A multi-faceted technology that addresses the various challenges faced by greenhouse vegetable growers has been developed by the Greek company OET Energy Technologies. OET's semi-transparent, flexible, and recyclable 3rd generation photovoltaics (OPVs), based on R2R printing technology, combine solar energy generation with protection of plants from harmful solar radiation and regulation of the greenhouse temperature, leading to increased yield and reduced production cost.
© OET Energy Technologies
A greenhouse with OPV agrivoltaics on its roof.
Prof. Stergios Logothetidis, founder and general director of OET and director of the Nanotechnology COPE-Nano Center of Thessaloniki, says: "OPV panels filter the light, thus protecting plants from solar UV radiation while enhancing photosynthesis and increasing their productive lifespan. The shading they provide reduces the greenhouse temperature, helping to better regulate temperatures during summer months and boosting crop yields up to 30%. Furthermore, OPV panels contribute to reduced water consumption by lowering evapotranspiration and improving the water efficiency of plants."
"As for energy generation, OPV panels provide energy autonomy by generating electricity from the sun. Therefore, they reduce operational costs for systems such as heating, ventilation, and irrigation. They are highly effective even in environments with limited sunlight, as they are bifacial and they can also generate electricity by harnessing low-intensity light, even in diffuse or indoor lighting conditions," explains Prof. Logothetidis.
© OET Energy Technologies
Prof. Stergios Logothetidis holding an OPV film.
As he adds: "OET's 3rd generation photovoltaics are based on nanotechnology, using much smaller amounts of raw and non-toxic materials during their production, and providing properties such as transparency, low energy required for their production, recyclability, and the ability to print them on flexible plastic surfaces, making them very lightweight and flexible. With their ability to adapt to semi-transparent and colored forms, OPVs offer aesthetics and practicality, combining solar energy optimization with reduced environmental impact."
"Due to their flexibility, they can be rolled up and easily transported, and they can be applied to any surface, unlike 1st and 2nd generation photovoltaics, which are developed on rigid surfaces such as silicon or glass. Their thinness makes them extremely lightweight, about half a kilogram per square meter, compared to 1st generation photovoltaics, which weigh about 22 kg per square meter. Furthermore, 3rd generation photovoltaics are semi-transparent, with adjustable transparency, allowing light to pass through — a significant departure from the opaque nature of 1st and 2nd generation alternatives," Prof. Logothetidis concludes.
© OET Energy Technologies
An OPV film.
For more information:
Prof. Stergios Logothetidis
OET Energy Technologies
Tel: +30 231 213 48 76
Email: [email protected]
https://oe-technologies.com/
