AMR Future Brief| Food Waste Solar Panels: A Sustainable Innovation Revolutionizing the Clean Energy Ecosystem
Sustainability has become the next big movement that every industry has widely planned to apply in every possible way. Moreover, the changing climatic condition is another big reason that has fueled the rapid adoption of this trend. According to the International Energy Agency, fossil fuels continue to account for over 81% of the global energy production. However, if individuals continue to burn natural fuels at the current rate, the supplies of gas and oil worldwide are expected to deplete by 2060. ?
Solar panels have evolved as a significant innovation in the clean energy revolution. Nevertheless, factors such as high installation costs, limited efficiency during night, and the absence of sunlight in the winter have restrained their widespread adoption. On the other hand, food waste brings numerous challenges to mankind which include environmental degradation through greenhouse gas emissions, economic losses for households and businesses, wastage of resources such as water and energy, and many more.??
To overcome these challenges, industry leaders have taken significant steps to modify solar panels to be more efficient and affordable. A prominent solution in this context involves using a board made of food waste that allows the passage of visible light while converting harmful UV rays into visible light. Traditional solar cells are used to place at the edges of the panel to generate electricity, making it suitable for buildings as a replacement for ordinary glass. The solar panels designed from food waste consist of a flexible and durable substrate composed of resin and luminescent compounds derived from the waste that convert UV radiation to visible light.??
Moreover, photovoltaic cells are affixed to the perimeter of the substrate, playing a key role in converting visible light into electrical energy. This approach offers an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and efficient solution for solar panels by addressing the major issues including high costs, lack of efficiency, and harmful UV rays.???
How does AuREUS repurpose food waste into solar panels??
Since sunlight is mostly available for a limited period during the day, standard solar panels only generate 15-20% of power during that time. To overcome this issue, Carvey Ehren Maigue, came up with his invention called AuREUS (Aurora Renewable Energy and UV Sequestration), in 2022. It is an innovative solar panel that is derived from fruit and vegetable waste, generating power as much as 50% of the time.??
When the sunlight hits the solar device, the particles inside the panel absorb and re-emit visible light along the edges due to internal reflectance. PV cells are placed at the edges to catch the visible light emitted. This captured light is then converted into DC electricity . Then the regulating circuits present in the panel process the voltage output to allow battery charging , storage, or direct power to appliances. AuREUS can be easily applied to windows to produce electricity. This panel is capable of utilizing indirect sunlight which bounces off walls and turns it into power. Due to its greater role in addressing emerging issues, this innovation received a sustainability award as part of the James Dyson Awards in 2023.??
In addition, Maigue also plans to add a more environmentally friendly approach to this invention by sourcing the waste fruit and vegetables from farms and agriculture businesses that are affected by climate change. According to him, AuREUS aims to generate electricity from natural resources and offer a futuristic solution for the next generation. Through this development, Maigue has also upcycled the crops that are usually hit by natural disasters such as typhoons.??
A look into pioneering initiatives taken by industry leaders in 2024?
In September 2024, Canadian Solar Inc., a leading manufacturer of solar photovoltaic modules announced its partnership with SOLARCYCLE, a US-based company eco-friendly process to decommission solar panels. This partnership has helped Canadian Solar to offer comprehensive recycling services to the states. Thomas Koerner, Senior Vice President of Canadian Solar said that through this agreement, the company envisions offering premium solar solutions along with end-of-life recycling services across the United States.??
In January 2024, Oxford PV, a leading UK solar pioneer joined forces with the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems to develop a modern tandem solar panel to make a world record for efficiency. This partnership signifies the development of solar power and the energy transition more broadly. This next-generation solar panel is designed to record 25% conversion energy which is quite rare in today’s world.??
Endnote?
Food waste solar panels represent a significant advancement in the field of renewable energy technology. They are designed by combining sustainable practices with innovative designs to address emerging environmental challenges. Moreover, the increasing adoption of solar panels in urban settings to reduce atmospheric impact is expected to create immense opportunities for the landscape in the future.??
? To gain more insights into the latest advances in food waste solar panels, feel free to talk to our industry analyst here ! You can also chat with them for any further queries.???
? **?????????????? ????????????: Rosy Behera ?
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