Thin-Films Cell Fabrication: a Practical Approach to Teaching Photovoltaics Fundamentals

Despite being one of the reference renewable energy, photovoltaic solar technology currently faces important challenges. One of them is the potential development of non-silicon-based materials solar cells, which, in addition to the need of tackling operational constrains as durability, introduces the need to adapt the current teaching contents on the fundamentals, fabrication and performance of solar cells taught in science and engineering university programs. This work outlines a teaching-oriented methodology developed by our research group for the straightforward design, fabrication and performance assessment of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) using titanium dioxide pastes. We propose a complete manufacturing process and subsequent cell characterization, investigating various methods at each stage: paste preparation, photoelectrode fabrication, counter-electrode fabrication, cell assembly, electrolyte incorporation, and finally, assessment of the efficiency of the obtained cell. The entire methodology was developed to ensure feasibility and reproducibility within academic teaching and research laboratories. Finally, as a complementary resource, practical guides have been developed and interactive simulations implemented, and this material has been organized and consolidated into an web resource. This platform was specifically designed to provide structured access to educational materials, promoting both ease of access and self-learning.