This talk presents the results of several projects over the last 6 years looking at different aspects of the integration of organic photovoltaic (OPV) modules into tomato greenhouses, in collaboration with leading researchers in the USA and Europe.
The experimental site is at the TRDC in Kfar Qari, Israel. Extensive studies on different types of OPV modules integrated on top and inside the polytunnel investigated different aspects of the electrical performance and ageing of OPVs in greenhouse applications as well as their effect on the greenhouse microclimate and crop performance.
Main results are:
- Greenhouse microclimate and crop performance values were similar in both the OPV polytunnel and control polytunnel with shading net with same shading percentage
- The installation of the modules across the arch of the tunnel roof from east to west led to a more distributed output throughout the day, an advantage both for onsite use and for grid connection.
- OPV efficiencies on the greenhouse roof peaked around 3% [1,2].
– The electrical output was highest under direct irradiance, however OPV module efficiencies on the tunnel roof peaked when they were not in direct incident irradiance - The rate of degradation of the OPV modules was reduced when installed inside the greenhouse as opposed to on top. [4]
- From green, blue, and red modules tested, the red modules had the lowest electrical performance. However, the green and blue modules showed a faster degradation rate.
