Structural components of photovoltaic

As mentioned earlier, the DSSC is a very attractive and promising device for solar cell applications that has been intensively investigated worldwide, and its photovoltaic mechanism has also intensively investigated [11-20]. Moreover, commercial applications of the DSSC have been under investigation. In this chapter, we describe the DSSC, including its component materials, structure, working mechanism, efficient preparation procedure, current researches, and long-term stabilities. We also introduce the subjects for improvement of its performance and commercial applications. 

A solar photovoltaic system contains, in addition to solar cells and module(s), an array structure to support the modules, power-conditioning circuitry for control and modification of the output, and a means of storing energy if required. All elements beyond the module are referred to as balance-of-system (BOS) components. The cost of BOS items is nominally about equal to the cost of the PV module. However, the BOS fractional cost contribution can vary from one- to two-thirds of the total installed cost of a system, depending on application. 

The interfaces of importance in SECS are the solid/solid (S/S), solid/gas (S/G), and solid/ liquid (S/L) (4). The area-intensive nature of SECS components was established in the previous section. The major problem is collecting solar energy at a cost that is competitive with other energy forms. Thus, low initial cost is required for the materials, support structures, and production processes in the SECS of interest in Fig. 1 (6). This requires, for example, using thin films in mirrors, in photovoltaic systems, for antireflection coatings on windows, for passive collection, etc. in addition, these films must be made from inexpensive, durable, and easily processed materials (5). Inexpensive long-life materials in flat-plate collectors and durable, stable absorber coatings are also necessary. 

---