The influence of photovoltaic modules on the greenhouse micro-environment - A review

The application of facility agriculture led by greenhouse is considered as a good approach to regulate the ideal growing conditions for crops and boost productivity. To make up for the energy consumption of this modern agriculture, photovoltaic greenhouses have been emphasized. For agricultural greenhouses (whether ordinary or photovoltaic ones), it is of great significance to regulate the micro-environment in agricultural greenhouses to promote crop growth and yield while saving energy. By searching and classifying papers in the literature database with different keywords, it is found that most studies predominantly concentrate on one or two specific types of micro-environmental changes, such as light and heat or heat and humidity, with limited attention to the interaction of micro-environmental factors within greenhouses. Furthermore, the current research methodologies are relatively simplistic, typically employing only one or two approaches, such as measurement, simulation, or machine learning. Thus, the previous research on the theoretical and technological developments of light, thermal and humidity environment in greenhouse were reviewed, and the influence factors of micro-climate in both photovoltaic and ordinary greenhouse were summarized, which are more comprehensive than the previous state-of-the-art. Additionally, the results of recent studies are used to describe the way that greenhouse technology will develop in the future. A reference for future improvement of greenhouse design and diversified utilization of photovoltaic technology are provided, these new materials and technologies can ensure agricultural production while increasing energy efficiency, which have positive significance for achieving peak carbon emission.