Greenhouses allow farming to take place throughout the year. However, they tend to consume a lot of energy because they need to be at optimal temperatures throughout the season. They also have various devices that are always running. For this reason, solar panels for greenhouse increase efficiency in this sector.
There has been an increase in the number of people adopting solar technology in farming. This practice improves the carbon footprint while producing healthy plants. Let’s look at everything you should know about PV modules for greenhouses.
Greenhouses and Solar Energy Technology
Within a few decades since solar energy innovation, it has become one of the most reliable sources of energy. The latest technology in solar energy is greenhouses. Farmers or gardening enthusiasts can now purchase photovoltaic solar panels for greenhouses. The solar panels developed solely for this sector can produce renewable energy.
Apart from generating clean energy, these solar panels assist plants in photosynthesis by using light altering dye. You can place the solar panels on top of the roof to generate power. Experts would not consider this a good idea in a typical setting as the panels block sunlight that plants depend on to make food.
However, this technology produces electricity without adversely affecting the plants in the greenhouse. Additionally, during the summer, these PV arrays provide much-needed cooling. The solar panels are designed effectively to exploit the sun’s annual oscillation.
Previously, farmers and companies used to depend on oil to produce enough energy to run greenhouses. However, there is an increase in oil prices, which also has adverse effects on the environment. Currently, most people prefer the type of energy that less impacts the planet, thus promoting conservation.
Benefits of Solar Panels for Greenhouses
1. Saving Cost
Generally, greenhouses have high energy consumption. The energy helps maintain critical greenhouse processes, lighting, and appropriate temperatures throughout the year. For this reason, your electricity bill might be relatively high. Besides, you may experience power outages, leading to crop damage affecting your yields and profits.
Solar energy for your greenhouse is a game-changer. The only requirement is the installation of a solar energy system to make your greenhouse energy efficient. The reliance on this natural resource reduces or eliminates your energy bill. Long-term electricity cost saving is an appealing incentive.
2. You Can Construct the Greenhouse Anywhere
The sun is not limited to any location. As a result, you can build the greenhouse in any place due to this convenience. However, when relying on electricity, you can only place it near the electricity lines. This can be limiting, especially for farms located in areas a bit far from this utility.
3. Reduce or Prevent Greenhouse Emissions
Solar greenhouses eliminate regular greenhouse emissions. As such, they are friendly to the environment as they reduce carbon footprint. Investing in solar modules for greenhouses lessens the impact on the plant.
4. Improved Efficiency and Effectiveness
When you use other energy sources to provide power to the greenhouse, a need for temperature control arises. But using the latest solar technology stops heat from being directed to the greenhouse when it increases.
Did you know that you can store excess energy for later use? You can maintain the required temperatures in the greenhouse using stored energy during cold days. If the PV system is designed and installed well, it can help cool the greenhouse to improve efficiency. It also leads to the production of better-tasting fruits and vegetables.
Types of PV Panels for Greenhouses
Greenhouses can use any solar panel. These panels may vary in prices and efficiency. However, they make use of silicon technology.
i) Monocrystalline solar cells
If you have been looking at solar panels, you may have come across this name. These cells are made using single crystalline silicon technology. Their dark color and cylindrical shape distinguish them from other types. They also have the highest performance.
Advantages
- Highest level of efficiency at 15-20%
- Have less space demands due to high efficiency
- Long warranties of about 25 years
- Ideal for cloudy days as they have better performance in low sunlight levels
Disadvantages
- Have a high cost
- An increase in temperatures affects their performance
- Waste of materials during manufacturing
ii) Polycrystalline solar cells
Silicon is melted and then poured onto square molds, unlike in monocrystalline cells where silicon is cut into four times. These molds form perfect squares.
Advantages
- Cheaper and easier manufacturing process than monocrystalline cells
- Optimal silicon utilization
- An increase in temperatures doesn’t significantly affect these cells, making them much more friendly to hotter climates
Disadvantages
- Efficiency at 13-16% as a result of low silicon purity
- Requires more roof for installation as they have low output rates
iii) Thin-film solar cells
This type of solar technology uses thin layers of photovoltaic placed on top of each other. There are various types of thin-film solar cells all with varying materials used in the layers. These are:
- Amorphous silicon
- Cadmium telluride
- Copper indium gallium selenide
- Organic PV cells
The materials used determine the module’s efficiency. These types of cells are growing in popularity globally. Their efficiency percentage also keeps getting better.
Greenhouses and solar panel technology solve two of the world’s most significant challenges: energy independence and food security. An efficient greenhouse enables food production throughout the year.
Because solar panels on greenhouses produce efficient energy, they provide additional benefits to farmers and agricultural companies. They are instrumental in reducing the ever-increasing electricity bill. The technology helps with cooling the greenhouse, thus increasing efficiency. PV panels for greenhouses also have less adverse effects on our planet. Solar panels have redefined greenhouse farming as we know it.
Action Point
Do you want to tap the potential of solar energy in agriculture? Solar panel greenhouses is a new technology that will help you reduce carbon footprint and increase production. You can contact us and have greenhouse in your premises at a friendly cost. Dynamic Slr is a renowned solar installation company in Texas, thanks to quality products and customer-oriented services.
