Spanish Scientists Develop Hybrid Solar Panel That Generates Power From Both Sunlight and Rain

• March 4, 2026

Scientists at the Institute of Materials Science and Technology (ICMS) in Seville, Spain, have announced the development of a unique hybrid solar cell that can generate electricity from both sunlight and rainfall. This advancement could mark a significant step forward in expanding solar power generation capabilities beyond sunny conditions.

Innovative Approach Combines Photovoltaic and Triboelectric Effects

The new solar panel design integrates a perovskite-based photovoltaic cell with a triboelectric system capable of converting mechanical energy from falling raindrops into electrical energy. By leveraging the classic photoelectric effect to harness solar irradiation alongside the triboelectric effect for rain energy, the device achieves continuous power generation regardless of weather conditions.

Perovskite materials have attracted attention in recent years for their strong light absorption and efficient photovoltaic performance. The ICMS team’s hybrid device builds on these properties by incorporating an additional energy-harvesting mechanism that collects electricity generated by the impact and friction of raindrops on the panel surface.

This all-weather capability addresses a major limitation of conventional solar panels, which suffer from reduced efficiency and downtime during cloudy or rainy periods. With the hybrid approach, energy generation can be maintained even in adverse weather, potentially improving the reliability and output of solar energy systems.

The research underscores the ongoing pursuit of more versatile and resilient renewable energy technologies. The ability to convert multiple forms of environmental energy into electricity could enhance the adaptability of solar solutions in varied climates and geographic locations.

Details regarding the panel’s performance metrics, manufacturing processes, and commercial deployment were not disclosed. However, the innovation reflects a growing trend of integrating multi-source energy conversion capabilities into solar devices to maximize clean energy capture.

Further development and scaling will be required to evaluate the economic feasibility and durability of such hybrid solar cells in real-world conditions. Nonetheless, the Spanish researchers’ work contributes valuable insight into hybrid energy harvesting and the potential of perovskite-based systems to broaden the applicability of solar power.

Researchers in Spain have created a hybrid perovskite solar cell that produces electricity from sunlight and raindrops, enabling all-weather energy harvesting.