SIMULATION OF SOLAR PANEL DESIGN AS AN ENERGY SOURCE FOR GREANHOUSE

Abstract

This study evaluates the technical feasibility of a standalone solar photovoltaic (PV) system in supporting the energy requirements of a 20 m² greenhouse for lettuce (Lactuca sativa) cultivation in Sungailiat, Bangka Belitung, Indonesia. Using the System Advisor Model (SAM), a detailed simulation was conducted to analyze hourly energy generation, battery performance, and load coverage over a one-year period. The greenhouse, which requires an average of 4.8 kWh/day for lighting, ventilation, irrigation, and automation, was paired with a PV system rated at 2.0 kWp and a 5.0 kWh lithium-ion battery.

Simulation results showed that the system generated an average of 5.6 kWh/day, exceeding the greenhouse’s energy demand under typical tropical irradiance conditions. Battery state of charge (SoC) remained within the optimal range of 30%–95%, ensuring uninterrupted operation even during low solar availability. The system achieved a performance ratio of 76% and a specific yield of 1,022 kWh/kWp/year, with unmet load occurrences kept below 1.5% annually.

These findings validate the system’s technical reliability for off-grid greenhouse applications, ensuring stable energy supply critical for controlled environment agriculture. The proposed design contributes to the advancement of sustainable and resilient farming systems in remote tropical areas.