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Agrivoltaics is a promising application of co-generation of crops and energy on the same parch of land which has been successfully implemented in many countries across the world. The combination of greenhouses and energy generation offers the scope of higher land productivity and better yields from protected cultivation. In this study, the design features of greenhouses in hot climates are explored through literature review and important parameters affecting the energy performance of a greenhouse are drawn out- Orientation, shape, covering material, shading and ventilation. Using the suggestions from literature review, a design approach was developed and used to model a PV integrated greenhouse for the location of New Delhi. The daylight distribution and cooling energy demand was evaluated at different levels of PV cover ratio. The findings revealed that up to 20% of PV cover ratio can be used for all crops of varying light demand without affecting the yield and higher PV ratios maybe used with lower light demanding crops. Moreover, the integration of PV modules results in reduction in energy consumption of greenhouse due to shading effect and energy savings up to 60% can be achieved. The energy efficiency gap can facilitate viable business models to mutually benefit farmers, developers and DISCOMS leading to higher penetration of solar energy and diversification of farmer income in India.
Keywords: Agrivoltaics; Greenhouse Design; Daylight analysis; Honeybee energy analysis; energy efficiency.
