Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSC) provides technically and economically credible alternative concept to present day p–n junction photovoltaic devices. In contrast to the conventional systems where the semiconductor assume both the task of light absorption and charge carrier transport the two functions are separated here. Light is absorbed by a sensitizer, which is anchored to the surface of a wide band semiconductor. Charge separation takes place at the interface via photo-induced electron injection from the dye into the conduction band of the solid. Carriers are transported in the conduction band of the semiconductor to the charge collector.

The recent announcement of dye sensitized cells (DSCs) shows that DSCs could be about to hit the PV mainstream.. The global dye sensitized cell market is segmented into six categories: building-integrated photovoltaics, indoor application, retail application, emergency power and military application, automotive, and others. Building-integrated photovoltaics are further sub-segmented into BIPV glass and solar roofs. Indoor application is further sub-segmented into three categories: solar chargers, wireless keyboards, and others. Retail application is further sub-segmented into three categories: indoor and outdoor advertising, point-of-purchase displays, and others.

In terms of geography, North America dominates the global dye sensitized cell market followed by Europe. The U.S. represents the largest market for dye sensitized cell followed by Canada in North America. Europe, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the U.K. hold major share of the dye sensitized cell market. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to witness high growth rates in the next five years in the global dye sensitized market.
According to market info, DSC is entering into a new era. DSC technology will soon be able to provide efficiencies close to those of commercial thin-film solar panels. And, for the first time for years, DSC will be competing in a stable market environment for solar panels.

The leading players in the DSC space will generate revenues in this new business environment and the addressable markets will grow in the next decade. Because of its huge revenue potential, many are interested in the building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) sector and this is an opportunity for selling DSC products into the developing world; a market that several DSC firms have specifically targeted. The commercial significance of recent technical developments in the DSC space, especially the development of improved electrolytes both solid-state and liquid is quite interesting.