Slovenia solar glass greenhouse processing

Are solar greenhouses a viable alternative to horticultural production?

Solar greenhouses currently constitute the most energy-intensive branch of agriculture; the energy inputs (fuels and electricity) to meet the heat needs of greenhouses have a major impact on the cost and environmental sustainability of horticultural and floricultural production.

Can semi-transparent organic solar cells reduce energy consumption?

To reduce energy consumption, semi-transparent organic solar cells can be incorporated into the greenhouse structure, allowing through their spectral absorption to adjust the attenuation of sunlight on the photosynthetically active spectrum of plants (Ravishankar et al., 2020).

Is there a solar greenhouse in Cosenza (Italy)?

The solar greenhouse analyzed is existing and located in Cosenza (Italy), it is a Venlo-type greenhouse, characterized by a single span. The modelling of this greenhouse has been extensively studied, by analyzing different types of modelling, subsequently validated, in the study (Baglivo et al., 2020).

Why are solar greenhouses the most energy-intensive agricultural sector?

Nowadays, solar greenhouses are the most energy-intensive agricultural sector. The high control of the indoor microclimate for the well-being of the crops allows, on the one hand, the maximum availability of quality products throughout the year, but on the other hand, results in high energy consumption.