Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) as a potential photovoltaic technology for the self-powered internet of things (IoTs) applications

Indoor solar cells have a prospective to influence the ecology of the Internet of Things (IoTs), containing communication devices, actuators, remote, and distributed sensors. Smart IoT sensors have the potential of performing control functions and mass monitoring, which leads to modernize the industrial and domestic automation systems. These sensor devices necessitate exceptionally less electrical power in several applications, and it will be remarkable if they could be driven by an indoor power gathering system. The technology of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell has engraved a significant space in the field of photovoltaics due to its various distinctive merits like relatively cheap methods of fabrication, roll-to-roll compatibility, using readily available materials and easy processing ability on the flexible substrates. Mull-colored, semi-transparent dye solar cells/panels also exhibit exceptional performance in indoor/artificial light, consequently streamlining the stage for the indoor light-harvesting and self-power the applications of IoTs. The objective of this review is to emphasize applications of DSSCs for IoTs, factors affecting the performance, and challenges in their commercialization. This paper consists of four parts. The first part will explain the importance of solar energy and the merits of photovoltaic technology over other technologies. The second part will describe the evolution of DSSC from the laboratory to commercialization. The potential of DSSCs for IoT applications will be discussed in the third part. Finally, challenges and future outlook will be discussed in the last part of this literature.