Analysis of the Viability of a Photovoltaic Greenhouse with Semi-Transparent Amorphous Silicon (a-Si) Glass

For decades, society has been changing towards an energy mix that enhances the use of renewable sources and a more distributed generation energy. The agricultural sector is included in this trend, which why several studies are currently being carried out focused on solar greenhouses. This article aims to demonstrate viability greenhouse integrates, as novelty, semi-transparent amorphous silicon photovoltaic (PV) glass (a-Si), covering entire roof surface main sides greenhouse. designed prototype formed by simple rectangular structure 12 m long 2.5 wide, with monopitch roof, oriented southwest, 35° inclination. divided into two contiguous equal sections, each area 15 m2, physically separated interior partition transparent wall. enclosure one sections made conventional glass, other, PV glass. How presence semitransparent influences growth horticultural crops studied, finding it slightly reduces production vegetal mass accelerates apical mechanism heliophilic plants. However, from statistical point view, influence negligible, so concluded studied technology viable for production. balance indicates produced system greater than consumed greenhouse, shows completely self-sufficient sites adequate resource.