Exploring sustainable solutions in PV-integrated indoor farming: Energy, economic, and environmental insights from major U.S. cities

Guoqing Hu and Fengqi You

Applied Energy, 2025, vol. 399, issue C, No S0306261925011997

Abstract: As urban populations grow, sustainable local food production becomes essential. Indoor farming with integrated photovoltaic systems offers consistent yields under optimal conditions. This study evaluates photovoltaic-based controlled environment agriculture system in the ten most populous U.S. cities, organized by region—North Central, South Central, Northeast, and Southwest—focusing on energy savings, costs, and environmental impacts. A simulation framework resolves control optimization problems at 15-min intervals, where control outcomes and greenhouse states are analyzed for energy efficiency and environmental effects. The study introduces novel aspects: (1) comprehensive environmental impact assessments, targeting light pollution, carbon footprint reduction, and nitrification; (2) a multi-city evaluation for diverse climate insights; and (3) crop growth modeling within a model predictive control framework, offering a scalable, climate-sensitive solution that optimizes energy efficiency and crop yield. Results show that photovoltaic-based greenhouse can cut annual energy consumption by 25.7 %, reducing reliance on non-renewable sources. Geographic factors influence costs: East and Southwest cities, such as New York and Los Angeles, face increased operational expenses (18 %–26 %) due to land and energy constraints, whereas South Central cities like Houston and Phoenix benefit from lower costs due to ample sunlight. Environmental impacts vary; Northeast photovoltaic-based greenhouse reduces carbon emission emissions by 0.658 kg CO₂-eq/m2 annually but increases light pollution by 5 % in dense urban areas. North Central and South cities experience less light pollution but face nitrification issues, averaging 0.77 N2O eq-kg/m2.

Keywords: Indoor farming; Photovoltaics; Urban agriculture; Techno-economic assessment; Environmental sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2025.126469

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