Qatar University researchers develop optimized semi-transparent PV greenhouse

An international research team led by scientists from Qatar University has developed an optimized semi-transparent photovoltaic (STPV) greenhouse design. The new configuration increases annual solar electricity generation by 20.1% compared to standard models and can outperform conventional greenhouse geometries by up to 56.86%.

The design achieves higher efficiency by strategically allocating PV surfaces to south-facing roofs and vertical walls, a method specifically tailored for the climatic conditions of Qatar. To reach these results, researchers utilized an improved mean-variance mapping optimization (IMVMO) algorithm to vary greenhouse geometry while maintaining fixed constraints for total floor area and STPV coverage.

The study compared the proposed design against four conventional geometries: even-span, uneven-span, vinery, and modified-arch. All configurations were modeled using 280 W p-type bifacial, double-glass semi-transparent PV modules, with each greenhouse maintaining a floor area of 24 m² and an effective installed STPV area of 71 m².