Perovskite Solar Panels Boost Greenhouse Plant Growth

• Semi-transparent perovskite solar cells boost greenhouse plant growth, enhancing photosynthesis and energy efficiency, offering a sustainable solution for indoor agriculture.

Researchers from Italy's National Research Council and Cicci Research have demonstrated that semi-transparent perovskite solar cells (PSCs) on greenhouse rooftops can enhance plant growth. Unlike traditional opaque silicon solar cells, which block sunlight and hinder plant development, these PSCs allow sufficient light transmission, promoting faster growth and larger leaves in radicchio seedlings. The study utilized a europium-enriched CsPbI3 perovskite, known for its high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.15% and thermal stability, making it suitable for long-term solar exposure.

The perovskite cells filter red light, enhancing photosynthetic efficiency and increasing sucrose and hexose levels in plants. Seedlings grown under these conditions exhibited different gene expression patterns related to stress responses and growth regulation, indicating adaptation to altered light conditions. The research suggests that perovskite PVs could balance energy needs for greenhouse operations while supporting plant growth, offering a promising solution for indoor agriculture. However, further large-scale studies are necessary to assess the commercial viability of this technology.

How do semi-transparent perovskite solar cells improve plant growth in greenhouses?

• Semi-transparent perovskite solar cells (PSCs) allow for the transmission of specific wavelengths of light that are beneficial for photosynthesis, unlike traditional opaque solar cells.
• These PSCs can be engineered to filter out certain wavelengths, such as red light, which is crucial for photosynthetic processes and can enhance plant growth.
• By optimizing the light spectrum that reaches the plants, PSCs can improve the efficiency of photosynthesis, leading to faster growth rates and potentially larger yields.
• The ability to control light transmission can help in managing the microclimate within the greenhouse, providing a more stable environment for plant growth.
• The use of PSCs can reduce the need for artificial lighting, lowering energy costs and reducing the carbon footprint of greenhouse operations.
• The integration of PSCs in greenhouses can provide a dual function of energy generation and plant cultivation, making the agricultural process more sustainable.
• The technology can be tailored to different plant species by adjusting the light spectrum, offering flexibility in greenhouse crop production.
• The increased sucrose and hexose levels in plants grown under PSCs suggest improved energy storage and metabolism, which can enhance plant health and productivity.
• The adaptation of plants to the altered light conditions under PSCs indicates potential for improved stress tolerance and resilience, which is beneficial for maintaining crop yields under varying environmental conditions.