Anthocyanins in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs): Systematic Review (2020–2025) and Conceptual Design of a Low-Cost Semitransparent Panel

Abstract

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are a low-cost photovoltaic alternative, particularly attractive for applications where semi-transparency and architectural integration are critical. This study conducts a systematic review of the scientific literature published between 2020 and 2025 to identify advances, limitations, and trends in the use of anthocyanin-rich natural dyes as sensitizers in DSSCs and, based on the evidence, to support a conceptual design proposal for a low-cost semi-transparent solar panel. Fifty studies were screened and twenty relevant articles were selected using criteria related to materials, device architecture, photovoltaic performance, and reported applications. The reviewed evidence indicates that anthocyanins extracted from accessible fruits and flowers can act as functional sensitizers; however, performance is often constrained by pigment photochemical instability, extraction efficiency, and adsorption kinetics on the semiconductor surface, as well as charge recombination losses. The literature also highlights that using mesoporous TiO2 photoanodes and carbon-based counter electrodes can improve the cost–performance trade-off and the sustainability profile of the system compared with critical components such as ruthenium- and platinum-based materials. Based on these findings, a conceptual design is proposed for semi-transparent DSSCs targeting solar windows, active façades, and greenhouses (agrivoltaics). Overall, natural-dye-based DSSCs emerge as a complementary option for low-power distributed generation in BIPV solutions where semi-transparency provides added value.