We present the design and the synthesis of substituted 2,2′-bithiophene derivatives to be used as π-conjugated bridges in donor-π-acceptor molecules for dye sensitized solar cells. Using a combined theoretical and experimental approach, the photophysical and electrochemical properties of these linkers are also presented. Finally, we show that the photophysical properties (absorption/emission) of these molecules are preserved when doped in host matrices.