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Till now, whenever there was talk of solar energy, the picture of sunlight and solar panels came to mind. But scientists are now looking at rain drops also as a possible source of generating electricity. Researchers in Seville, Spain have worked on a technology in which the movement of rain drops is being used to generate electrical energy.

In this technology, a special coating just 100 nanometers thick is applied on the surface of the solar panel. It is claimed that this coating can help in generating electricity from water droplets during rain, while during sunshine it does not create any major hindrance in the light reaching the solar cell.

How will electricity be generated from rain drops?

Triboelectric Effect has been used behind this technology. To understand in simple language, when two different surfaces come in contact and then separate from each other, transfer of electric charge can occur between them.

This effect was used with rain drops in the research. When a water drop falls on a specially prepared fluorinated surface and then slides forward on the surface, an electric charge is created between the water and the surface.

The special thing is that just the drop of water falling on the surface is not enough. A charge is generated as the drop moves across the surface, which can generate current in an electrical circuit.

Why is 100 nanometer coating special?

Researchers have prepared a fluorinated polymer coating about 100 nanometers thick. Its specialty is said to be that it is more than 90 percent transparent.

This means that when there is no rain and the sun is shining, there will not be much obstruction in the light reaching the solar cell. This means that this technology can work towards using the same surface for both solar energy and potential energy obtained from rain.

Peak voltage from one drop to 110 volts

During lab tests, researchers have reported that a single raindrop can produce a peak voltage of up to 110 volts. However, just by looking at the voltage figure it would not be right to assume that a large amount of electricity can be generated from it.

At present this technology is at the stage of initial research and lab testing. Its performance and total power output still need to be tested on large solar panels under real conditions.

Can be used with Perovskite Solar Cells

The possibility of using this technology with Halide Perovskite Solar Cells is also being seen. Perovskite cells are known for their effective absorption of light and good efficiency, but moisture can be a challenge.

In such a situation, special coating can provide double benefit. On one hand, it can help in protecting the solar cells from rain and moisture, while on the other hand, it can also create a way to obtain electrical energy from the movement of water drops.

Will the electricity in the house run out due to rain?

At present, this technology is not expected to generate enough electricity to run the appliances of the entire house during the rains. Its usefulness can be greater in small electronic systems and low power consumption devices.

In the future, its use may be possible in remote sensors, weather monitoring stations, highway signage, small auxiliary lights and other low-power devices.

still a long way to go

This technology of generating electricity from rain is an interesting step towards making solar energy less affected by weather. If in future it can be used effectively on large solar panels, then there may be a possibility of capturing additional energy from the panel surface even during the rainy season.

However, it is too early to consider this as a practical and widely used technology. Its true usefulness will be revealed only after its durability, actual power output and long-term performance are tested outside the lab.