An automated foldable organic photovoltaic system for greenhouses supporting crop productivity and achieving energy self-sufficiency
Journal
CELL REPORTS PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Journal Volume
7
Journal Issue
3
Start Page
103173
ISSN
2666-3864
Date Issued
2026-03-18
Author(s)
Min-Jui Chiang
Shu-Kai Yang
Bo-Jein Kuo
Wei Sun
Shih-Lun Fang
Chia-Ying Chuang
農業部農業試驗所
Fi-John Chang
農業部農業試驗所
Abstract
Smart greenhouses with automated environmental control systems demand substantial electricity, often resulting in higher carbon emissions than open-field cultivation. Photovoltaic (PV) integration is a strategy to offset this demand; however, conventional PV greenhouse designs typically reduce light intensity or alter spectral quality, negatively affecting crop productivity. Here, we report an automated foldable organic PV (OPV) system designed to function as a dynamic alternative to conventional shade nets. The system effectively reduces internal temperatures while transmitting more solar irradiance than shade nets, thereby improving the greenhouse microclimate. By shortening OPV deployment duration from 24 to 6 h, the system preserves crop yields while balancing on-site renewable energy generation and greenhouse electricity consumption during melon cultivation. This approach not only reduces operational carbon footprints but also enables near-energy-neutral operation. Integrating foldable OPVs into greenhouses, therefore, offers a practical and scalable pathway to harmonizing renewable energy production with sustained agricultural productivity.
Subjects
dynamic photovoltaic greenhouses
organic photovoltaic
net zero-energy building
energy neutrality
greenhouse automation
ygreenhouse automation
greenhouse microclimate
crop productivity
carbon emissions
life cycle assessment
technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution
Publisher
Cell Press
Type
journal article