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31 March 2025

How can rain be used to generate electricity?

There are technological breakthroughs that make it possible to harness rain to generate electricity—such as hybrid solar panels equipped with triboelectric nanogenerators or innovative systems like Pluvia. These innovations could complement solar energy and enhance its performance in rainy climates.

Can you imagine powering your home thanks to rainfall? Or solar panels using rain to generate electricity? Yes, you heard that right—solar panels!

Solar power and rain may seem like opposites. Still, as they say, opposites attract. Let’s dive into the details!

 

Rain can also help generate electricity

A team of researchers from Tsinghua University in Shenzhen, China, has developed a system that allows solar panels to generate electricity even when it’s raining.

This innovation is based on the integration of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), which capture the energy from raindrops striking the panel’s surface. 

Thanks to a physical phenomenon known as the triboelectric effect, a small electric charge is generated when water contacts certain materials. TENGs then convert this charge into usable electricity.

The functioning of these hybrid panels is based on the natural electric charge generated when water comes into contact with certain materials. That means that when a raindrop hits the panel, it becomes positively charged, while the panel surface—coated with a special material—becomes negatively charged. 

This charge difference creates an electric current that is captured and converted by the nanogenerators into energy ready for use.

Researchers have managed to generate up to 200 W/m2 when multiple panels are simultaneously connected—approaching the output of conventional solar panels under ideal conditions. 

This development could significantly improve the performance of solar systems in rainy regions or humid seasons, helping avoid drastic drops in energy production when sunlight is scarce.

It also opens up possibilities for urban applications, where rooftops and buildings could harness rain to complement electricity generation.

Challenges of generating electricity from rain

Of course, this technology comes with challenges. One major hurdle is long-term energy efficiency—the power generated by triboelectric nanogenerators is currently lower than that of conventional solar energy. 

Additionally, the durability and weather resistance of the materials used on the panel surfaces must be optimised to withstand continuous exposure to the elements without degrading.

Another key challenge is integrating these hybrid panels into existing infrastructure, as their design must be compatible with traditional photovoltaic systems. 

And since rainfall is intermittent, it’s essential to develop efficient energy storage solutions to manage the electricity produced.

And that’s not all… Here’s another surprising way to harness the power of rain right at home.

 

Pluvia: a system that collects rainwater from rooftops

Pluvia is a home-based system featuring micro-hydraulic turbines, developed by students at the Technological University of Mexico. It was created with a clear vision: to generate electricity and provide potable water by collecting rainwater directly from rooftops.

Using a pipe installed on the roof, rainwater is filtered and purified before flowing into a microturbine. Once in this microturbine, electricity is generated. After passing through the turbine, the water runs through an activated carbon filter that removes impurities and odours. 

The energy generated is stored in 12-volt batteries, which are capable of powering small appliances.

Notably, the ability to generate electricity directly from raindrops opens the door to new ways of optimising natural resources. 

The real key to the future does not lie in a single energy source but in discovering a range of solutions that ensure efficient and sustainable energy supply. That’s how things that once seemed like opposites—solar energy and rain—can become powerful allies.

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