Development and integration of innovative low-cost PV windows based on dye sensitized solar cells technology: Application in Morocco

In This paper, we have discussed one example of the third generation solar cells, called nanocrystalline dye sensitized solar cells DSSC or Gratzel cell. An extensive literature study was conducted and the results show that the Nanocrystalline dye sensitized solar cells DSSC are considered as a novel and low cost photovoltaic technology. Compared with silicon solar cells, they are insensitive to impurities in fabrication process, which accelerates a transition from research laboratory to the mass production line. From the perspective of application, low weight and flexibility of DSSCs are desirable for the portable electronic device. It is found that DSSCs work better than silicon solar cells in the darker condition, for example, in the dawn and dusk, and also the overall efficiency is not seriously affected in the high temperature. In addition, the transparency and varied color of DSSCs are very important properties that make these cells suitable for a variety of important applications such as, windows, sunroofs, cellphones, etc…. The application of DSSC as smart window has very important impact on the electricity generation on buildings. However, its application on the glass window can affect the transmission of sun light to the house and decreases the heat gain provided by the sun [2]. In this work, a detailed simulation using Design builder software is conducted to compare the energetic consumption and internal gain received by buildings with transparent windows, and buildings with colored windows.