SWOT Analysis of Agrivoltaic Greenhouses in Iran: Opportunities for Sustainable Agriculture and Renewable Energy Integration

This paper presents a detailed SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis of agrivoltaic greenhouses in Iran, which combine solar energy generation with agricultural production. Agrivoltaic systems hold significant potential for addressing Iran's pressing challenges, including water scarcity, energy shortages, and food security concerns. The analysis highlights key strengths such as Iran's high solar irradiance, providing ideal conditions for solar energy generation, and the water conservation benefits of agrivoltaic greenhouses. These systems reduce water consumption by minimizing evaporation and improving irrigation efficiency, crucial in a country facing severe water stress. Additionally, the integration of photovoltaic panels helps reduce greenhouse cooling costs, offering economic benefits for producers. However, the paper also identifies critical weaknesses, including the high initial investment costs of agrivoltaic systems, which may deter potential investors. The shading effect of solar panels could negatively impact crop yields in certain conditions, further complicating the decision to adopt this technology. Despite these challenges, significant opportunities exist, especially in the context of Iran's electricity deficits and government support for renewable energy projects. Agrivoltaic systems can help mitigate power shortages while providing a dual source of income for farmers through both agricultural production and energy generation. Nonetheless, the paper also addresses threats such as the low domestic prices for electricity and agricultural products, which reduce the economic feasibility of agrivoltaic systems. Environmental factors, like dust accumulation on solar panels, and frequent power outages also pose operational challenges. Overall, the findings provide valuable insights for stakeholders seeking to promote agrivoltaic systems in Iran, offering strategies for overcoming these barriers and maximizing their potential to enhance agricultural sustainability and renewable energy production.

کلیدواژه ها:

Agrivoltaic systems ، greenhouses ، SWOT analysis ، solar energy ، water conservation