ABSTRACT

Solar energy has an important role as a future energy source to aid the

constantly increasing energy consumption of the world. It could be an excellent

alternative environmental energy source to replace the vanishing fossil fuel

resources. One way to utilize solar energy is by the use of solar cells. A dye-

sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is an alternative to conventional silicon solar cells.

Compared to commercially produced solar cells, DSSCs are less expensive and

uses organic dye as a sensitizer.

The main objective of the study is to construct a dye sensitized solar cell

(DSSC) using Persian Shield (Strobilanthes dyeriana) leaves and Eggplant

(Solanum Melongena) peelings as Photovoltaic Pigments for the sensitizer that is

used to generate electricity through the use of solar energy. This study also aims

to prove that there would be a higher yield of energy conversion if a combination

of the two plants will be used instead of just one.

After the construction and testing of the dye-sensitized solar cell, the data

gathered was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance test and linear

regression. It can be stated from the analysis that there is a significant difference

in both the maximum power generated by the solar cell with respect to changes

in volume ratio of Persian Shield leaves and eggplant peelings and in the

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 maximum efficiency of the solar cell with respect to changes in volume

ratio of Persian Shield leaves and eggplant peelings.

As a conclusion, it can be said that Persian Shield has the ability to

enhance the sensitizer in a dye sensitized solar cell. It yields a higher energy

conversion compared to eggplant peelings and therefore it is effective to use as a

sensitizer. The researchers recommend for the experiment to be repeated using

the original procedure and reagents. Furthermore, the researchers also

recommend the use of TiO2 as an anode instead of BaSnO3 for the study and

for the results to be compare.

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