SYSTEM DYNAMICS OF A PHOTOVOLTAIC INTEGRATED GREENHOUSE

Natural resources such as water, land, and energy are increasingly diminished as the human population increases past seven billion. Approximately fifty percent of the world’s population subsides on less than $ 2.50 per a day and 1.6 billion people live without electricity. Thus, it is vital to increase the productivity and efficiency of resource usage in agricultural, residential and commercial sectors. Communities all over the world are interested in growing safe, local and fresh produce. However, this is more difficult to do in regions with harsh climates that have limited access to electricity, fertilizers and quality water. Because of this, low-cost and sustainable food production systems are a necessity. A solar photovoltaic integrated high tunnel green-house system can have the potential to alleviate food and energy problems without having to connect to a grid system. This study aimed to evaluate system dynamics of an off-grid greenhouse in an arid environment. The current paper presents key findings on resource inputs and system outputs.