Dye-Sensitized and Amorphous Silicon Photovoltaic (PV) Devices’ Outdoor Performance: A Comparative Study

Abstract

The performance of a dye-sensitized solar module (DSSM) has been investigated under different air mass (AM), irradiance intensity and temperature conditions in Nairobi, Kenya. The good response of the DSSM to short wavelength radiation made it perform well at increased AM values as compared to what is reported of Amorphous Silicon (a-Si) photovoltaic (PV) devices. The DSSM performed better compared to what is reported of a-Si PV devices under irradiance and temperature dependence. The results are useful in PV sizing, especially in the area of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) in Kenya and the tropics.