Journal of Agriculture & Life Sciences

Co-Production of Vegetables and Electricity in Agricultural Greenhouses in Crete, Greece. Is it Feasible?
John Vourdoubas

Abstract
Use of solar photovoltaics in agricultural greenhouses could result in co-production of food products and electricity. The technical and economic feasibility of using semi-transparent solar panels on the rooftop of greenhouses in Crete, Greece has been investigated. The impacts of their use on the plant’s growth have been mentioned and a preliminary study for a 10 ha greenhouse located in Crete, Greece has been implemented. Semi-transparent solar panels covering 15% of the rooftop surface could generate 16.8 KWh per m2 of the greenhouse’s surface while their installation cost is estimated at 24 €/m2. The annual decrease of CO2 emissions due to their use is at 10.08 kgCO2/m2 while the levelized cost of the generated electricity is estimated at 0.082 €/KWh. It is concluded that the use of semi-transparent solar panels on the rooftop of greenhouses in Crete, Greece would result in economic and environmental benefits for the farmer.

Full Text: PDF