What is it about?
This article presents a concept of smart agro-photovoltaic tunnels that combine protected crop cultivation with on-site solar energy generation. The system integrates photovoltaic panels with agricultural tunnels to simultaneously support plant growth and produce renewable electricity. Energy generated by the PV system can power climate control, irrigation and monitoring technologies within the tunnel. The concept is evaluated for different climate zones, demonstrating its flexibility and global applicability.
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Why is it important?
The proposed system enables dual land use, producing food and clean energy on the same area without competition for space. It supports sustainable agriculture by reducing dependence on external energy sources and lowering carbon emissions. Smart control of light, temperature and water improves crop resilience to climate variability and extreme weather events. The concept shows that agro-photovoltaic tunnels can achieve a positive energy balance while maintaining crop productivity.
Perspectives
Smart agro-photovoltaic tunnels offer new opportunities for energy-autonomous and climate-resilient farming systems. Future development may include advanced control algorithms, IoT integration and crop-specific optimization strategies. The concept can be adapted to diverse climates, from temperate to arid regions, supporting global food and energy security. This research lays the groundwork for scalable, intelligent agri-energy infrastructures of the future.
Dr Robert Wielgat
University of Applied Sciences in Tarnow
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: A Concept of Smart Agro-Photovoltaic Tunnels, IEEE Access, January 2024, Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers (IEEE),
DOI: 10.1109/access.2024.3376411.
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