Solar photovoltaic greenhouses are a new type of greenhouse. They are equipped with photovoltaic solar power generation systems on their sunny sides. Not only do they have the capability to generate electricity, but they also provide an ideal growing environment for certain crops or edible mushrooms. After nearly five years of research and promotion, this type of greenhouse has been put into production in Shandong, Zhejiang, and other regions, with many areas planning to adopt it.

Solar Photovoltaic Greenhouse Type

1. By structural classification

There are two types of photovoltaic solar greenhouses. One resembles a traditional solar greenhouse with walls that offer excellent insulation properties. Photovoltaic solar panels are installed on the light-facing surfaces, known as photovoltaic solar greenhouses. The other type is similar to a traditional multi-span greenhouse, with photovoltaic solar panels mounted on the sunny roof surface. The walls are transparent, made of film, glass, or solar panels, and have poor insulation, hence termed photovoltaic solar greenhouses. Considering the conflict between power generation and plant growth, these greenhouses are suitable for use during the months of intense summer sunlight and not for the months of weak winter light, as they cannot generate electricity nor support agricultural production during the cold season. Therefore, in most cases, only photovoltaic solar greenhouses are suitable for construction. However, in regions like Tibet and Qinghai, where there is strong daylight during the day and low night temperatures, the design and construction of photovoltaic solar greenhouses are ideal.

2. Categorized by the degree of shading

Photovoltaic greenhouses come in two types: fully shaded and partially shaded. The fully shaded type is often a solar greenhouse structure, with minimal natural light inside and relatively balanced temperature changes, making it suitable for cultivating edible mushroom products. The partially shaded types include fully solar multi-span greenhouses and partially photovoltaic solar greenhouses. The arrangement of photovoltaic solar panels varies significantly, with shading area ratios ranging from 20% to 80%. In photovoltaic solar greenhouses, panels are typically installed on the back of the lighting surface, with fewer on the front, and shading strips are predominantly located on the rear walls, aiding plant growth. In solar greenhouses, panels are generally placed on the sunny side of each roof, but not on the shaded side, and are designed in a mosaic shape.