Solar energy: Past, present... a whole future

Abstract

Since remote times we try to "use" the sun for something more than just a passive enjoying of its warmth and light. Mankind evolution allow us today to have the ability to produce photovoltaic cells, materials capable of directly convert solar light into elec. energy, which are some of the more promising systems in the search for clean and sustainable energy sources, still regarding the economical accessibility to many. In this short review, last technol. developments are considered, emphasizing research in the area of Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC). [on SciFinder(R)]