An Integrated Solar Panel with a Triboelectric Nanogenerator Array for Synergistic Harvesting of Raindrop and Solar Energy

The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is regarded as an effective strategy for harvesting energy from raindrops, and is a complementary solution with solar cells to achieve all-weather energy harvesting and sustainable energy supply. However, due to the irregularity of natural rainfalls in the volume, frequency, density, and location, designing high-efficiency raindrop TENG (R-TENG) arrays faces great challenges. In this work, a highly transparent, large-area, and high-efficiency R-TENG array with rational material choice, electrode structure, and array distribution is developed for efficiently harvesting irregular raindrop energy. The problem of electrical signal cancellation among adjacent raindrops can be fully avoided, as viewed from the high-resolution space-time analyses of high-speed camera and electrical signal characteristics. With the rationally designed electrode instead of multiple complex electrodes, all charges can be exported by the R-TENG array in a simulated irregular raindrop scenario. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the R-TENG possesses higher average power density (40.80 mW m-2 ) than that of the solar cell (37.03 mW m-2 ) in rainy condition. Additionally, a self-powered wireless light-intensity-monitoring system is demonstrated for real-time and all-day weather monitoring. This work provides useful guidance for designing high-efficiency TENG arrays integrated with solar panels for harvesting irregular raindrop energy and solar energy.