A study shows that semi-transparent solar cells can power greenhouses without harming crops.
The panels in the experiment, which are used to regulate greenhouse temperature, are semi-transparent organic solar cells rather than the silicon-based type traditionally found in solar energy farms. Researchers tested lettuce under different types of glass, and different wavelengths of light, keeping temperature, water, and all other variables the same.
Surprisingly, no reduction in plant growth or health was observed with the transparent solar panels.
The next step is to study other plants under the new solar cells. When deployed, it could power greenhouses that need more energy for temperature regulation than other types of farming. And while the transparent solar panels currently don’t generate as much energy as the conventional types, their continuous technological improvement can help achieve this goal.
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