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Canadian researchers have determined that crystalline silicon semitransparent photovoltaic modules with 69% transparency can increase tomato yields in greenhouses by as much as 38%, while also fostering healthy plant development through advantageous partial shading. Their computer models further revealed that pairing rooftop agrivoltaic systems with heat pumps can completely remove the need for fossil fuel-based heating.
The investigation, led by Joshua M. Pearce of Western University, examined multiple semi-transparent PV setups for cultivating Red Robin tomatoes. Tested configurations included crystalline silicon panels at 44% and 69% transparency, luminescent solar concentrators at 53% and 69% transparency, and red and blue thin-film panels at 50% transparency. The agrivoltaic setups preserved consistent leaf chlorophyll content and growth patterns similar to the control group, yet the 69% transparent crystalline silicon option delivered the greatest yield boost of 38%.
Using experimental data, the team employed an open-source modeling framework with EnergyPlus, Python, and SAM to simulate large-scale greenhouse operations. Swapping a standard gas heater for a heat pump eradicated fossil fuel usage entirely and raised electricity consumption by merely about 1.5 times. Incorporating the chosen 69% transparent PV system with a heat pump enabled complete electrification of an agrivoltaic greenhouse, though it satisfied only roughly 13% of the total yearly electricity requirement, suggesting that additional agrivoltaic arrays in fields would be necessary for full self-sufficiency.
The study highlighted that prior experimental and simulation work had shown solar PV could meet some or all energy needs of greenhouses with heat pumps, but none had explored roof-mounted STPV modules or directly assessed how partial shading and transparency affect plant growth. The researchers evaluated systems across five phases: agrivoltaic trials, greenhouse energy modeling, heat pump integration, STPV modeling, and comprehensive system analysis. They modeled three scenarios: a conventional greenhouse heated by gas, a greenhouse using a heat pump, and an agrivoltaic greenhouse combining a heat pump with rooftop STPV modules.
Experiments were carried out at the WIRED facility in London, Ontario, Canada, utilizing two matching tomato greenhouses. Red Robin tomatoes were grown for 19 weeks under various agrivoltaic treatments and a control condition. Bifacial STPV technologies tested included crystalline silicon, cadmium telluride thin film, and luminescent solar concentrator modules, each with different transparency levels and spectral characteristics. Plant growth conditions were uniform except for variations in light intensity and spectrum caused by the modules. Supplemental LED lighting, evapotranspiration effects, recirculation fans, humidity management, and ventilation strategies were integrated to mimic realistic greenhouse environments.
Overall system performance was measured using key metrics such as energy intensity, electricity and fuel consumption, operating cost reductions, greenhouse yield, and carbon emission cuts. Economic assessments relied on local electricity and natural gas rates, while environmental impacts were calculated using Ontario-specific emission factors for grid electricity and natural gas combustion.
The trials demonstrated that healthy cherry tomatoes could be grown under all STPV treatments as well as standard greenhouse conditions. Most agrivoltaic treatments maintained plant health and productivity at levels comparable to or exceeding the control. The 69%-transparent crystalline silicon modules yielded the most consistent and statistically significant improvements in crop output. Total harvested tomato yield rose by up to 74% under certain STPV treatments relative to the control, primarily because partial shading alleviated excessive light and heat stress on the plants.
Simulation outcomes showed that replacing natural gas heating with heat pumps completely eliminated fossil fuel use and significantly cut carbon emissions. Although electrification raised annual electricity demand, the superior efficiency of heat pumps kept operating cost increases in check.
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