Compatibility between Crops and Solar Panels: An Overview from Shading Systems

Abstract

The use of alternative energy in agricultural production is desired by many researchers, especially for protected crops that are grown in greenhouses with photovoltaic panels on the roofs. These panels allow for the passage of varying levels of sunlight according to the needs of each type of crop. In this way, sustainable and more economic energy can be generated than that offered by fossil fuels. The objective of this work is to review the literature regarding the applications of selective shading systems with crops, highlighting the use of photovoltaic panels. In this work, shading systems have been classified as bleaching, mesh, screens, and photovoltaic modules. The search was conducted using Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus until February 2018. In total, 113 articles from scientific journals and related conferences were selected. The most important authors of this topic are “Yano A” and “Abdel-Ghany AM”, and regarding the number of documents cited, the most important journal is Biosystems Engineering. The year 2017 had the most publications, with a total of 20, followed by 2015 with 14. The use of shading systems, especially of photovoltaic panels, requires more crop-specific research to determine the optimum percentage of panels that does not reduce agricultural production.

Autonomous Installations for Monitoring the “Protector Prosperina“ Forest

“…From the literary review, several authors present studies indicating that energy can be guaranteed, if the number of photovoltaic modules and the orientation of the greenhouse are correctly chosen for the latitude and the time of year [31], and the location of the modules is important when looking at reducing the shadow effects that can generate large energy losses [32]. Even, they have been made flexible panels to supply energy to autonomous systems and to replace the shading elements, thus achieving normal crop development [33,34]. These studies show results of uses of photovoltaic panels to energize greenhouse ventilation systems (use of 3 to 4 photovoltaic panels, regular, inverter, battery) and research involving a detailed analysis of the operation of the photovoltaic panel.…”

The Perspective of Total Lighting as a Key Factor to Increase the Sustainability of Strategic Activities

“…Concerning agriculture, the effects of lighting on the growth and maturation of different vegetable species have been known for ages, but the application of the techniques of illumination, including different wavelengths [14,22], illuminance levels, and combination of sunlight with artificial light has not been considered as a part of a global philosophy of lighting seeking multi-approach to sustainable development. Furthermore, interesting proposals combining the shadowing of greenhouses with electrical production have been possible thanks to the use of solar panels on the crops [15]. As a result of these and other advances, a smart application of lighting allows an increase in land productivity without higher consumption and emissions and even achieving extra energy.…”

“…That is what we have classically called "sustainable lighting". However, it is becoming more and more evident that some kinds of lighting can directly contribute to the increase of the agricultural production [14,15], the preservation of cultural heritage [16,17], or the attachment to traditional livelihoods [18], among others.…”

Effects of Cooling Systems on Greenhouse Microclimate and Cucumber Growth under Mediterranean Climatic Conditions

“…Passive cooling methods (e.g., natural ventilation, white washing, shading nets) are considered simple and low-cost ways to reduce greenhouse heat accumulation, as they require little initial investment [6,7]. However, the efficiency of natural ventilation is limited under low external air velocity values and shading can affect production and fruit quality characteristics based on the technique used and the percentage reduction of incoming solar radiation [8,9]. Hence, active cooling methods (e.g., evaporative pads, fogging, misting, fan ventilation) are being implemented in warmer In order to evaluate the effect of different cooling systems on soilless cucumber culture, the greenhouse was separated longitudinally with polyethylene film of the same characteristics in two compartments (Figure 1).…”