"Smart Greenhouse": Integrated Photovoltaics/Photosynthesis for Energy and Food

Project Result

The project commenced in May 2020 and has achieved substantial progress in the development of transparent organic photovoltaics. In its earlier phase, the project focused on implementing semi-transparent organic photovoltaics on the roofs of model-scale “Smart Greenhouses,” demonstrating improved plant growth compared to traditional glass roofs. Subsequently, from that period until September 2023, the project team dedicated efforts to the upscaling of semi-transparent solar cells. Through optimization of the design and fabrication processes, the project team successfully produced semi-transparent solar cells with an area of 900 square cm, surpassing the initial target of 120 square cm. Given that scaling up has been considered one of the critical hurdles in the commercialization of transparent solar cells, this advancement serves as a pivotal step in transitioning the project from the laboratory to market. The global greenhouse market is projected to reach $78.9 billion by 2030. Taking advantage of this expanding market by incorporating semi-transparent solar cells into greenhouses, the project team aims to contribute to addressing the escalating electricity demands in California and aligning with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goals of the United States.