Rain Powered Solar Panel

A solar panel that can generate electricity from falling raindrops has been invented enabling power to flow even when skies cloud over or the sun has set.

Rain powered solar panel.

There is a new all weather solar panel being developed by chinese scientists. Solar panel output is expressed in units of watts w and represents the panel s theoretical power production under ideal sunlight and temperature conditions. Solar panels installed on your roof can use direct or indirect sunlight though they are most effective when they receive direct sunlight. Like most solar panels the new solar cell can generate energy from sunlight on sunny days using existing technology.

When the clouds roll in and raindrops start to fall the solar cell then can. Compared to sunny days rainy days have 90 percent less sunlight. On cloudy or rainy days photovoltaic panels can produce anywhere between 10 25 of their optimal capacity. With less sunlight the solar panels produce an equal drop in electricity.

This uses electron enriched graphene to bond with the positive ions of rain to produce electricity. The exact amount will vary depending on how dark and heavy the rain and cloud coverage is overhead. The technology still isn t perfect but it may be available soon.