Dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical solar cells have been constructed by using nanocomposite organic-inorganic sol-gel electrolytes and a titania nanocrystalline film also based on a sol-gel nanocomposite material. Among other advantages connected with nanocomposite electrolytes is the balance between hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains that allows reducing polarity-connected repulsive forces developing between the titania-dye system and the electrolyte. The overall efficiencies of these cells range between 5 and 6% under 100 mW/cm(2) illumination (equivalent to 1 sun at AM1.5). (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.