Macroeconomics

Quantum mechanics

Green roof

Engineering

Biology

Roof

Computer graphics (images)

Archaeology

Energy (signal processing)

Economics

Civil engineering

Microclimate

Computer science

Solar energy

Waste management

Environmental engineering

Physics

Geography

Greenhouse

Payback period

Environmental science

Horticulture

Building-integrated photovoltaics

Architectural engineering

Shading

Photovoltaics

Photovoltaic system

Production (economics)

Electrical engineering

Engineering physics

Renewable Energy

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of semi-transparent building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) mounted on top of a greenhouse, on the growth of tomatoes and microclimate conditions as well as to estimate the generated energy and the payback period of this system. Three modules were settled at 20% of the greenhouse roof area at a tilt angle of 30° facing south at a distance of 0.08 m between the plastic cover and the BIPV. Each module has a peak power of 170 Wp and efficiency of 8.25%. Results revealed that the annual generated electric energy of the BIPV was 637 kWh. Furthermore, there were no significant differences (P < .05) in the growth of tomatoes between shaded greenhouse by the BIPV and the un-shaded greenhouse. The reduction of solar radiation under the BIPV was 35%–40% more than the Polyethylene covers on clear days. The BIPV shading decreases the air temperature by (1 °C–3 °C) on clear days and has no effect on relative humidity. The payback period was found to be 9 years. Moreover, this system can provide most of the annual energy demands for the greenhouse environmental control systems.

The integration of semi-transparent photovoltaics on greenhouse roof for energy and plant production