Possibilities of Using Solar Photovoltaics and Electric Batteries in Agricultural Greenhouses in The Island of Crete, Greece
Mitigation of the global environmental challenge of climate change requires the elimination of carbon emissions. Agricultural greenhouses are energy intensive production systems based mainly on fossil fuels. However, several renewable energy technologies are reliable and cost-effective and they could be used in them for heat and power generation. The possibility of using a solar photovoltaic and a battery storage system meeting the electricity demand in a grid-connected greenhouse in Crete, Greece which already uses locally produced solid biomass to cover the heat demand has been investigated. It has been estimated that the use of a solar photovoltaic system with nominal power 31.29 kWp generating 48,500 kWh/year can meet the annual power demand in an existing greenhouse with covered surface 3,300 m2 in Crete. The cost of the solar photovoltaic system is estimated at 40,000 €. The capacity of Lithium-ion batteries for achieving one day power autonomy in the greenhouse has been estimated at 147.64 kWh while their cost is estimated at 63,333 €. The combined use of a solar photovoltaic system meeting the electricity demand and solid biomass meeting the heat demand results in a net-zero emissions greenhouse. Both renewable energy technologies are mature and economically attractive and they are currently used in Crete in many sectors. The current work indicates that decarbonization of agricultural greenhouses in Crete replacing the use of fossil fuels with renewable energies is feasible. The results of the present study could be used by all stakeholders of the greenhouse industry.