Abstract: A solar cell includes a transparent upper electrode for conducting electrons and for allowing incoming photons of light to pass therethrough. An exciton trapping region is disposed proximate the upper electrode, and includes graphene and an exciton trapping dye. The trapping dye traps captured excitons, and the graphene rapidly conducts freed electrons therefrom to the upper electrode. A pigment layer, in close proximity to the exciton trapping region, includes one or more pigment dyes that absorb light photons and emit excitons for transmission to the trapping dye. Excitons emitted by a first pigment dye can further trigger emission of excitons by a second pigment dye. A backing electrode is electrically coupled to the pigment layer via an anionic polyelectrolyte for transporting electrons to the pigment layer to replenish electrons conducted by the transparent upper electrode.