CdSe quantum dots (QDs)-assembled, free-standing TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNTs) are transferred to transparent fluorine-doped tin oxides (FTOs) using a sol-gel process. The TNTs on the FTO (FTO/TNT) not only provide an efficient 1-dimensional electron pathway with few recombination centers, but also allow front side illumination through the transparent FTO, providing a significantly enhanced electron lifetime and light harvesting compared to conventional TNTs on Ti foil and TiO2 nanoparticles-based mesoporous films on the FTO. These effects help improve significantly the short circuit current and open-circuit voltage of quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QD-SSCs).