Abstract
In this review, the concept of a hybrid solar cell system, called all-weather solar cells, a new view on energy harvesting device design, is introduced and described in detail. Additionally, some critical economical, technological, and ecological aspects are discussed. Due to drastic global climate changes, traditional energy harvesting devices relying only on solar energy are becoming less adaptive, hence the need for redesigning photovoltaic systems. In this work, alternative energy harvesting technologies, such as piezoelectric and triboelectric devices, and photoelectron storage, that can be used widely as supporting systems to traditional photovoltaic systems are analysed in detail, based on the available literature. Finally, some examples of all-weather solar cells composed of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) and silicon solar cells, often modified with graphene oxide or phosphors materials, as new perspective trends in nanotechnology are presented. Two types of solar cell triggers are analysed: (i) solar cells working during day and night (DSSC with phosphors materials), and (ii) solar cells working under sun and rain conditions (piezoelectric and triboelectric silicon or DSSC solar cells).
Highlights
Both the advancement in technology and the rise of living standards has resulted in increased energy usage
Some researchers have investigated the possibility of harvesting energy from rain, which is the most frequent occurring phenomenon on the globe above the Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn. The example of such devices includes both electrostatic and piezoelectric energy harvesting [8], or piezoelectric/triboelectric and electromagnetic devices [9]. Another approach proposed by Tang [6,10] is all-weather solar cells, harvesting solar energy from a wider spectral range during the daytime and during dark periods using the incorporated long persistent phosphors (LPP) which are fluorescent-emitting and absorb a specific light wavelength during sunny hours and emits it during dark hours
Pt-based option. The efficiency (PCE) was increased and equalled 26.69%, 22.62%, 20.87%, 19.78%, 15.35%, and 3.02% for all-weather solar cells characterised by green, cyan, blue, purple, red, and white luminescence, respectively
Summary
Both the advancement in technology and the rise of living standards has resulted in increased energy usage. Some researchers have investigated the possibility of harvesting energy from rain, which is the most frequent occurring phenomenon on the globe above the Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn The example of such devices includes both electrostatic and piezoelectric energy harvesting [8], or piezoelectric/triboelectric and electromagnetic devices [9]. Another approach proposed by Tang [6,10] is all-weather solar cells, harvesting solar energy from a wider spectral range during the daytime and during dark periods using the incorporated long persistent phosphors (LPP) which are fluorescent-emitting and absorb a specific light wavelength during sunny hours and emits it during dark hours. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first review paper about all-weather solar cells
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
