftop solar installations:

• They have a lower efficiency: the maximum recorded efficiency of DSSC solar cells is just 15%, which is way lower than the 25-26% efficiency of TOPCon panels. 
• They have durability issues: Liquid electrolytes can leak, freeze, or evaporate, limiting the operational lifespan of dye-sensitized solar cells to just 6 years. 
• UV degradation is a major issue: Organic dyes break down under prolonged ultraviolet exposure, reducing the long-term performance of these solar cells.
• They are highly sensitive to climbing temperatures: Liquid electrolytes perform poorly in extreme temperatures, which limits their geographic applications.

DSSC Solar Cell Applications

Dye-sensitized solar cells can be used in building-integrated photovoltaics and indoor lighting applications. These third-generation solar cells are also used in consumer electronics as they are portable and lightweight. 

Let’s check out all the applications of DSSC solar cells:

Conclusion

Dye-sensitized solar cells are known for their low-light performance, design flexibility, and cost-effective manufacturing, making them ideal for IoT devices, building integration, and consumer electronics. While efficiency limitations restrict their use in utility-scale solar installations, ongoing research has made them viable for emerging markets like IoT and BIPV.

If you’re looking to install a rooftop solar system at your place, you can book a free solar consultation call with SolarSquare today.

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FAQs

Q1. What are the materials used in dye-sensitized solar cells?

Ans. They use transparent conductive glass (usually FTO), a porous titanium dioxide semiconductor layer, a light-absorbing dye attached to that layer, an electrolyte that moves charge inside the cell, and a counter electrode with a catalyst to complete the circuit.

Q2. What is the function of DSSC solar cells?

Ans. They turn light into electricity by letting the dye absorb light and push electrons into the titanium dioxide, which then sends the electrons through the circuit. They work especially well in low or indoor lighting conditions and can be made semi-transparent or colored for use in windows and other surfaces.

Q3. What is the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells?

Ans. The highest-recorded efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells in lab settings is 15%.

Q4. What is the lifespan of DSSC solar cells?

Ans. DSSC solar cells can last for ~6 years, which is fairly less when compared to the 25-year lifespan of silicon solar cells.

Q5. What is the future of DSSC solar cells?

Ans. While they’re no match for the high efficiency and durability of silicon solar panels, DSSC solar cells find use in multiple other applications. Their usage in consumer electronics and BIPV has made these solar cells quite popular. The global dye-sensitized solar cell market value, which was USD 128.96 million in 2024, is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 12.63%, reaching USD 333.95 million by 2032.