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Thermal and Energy balance analysis of Semi-transparent PV Greenhouses in Arid Climate Conditions

Author Affiliations

  • 1Dept. of Power Supply and Renewable Energy Sources, TIIAME-National Research University and Jizzakh Polytechnic Institute Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Int. Res. J. Environment Sci., Volume 15, Issue (3), Pages 10-17, July,22 (2026)

Abstract

Greenhouse cultivation in arid and semi-arid climates faces critical challenges due to excessive solar heat gain, high cooling demand, and non-uniform light distribution. Integrating semi-transparent photovoltaic panels into greenhouse roofs enables simultaneous power generation and solar-energy management, providing a viable path toward energy-autonomous food production systems. This paper presents a thermal and energy balance analysis of a monocrystalline STPV-integrated greenhouse designed for the arid climate of Samarkand Region, Uzbekistan (39.789°N, 60.7°E). The approach combines experimental spectral and electrical measurements with numerical heat-balance modeling, validated under real climatic conditions and benchmarked against previously reported greenhouse energy models in arid regions. Spectrophotometric analysis (190–900nm) showed 85–95% transmittance in the PAR range (400–700nm) with complete UV blocking and high near-infrared transmission, ensuring sufficient photosynthetic light while preventing overheating. The canopy temperature inside the STPV greenhouse was observed to be 2–3°C lower than that in conventional glass structures. The total optical transmittance (~54%) provided a Daily Light Integral (DLI) of approximately 21mol m⁻² day⁻¹, suitable for tomato, cucumber, and bell-pepper cultivation. Electrical testing using a WUHAN OOI OTMT-A solar module analyzer revealed an effective bifacial efficiency of 28.2%, corresponding to 210–230 W m⁻² power output. The estimated payback period of 2–2.5 years under Uzbekistan’s high solar availability demonstrates that STPV integration can substantially reduce cooling loads and operational costs while enhancing the overall energy sustainability of greenhouse systems.

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