A 15 per cent improvement in efficiency has been observed in large DSC (dye solar cells) strip cells at the Queanbeyan labs over the last 12 months, according to Dyesol chairman Richard Caldwell.

In a webcast to German investors, he explained that these improvements bring industrial DSC efficiency up from 6.9 per cent to eight per cent.

Described as "artificial photosynthesis", DSC technology uses an electrolyte, a layer of titania - a pigment used in white paints and tooth paste - and ruthenium dye deposited on glass, metal or polymer substrates.

"The increase in efficiency results from improvements in materials and structural design elements," Dyesol explained.

"The dye solar cell works as a system, with each input impacting the others. The achieved gains means the amount of energy generated by any product will significantly increase."

Improvements are being incorporated into development work underway with Dyesol partners Tata Steel and Pilkington North America, the firm added.

Source:

Dyesol Webcast Highlights Efficiency Improvements (16/12/11)

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