The properties of several types of counter electrodes based on metal, plastic, and glass substrates for use in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) were investigated. High conversion efficiencies of ca. 5% for the DSCs based on a stainless steel, nickel sheet and conducting plastic film were obtained. The sheet resistances of the substrates and the platinized counter electrodes were measured. For the large-size DSCs based on the stainless steel counter electrode, the fill factor and conversion efficiency were improved by 20% by reducing the internal resistance of the cell. The stability of the metal and plastic substrates in the electrolyte and the long-term stability of the solar cell based on these counter electrodes were examined. The results revealed that the stainless steel, Ni, and ITO-PEN electrodes have good stabilities in the electrolyte. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.