Every year, enormous quantities of fruits and vegetables are thrown away, despite being perfectly edible. At the same time, millions of people face high electricity bills and limited access to affordable energy, particularly in rural communities. A breakthrough innovation from the Philippines proposes a bold solution to both problems: solar panels made from food waste.
Invented by Filipino engineering student Carvey Ehren Maigue, AuREUS (Aurora Renewable Energy and UV Sequestration) solar panels convert agricultural waste into clean electricity. Unlike traditional solar panels, AuREUS can generate power even on cloudy days and does not require direct sunlight to function. The technology won the prestigious James Dyson Sustainability Award in 2020 for its potential to address multiple environmental and social issues (CNN Philippines, 2020).
AuREUS panels appear at first glance like colorful glass, but beneath the surface lies an innovative system inspired by the aurora borealis. Luminescent particles—naturally found in many fruits and vegetables—are extracted from discarded produce and embedded into a resin panel. These particles absorb ultraviolet (UV) light, which penetrates clouds, and re-emit it as visible light. That light is then captured by photovoltaic (PV) cells placed along the panel’s edges, converting it into usable electricity (BBC News, 2020).
One of the most remarkable features of AuREUS is its adaptability. Unlike conventional solar panels that must face the sun at optimal angles and rely on clear skies, AuREUS panels can be installed vertically on windows or building walls, making them ideal for city skyscrapers, rural homes, and other structures where space or orientation is limited (Inquirer.net, 2020).
Beyond its energy capabilities, AuREUS technology offers a sustainable solution to the global food waste crisis. A 2021 report by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Tesco revealed that about 1.2 billion tonnes of food—around 15% of all food grown—is wasted annually. This includes vast amounts of produce discarded at the farm level due to cosmetic imperfections, shifting market demands, or extreme weather (WWF, 2021).
For farmers, this waste represents a major financial burden. However, with the development of AuREUS, previously unsellable crops gain a second life. Farmers can now sell their damaged or surplus produce for use in solar panel manufacturing, opening a new revenue stream while reducing waste. The technology helps create a more circular agricultural economy, especially valuable in rural and remote communities where access to power is limited and costly (Eco-Business, 2021).
Since its first field tests in 2019, the AuREUS system has evolved. Researchers have tested 78 types of crops, with nine—particularly red, orange, yellow, and green varieties—showing the strongest performance in UV light absorption. Current extraction methods reach about 80% efficiency, and further work aims to make the process more cost-effective and scalable (Fast Company, 2020).
Practical applications for the technology are expanding. Aside from windows and building walls, AuREUS materials are being explored for use on the sides of buses and trains, streetlights, advertising billboards, and even outdoor furniture. These uses reflect a broader vision for integrating renewable energy seamlessly into everyday urban environments.
As cities face growing energy demands and climate concerns, innovations like AuREUS provide a hopeful path forward. Not only does the technology reduce carbon emissions, but it also addresses food waste, supports farmers, and provides more equitable access to clean electricity.
Carvey Ehren Maigue’s invention demonstrates how interdisciplinary thinking—combining agriculture, materials science, and clean technology—can produce meaningful impact. With further investment and research, AuREUS could be a critical tool in building a greener, more inclusive energy future.
