CFD Analysis of Irradiance and Its Distribution in a Photovoltaic Greenhouse

Meir Teitel (), Shay Ozer and Helena Vitoshkin
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Meir Teitel: Institute of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, The Volcani Institute, Agricultural Research Organization, HaMaccabim Road 68, P.O. Box 15159, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel
Shay Ozer: Institute of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, The Volcani Institute, Agricultural Research Organization, HaMaccabim Road 68, P.O. Box 15159, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel
Helena Vitoshkin: Institute of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, The Volcani Institute, Agricultural Research Organization, HaMaccabim Road 68, P.O. Box 15159, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 17, 1-20

Abstract: The integration of photovoltaic (PV) panels in greenhouses enables dual land use, combining crop production with electricity generation. However, PV installations can reduce both the intensity and uniformity of light at the canopy level, potentially affecting crop growth. This study employed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to evaluate the effects of different layouts of commercial-size thin PV modules—both opaque and semi-transparent—installed at gutter height in greenhouses on irradiance and, in particular, on its distribution within the greenhouse. Achieving a homogeneous distribution of light is critical for effective plant growth beneath photovoltaic systems. The influence of greenhouse size and roof shape on the intensity and uniformity of visible radiation was investigated as well. The results showed that during winter (21 December), irradiance in a mono-span tunnel greenhouse was 4–6% higher than in a multi-span large structure; in summer (21 June), this difference increased to 10–13%. Among the opaque PV layouts tested, the north–south (NS) straight-line arrangement provided the most uniform light distribution, outperforming the checkerboard and east–west (EW) layouts. The EW straight-line layout was the least effective regarding light uniformity. Roof shape (arched vs. pitched) had minimal impact on radiation distribution. Semi-transparent PV modules consistently resulted in 17% higher irradiance and more uniform light distribution than opaque ones. These findings can inform efficient PV deployment strategies in greenhouses to enhance both energy yield and crop productivity.

Keywords: greenhouse; photovoltaic; opaque; semi-transparent; radiation uniformity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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