A new hybrid solar cell works in rainy weather by generating electricity from the movement of raindrops sliding on its surface. The system’s key part is a triboelectric nanogenerator or TENG, a device which creates electric charge from the friction of two materials rubbing together. In tests two polymer layers were used to form a TENG on top of a photovoltaic cell. The textured layers acted as a mutual electrode for both the TENG and underlying solar panel, conducting energy between the two devices when raindrops hit and bring the layers into contact. The next challenge is increasing electricity generated to make this commercially viable.
www.sciencealert.com/hybrid-solar-cell-captures-energy-from-sun-and-rain