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Stable Semi-Transparent Dye-Sensitized Solar Modules and Panels for Greenhouse Application

Author

Listed:
  • Jessica Barichello

    (CHOSE–Centre for Hybrid and Organic Solar Energy, Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Rome ‘‘Tor Vergata’’, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Roma, Italy)

  • Luigi Vesce

    (CHOSE–Centre for Hybrid and Organic Solar Energy, Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Rome ‘‘Tor Vergata’’, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Roma, Italy)

  • Paolo Mariani

    (CHOSE–Centre for Hybrid and Organic Solar Energy, Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Rome ‘‘Tor Vergata’’, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Roma, Italy)

  • Enrico Leonardi

    (Greatcell Solar Italia SRL, Viale Castro Pretorio 122, 00185 Roma, Italy)

  • Roberto Braglia

    (Department of Biology, University of Rome ‘‘Tor Vergata’’, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00173 Roma, Italy)

  • Aldo Di Carlo

    (CHOSE–Centre for Hybrid and Organic Solar Energy, Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Rome ‘‘Tor Vergata’’, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Roma, Italy
    ISM-CNR, Istituto di Struttura della Materia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via del Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133 Roma, Italy)

  • Antonella Canini

    (Department of Biology, University of Rome ‘‘Tor Vergata’’, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00173 Roma, Italy)

  • Andrea Reale

    (CHOSE–Centre for Hybrid and Organic Solar Energy, Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Rome ‘‘Tor Vergata’’, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Roma, Italy)

Abstract

Our world is facing an environmental crisis that is driving scientists to research green and smart solutions in terms of the use of renewable energy sources and low polluting technologies. In this framework, photovoltaic (PV) technology is one of the most worthy of interest. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are innovative PV devices known for their encouraging features of low cost and easy fabrication, good response to diffuse light and colour tunability. All these features make DSSCs technology suitable for being applied to the so-called agrovoltaic field, taking into account their dual role of filtering light and supporting energy needs. In this project, we used 40 DSSC Z-series connected modules with the aim of combining the devices’ high conversion efficiency, transparency and robustness in order to test them in a greenhouse. A maximum conversion efficiency of 3.9% on a 221 cm 2 active area was achieved with a transparency in the module’s aperture (312.9 cm 2 ) area of 35%. Moreover, different modules were stressed at two different temperature conditions, 60 °C and 85 °C, and under light soaking at the maximum power point, showing a strong and robust stability for 1000 h. We assembled the fabricated modules to form ten panels to filter the light from the roof of the greenhouse. We carried out panel measurements in outdoor and greenhouse environments in both sunny and cloudy conditions to find clear trends in efficiency behaviour. A maximum panel efficiency in outdoor conditions of 3.83% was obtained in clear and sunny sky conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Jessica Barichello & Luigi Vesce & Paolo Mariani & Enrico Leonardi & Roberto Braglia & Aldo Di Carlo & Antonella Canini & Andrea Reale, 2021. "Stable Semi-Transparent Dye-Sensitized Solar Modules and Panels for Greenhouse Application," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-16, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:19:p:6393-:d:650851
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lin, Terry & Goldsworthy, Mark & Chavan, Sachin & Liang, Weiguang & Maier, Chelsea & Ghannoum, Oula & Cazzonelli, Christopher I. & Tissue, David T. & Lan, Yi-Chen & Sethuvenkatraman, Subbu & Lin, Han , 2022. "A novel cover material improves cooling energy and fertigation efficiency for glasshouse eggplant production," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 251(C).

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