USE OF SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAICS IN AGRICULTURAL GREENHOUSES
Energy use in greenhouses
Growing vegetables, flowers and ornamental plants in greenhouses is beneficial in many ways. In fact, plants that grow in structures with a controlled environment develop better. In greenhouses, lowering or raising the temperature and controlling humidity is done through ventilation, heating and humidification systems. However, this equipment requires a certain amount of energy and fuel to operate efficiently.
In order to reduce the input of electricity from external sources, and use renewable sources, the installation of solar photovoltaic panels can prove to be an effective solution to provide energy needed for climate control in greenhouses. In addition, photovoltaic technologies, are widely promoted by institutions in order to foster the green revolution.
Installing photovoltaic panels requires space
Considering the lack of adequate space to install photovoltaic panels on farms, especially in areas where arable land is scarce or very expensive, greenhouse roofs may seem like an ideal surface on which to install this energy-efficient equipment.
However, photovoltaic panels installed on the roof of greenhouses and nurseries will shade the surface below. The shade produced, will prevent direct sunlight from reaching the plants. This factor will most likely negatively affect their growth. Therefore, it is important to consider the various risk factors for plant health in these structures before proceeding with the installation of photovoltaic systems.
The Benefits of Using Solar Energy to Power Your Greenhouse
A solar-powered greenhouse offers numerous benefits for growing plants and crops. From saving you money and improving plant results to doing good for the environment, here are several benefits you’ll gain if you rely on the sun’s power to keep your greenhouse running.
Reduced Energy Cost
The initial cost of installing a solar-powered energy system for your greenhouse can be significant, but the long-term savings it provides can’t be ignored. Using renewable energy sources to power your greenhouse can significantly reduce your monthly energy costs.
Improved Yield
With reliable and renewable energy from the sun, your plants and crops can take advantage of the light and warmth to produce higher yields. Even during colder months when crops outside the greenhouse can’t survive, your solar-powered greenhouse can maintain thriving plants.
Eco-Friendly
The energy that comes from the sun is clean, renewable, and sustainable. Traditional energy sources emit pollutants and harmful greenhouse gases, but not solar. By choosing solar as your greenhouse energy source, you’ll help the environment by utilizing natural resources instead of traditional energy sources like oil.
Low Maintenance
Once you’ve installed a solar-powered system in your greenhouse, you won’t need to worry about it beyond a bit of annual cleaning and inspection by a professional. Your installed panels require little maintenance and don’t need frequent repairs or replacements.
Energy Independence
With a system that runs on the sun’s power, if you’ve paired it with a solar battery, you won’t have to rely on an energy provider or worry about blackouts. Your greenhouse will be fully self-sufficient and independent of any other energy sources, so there’s no concern about dealing with rising energy prices or what to do in the case of a blackout. With solar-powered energy systems that incorporate a solar battery, you can store any excess energy your system generates but doesn’t use, giving you a source of energy to draw from in cases like a blackout. There will be no worry about how to keep your crops happy because you’ll always have power for things like your heaters, lights, and vents.
Government Incentives
For those who want to switch to solar energy, governments worldwide are offering some attractive incentives. Depending on your location, you may qualify for subsidies or tax credits to help reduce installation costs and make transitioning to renewable energy more affordable.
Scalability
Solar-powered greenhouses are an excellent option for anyone looking to customize their gardening experience. You can easily scale up or down your renewable energy system, depending on the size of your greenhouse and how much power you need. Your panel installations can be designed to fit the exact needs of your greenhouse to maximize sustainability.
Versatility
Solar energy can power various applications, from heating and cooling systems to lights and even machinery. In your greenhouse, you can use the energy you generate to run fans for ventilation, pumps for water circulation, or any other equipment necessary for optimal plant growth.
How Much Solar Power Does a Greenhouse Need?
To understand how much power a greenhouse will need, you need to determine what operations you’ll need solar power for, how many watts of energy each process requires, and how many hours you need for each function.
Once you know how much energy is required by each operation you need to power, then combine them to determine the energy usage your greenhouse will need. Don’t forget to include things like lighting, heating, and watering!
The amount of electricity your greenhouse might need may vary depending on the size of your greenhouse, the location of the greenhouse and its weather, and other features you may have, like wall insulation, vents, or energy screens.
Once you know how much solar power your greenhouse requires, you’ll want to consider the number of solar panels it needs. The number of panels you’ll require to meet your greenhouse’s energy needs will depend on a few things, including the rated power of the solar panels, their efficiency rating, and how the temperature of your greenhouse environment may impact this efficiency.
Challenges of Solar PV in Greenhouses
1. Initial Investment Cost: The primary barrier to the adoption of solar PV technology in greenhouses is the high initial cost of solar panels and installation. However, this is often offset by long-term savings and potential government subsidies and incentives.
2. Technological Integration: Integrating solar panels into greenhouse designs without compromising the primary function of optimal plant growth is a technical challenge. The panels must be positioned and designed to maximize light exposure for both electricity generation and plant health.
3. Regional Limitations: The efficiency of solar panels is contingent on geographical and climatic factors. Regions with less sunlight may find it less advantageous to deploy solar PV systems, as the energy output may not justify the costs.
Future Potential
1. Technological Advances: Innovations such as transparent solar panels or selectively permeable surfaces that allow for the passage of specific light wavelengths beneficial to plant growth while blocking others and generating energy are on the horizon. These advancements could enhance the viability and efficiency of solar PV in greenhouses.
2. Integration with Smart Agriculture: Combining solar PV systems with smart agricultural practices, such as automated climate control and energy management systems, can optimize both energy use and crop yields. This integration can potentially transform greenhouses into fully autonomous, highly efficient production units.
3. Policy Support and Research: Increased support from governmental and educational institutions in the form of research funding and policy-making can facilitate the broader adoption of solar PV in greenhouses. Policies that make it easier to obtain financing, coupled with incentives for renewable energy installations, can greatly enhance the attractiveness of these systems.
While challenges remain, the benefits of integrating solar photovoltaic systems into agricultural greenhouses are substantial, offering a pathway to a more sustainable and economically viable future for the agriculture industry. With ongoing technological advancements and supportive policies, the potential for widespread adoption increases, promising to revolutionize the way we think about combined energy and food production.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Solar Panels Does It Take to Run a Greenhouse?
The number of solar panels you’ll need to run your solar greenhouse can vary drastically, depending on how large your greenhouse is, your electricity requirements, the rated power and efficiency rating of your solar panels, and more.
What Is the Disadvantage of a Solar Greenhouse?
The main disadvantage of a solar greenhouse is the upfront cost. Depending on the type and size of your solar greenhouse, you could end up investing a significant amount of money into solar panels and a solar battery. However, once installed, solar greenhouses are low-cost and low-maintenance.
Is a Solar Greenhouse Worth It?
Solar greenhouses are worthwhile. Solar greenhouses offer several benefits, from reducing energy costs and improving crop yields to being eco-friendly and requiring little maintenance. A solar greenhouse is worth considering if you’re looking for an energy-efficient way to grow your plants and crops successfully in any weather.
