The photoelectrochromic (PEC) device reported in this paper is a new type of switchable system, which combines a dye-sensitised solar cell with an additional electrochromic layer. The colouring process takes place under open-circuit conditions and illumination, and bleaching is achieved under short-circuit conditions. Solid PEC devices in a size up to 10 x 10 cm(2) employing a solid Li+ ion conductor, based on organically modified silane (ormolyte) with redox couple, were built and characterised. The addition of the cationic surfactant to the electrolyte improves the stability, colouration and memory effect of the PEC devices. The photopic transmittance of the solid PEC device is varied between 62% (bleached state) and 1.6% (coloured state). The corresponding colouring time under I sun illumination is 15 min and 15 min are needed for bleaching. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.