Integrating tunable LED‐induced plant responses with novel solar cell technologies for energy‐efficient agrivoltaic systems

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Abstract
Societal Impact Statement: The increasing demand for sustainable food production requires innovative solutions that balance productivity, resource efficiency, and environmental impact. Vertical farming systems (VFSs) offer a promising approach; however, their high energy consumption remains challenging. Here, we explore the potential of integrating advanced photovoltaic technologies such as dye‐sensitized and perovskite solar cells to power energy‐efficient LED illumination systems in agrivoltaics. The optimization of LED spectral “recipes” to enhance plant growth and nutritional quality is introduced. Coordinated research bridging materials science, photobiology, and photophysics, along with targeted urban planning and policy support, can enable VFSs and agrivoltaics to enhance resilience in high‐density urban areas. Summary: Climate change, urbanization, and population growth urgently require the development of innovative agricultural solutions to ensure sustainable food production. Vertical farming systems (VFSs) represent a promising solution to enhance crop productivity irrespective of seasonal variations, weather conditions, or geographical constraints, while simultaneously conserving water and minimizing the use of chemical inputs. By enabling precise control over environmental factors such as radiation spectra, temperature, and CO₂ concentrations, VFS can increase crop yields through local production and improve nutritional quality by enhancing the synthesis of secondary metabolites in plants. One of the primary challenges associated with VFS is the high energy demand required for plant lighting and temperature regulation. Light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) play a pivotal role in addressing this issue due to their energy efficiency and the ability to manipulate radiation spectra. The spectral quality of LED radiation can modulate distinct biological responses in plants, which may, in turn, lead to increased biomass production and enhanced biosynthesis of bioactive compounds with nutraceutical value. However, achieving energy sustainability in VFSs requires the integration of advanced photon‐to‐electron conversion technologies. Hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are among the most promising technologies for addressing the energy demands of VFS. These advanced solar cells efficiently harvest sunlight to power LEDs, thereby optimizing radiation quality for plant growth while reducing dependence on external energy sources. By coupling these renewable energy technologies with VFS, the overall sustainability and efficiency of food production systems can be significantly improved, contributing to the development of resilient agricultural practices in response to global challenges.
Funding Information
  • Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (B15F21004410005)
  • European Commission (ECS00000022)
  • European Commission (B63C22000620005)

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