Exploring Materials and Modes for Improved Energy Output in Triboelectric Nanogenerator (TENG) and Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Hybrid Systems for Tropical Climate

This study aimed to optimize the energy output of a hybrid renewable energy system by evaluating material combinations and operational modes for a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) integrated with a solar photovoltaic (PV) panel. Designed for tropical climates such as the Philippines, the hybrid system sought to address the intermittency of solar energy by harvesting kinetic energy from rainfall using TENGs. Through a literature-informed material screening and prototype testing under simulated rainfall, key TENG configurations were assessed based on open-circuit voltage (Voc), material availability, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness. The results identified FEP-Stainless Steel in contact-separation mode as the optimal configuration, producing the highest Voc output. When integrated with a monocrystalline PV panel, the hybrid system achieved a 2.94% increase in energy output compared to a standalone PV panel. Despite constraints in real-time rainfall data and environmental simulation, the study demonstrates the feasibility of dual-mode energy harvesting for residential applications in tropical regions, offering a potential step forward in localized, sustainable energy generation.