Innovative photovoltaic greenhouses – how does it work?
The progressive increase in temperatures and insolation leads to the search for new solutions for agriculture. One of them is agrophotovoltaics, which is a modern way to increase yields and improve animal husbandry – among other things in greenhouses. As you know, the task of a greenhouse is to optimise and stabilise the external factors that support the development and ripening of crops. The right temperature, the right humidity and the right light are important. Are photovoltaic greenhouses the answer to the needs of modern agriculture?
Photovoltaic greenhouses – why is it worth it?
The main reason for the growing interest in photovoltaics in gardening and agriculture is the savings. A huge advantage of this solution is the fact that the photovoltaic installation itself produces electricity. The costs for purchasing and installing a photovoltaic system pay for themselves in about fifteen years, depending on the overall energy consumption. In addition, it is possible to obtain special subsidies for the construction of RES installations.
Therefore, more and more people are considering investing in photovoltaic greenhouses, which are a clean, ecological source of energy generation. What are the most important advantages of such a solution?
- The panels do not generate any noise.
- They are completely safe for the environment.
- Automatic work, without maintenance.
- They store energy in batteries, which is useful in case of power grid failure.
- Photovoltaics in a greenhouse can reduce energy costs by over 70%.
In the case of photovoltaic greenhouses, the modules are mounted on the sunny part of the roof. For this purpose, BIPV panels are used, i.e. integrated into the elements used in the construction of houses. Such systems are cheaper, because it is not necessary to buy special frames for them.
In greenhouses it is necessary to use panels connected to glass. Thanks to this, the sun’s rays penetrate into the interior and the panel catches the photons and generates electricity. The electricity produced in this way can be used, among other things, in the greenhouse (e.g. for soil irrigation systems) or stored for later use.
If you want to know more about installing photovoltaic panels in a greenhouse, please contact our specialists. We will help you choose the right modules and also install them correctly.
Self-sustainable photovoltaic greenhouses
Researchers at North Carolina State University have come to similar conclusions about photovoltaics in greenhouses. The scientists have proven that the use of panels does not interfere with plant growth. Instead, it is neutral in terms of emissions.
The experiment involved observing the growth of red-leaf lettuce in two greenhouses. In one of them, translucent photovoltaic panels were installed, while the other was made in the traditional way. All other factors (temperature, fertilisers, water) were the same in both places.
It turned out that the lettuce growing under the photovoltaic modules did not differ from that grown in the typical way. The vegetables had the same weight, size and antioxidant content. Furthermore, the study showed that the translucent photovoltaic panels perfectly regulate the temperature in the greenhouse. They stop only part of the sunlight to generate electricity, while the rest reaches the plants.
Economical and ecological
Researchers at North Carolina State University also pointed out that typical greenhouses consume a lot of energy compared to other types of agriculture. They require constant temperature control. Therefore, translucent solar modules can effectively reduce carbon emissions from greenhouses.
Besides, even soil-mounted panels produce energy and shade farm fields at the same time. All this makes the combination of photovoltaics and agriculture a great investment in the future.
Photovoltaics in Kalisz with Prowable
Photovoltaic installations are an ecological and economical solution for agriculture. Due to rising electricity prices and increased consumption, it is worth investing in the production of free energy on your own farm. The space underneath the ground-mounted installation can be used for growing certain crops, such as legumes (soya beans) or vegetables. Furthermore, photovoltaic installations do not have a negative impact on the soil.
If you are interested in installing a photovoltaic installation in Kalisz, a heat pump or a hybrid installation, read the terms and conditions of a new form of subsidy called Agroenergia.
