A photoelectric conversion element having a composite dye and an n-type semiconductor, the composite dye having a plurality of component dyes which have different excitation levels and which are chemically bonded to each other to form a straight chain or branched structure for transferring an electron therethrough, wherein the straight chain or branched structure is, at one end thereof, secured to the n-type semiconductor and has, at least at one other end thereof, a free end, wherein, in the straight chain or branched structure, the plurality of component dyes are arranged in an order such that the excitation levels of the plurality of component dyes are decreased as viewed from the one end of the structure toward the at least one other end of the structure.