Graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized using a modified Hummers method and was reduced by using focused sunlight to obtain solar reduced graphene oxide (SRGO). GO and SRGO are then used as Pt-free counter electrode materials in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). GO and SRGO counter electrodes were prepared by a simple spray coating method to produce homogeneous electrode layers. The DSSCs with GO and SRGO counter electrodes exhibited an overall power conversion efficiencies of similar to 3.4 and similar to 4%, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy reveal that the DSSC with SRGO counter electrode exhibits higher electro-catalytic activity and lower charge transfer resistance at the electrode/electrolyte interface (in comparison to the DSSC with GO) resulting in higher conversion efficiency. Moreover, the microstructural features of SRGO are found to be suitable for its improved interaction with the liquid electrolyte and the enhanced electro-catalytic activity at its surface. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.