Growth of Snapdragon Under Simulated Transparent Photovoltaic Panels for Greenhouse Applications

Abstract

Transparent photovoltaic (PV) materials can be used as greenhouse coverings that selectively transmit photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). Despite the economic importance of the floriculture industry, research on floriculture crops has been limited in these dual-purpose, agrivoltaic greenhouses. We grew snapdragon under simulated photoselective and neutral-density panels with transmissions ranging from ∼30 to 90%, and absorption edges in the green (G; 500–599 nm), red (R; 600–699 nm), far-red (FR, 700–750 nm), and near-infrared (NIR) wavebands. We hypothesized that snapdragon could tolerate some degree of PV shading without reducing growth and flower number or delaying flowering time. Biomass accumulation, compactness, time to flower, and crop quality under 1) a clear acrylic control, 2) a FR-absorbing, and 3) a NIR-absorbing PV panel were not statistically different when the average daily light integral was between 17 and 20 mol·m−2·d−1. Crop quality progressively diminished below 17 mol·m−2·d−1. These results indicate that snapdragon tolerated ∼15% PV shading during summer months without reduced growth or quality. Species used in the study: Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus L.).