DSC, or Dye Solar Cell, technology was included in the Japanese and EU roadmaps as the emerging solar technology.

It copies nature with a unique artificial form of photosynthesis to produce energy. Basically, it is a glass, titanium oxide (TiO2) sandwich. A thin film of nano-particulate TiO2 is applied to glass to form a transparent electrically conductive base. This is rendered photosynthetic by the addition of a dye. An electrolytic layer is added followed by a second TiO2 layer and glass.

DSC panels are also unique in the fact that due to the possibility of making them semi-transparent they take light from all angles, from the front and from behind. Because of their nanochrystalline structure the panels don't have to be perfectly positioned to trap the suns rays. Importantly for use in the SCAF, DSC panels have shown in testing that heat has little to no effect on their efficiency. So although a silicium based standard panel may be about 5% more efficient at the start, it loses 0.05% of efficiency with every degree Celsius, not to mention positioning.

Much more detailed information on DSC technology can be found at the sites listed below.

EPFL, the home of DSC technology

Dyesol the technology page of an Australian DSC equipment and materials supplier.

Wikipedia entry

STI technology page