In this work, characterization of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) using nanocrystalline ZnO thin film electrodes combined with a novel light absorbing dye Coomassie Brilliant Blue (CBB), in acetonitrile solution is reported. The absorption spectrum of this dye in acetonitrile solution indicates appreciable absorption in the range of 500-700 nm with a sharp peak at 597 nm indicating its possible use as a photosensitizer for ZnO. The current voltage and efficiency characteristics of a DSSC based on this dye and ZnO acceptor are measured for two methods of depositing the ZnO. Better response is achieved for nanocrystalline ZnO thin films than for sprayed films in terms of cell output. Copyright (C) 2011, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.