as most elements are dipoles or at least have a dipole moment building your cell on an electret or a capacitive plate insulated from the rest of the cell with a potential exerted so that it influences the junction may yeild better results out of ordinary solar cells since i am not sure about polarity it may be quite interesting to get an answer first and then attempt to build also light passing through a polarizing filter will intensify the radiation patern so i have read but cannot confirm.

I think the reason my cell did not work is because it does require the electrolyte to transfer the electrons. So I would need the iodine solution.

In the spirit of research I have gone back to Stefan's idea of using the aluminum foil, but I want to incorporate a different electrolyte and also use the colloidal minerals I have available. My previous experiment involved baking silver colloid on aluminum, and this gave a brownish-colored coating on the surface of the metal. Looking at the groupings of the Chemicals on the Periodic Table I show a likely candidate of Chlorine as a substitute for the Iodine. Added to the water as Bleach or Sodium Hypochlorite, it could perform the function as the carrier of the electron to the Carbon paper or Carbon rod. A bit of coloring could be added if the brownish tinge of the silver colloid won't be able to filter the sunlight properly to draw the electron.

These are just a couple of ideas I will begin investigating.

Thanks for your interest.

Dave (RR2)

I've been trying to identify a solid electrolyte for use in photovoltaics, and have noted a lot of experimenting with polysaccharides as solid or gel-based photovoltaic electrolytes.  An example material would be starch.  Another that makes sense is methyl cellulose. 

The polysaccharide is salt-doped to provide ion transfer.  Methyl cellulose (MC) is a polysaccharide (commonly known as wall paper paste).  I believe MC can also be used to separate plates in a battery.

An even better one is Carboxy methyl cellulose.  Ah yes, the primary ingredient in KY jelly -- which lends a whole new dimension to a passionate romantic evening.     -Duane

Here is a new Youtube channel that shows how to make a
solar cell out of donuts and tea !
No joke !

http://www.youtube.com/user/caudex43

Wow I am amazed I have seen the doughnut thing before but yes a home made cell seems fairly possible to do and the ideas given have been excellent anyone trying please share some photos.

I would like to share a picture with all of you of my latest creation cost was under 300 dollars total and it puts out a beautiful amount of energy! Took several days of soldering and finalization but it is now in service.