Photovoltaic+: Innovative Solutions for Diverse Application Scenarios
2025-11-21
The "PV+" model is transcending the boundaries of traditional power stations and deeply integrating with fields such as agriculture, fisheries, and construction, creating new value:
1. Photovoltaics + Agriculture: A "New Wisdom" for Multiple Uses in One Location
Agriculture-Photovoltaic Complementary Model:
Power generation above the shed and planting below: Install photovoltaic modules on the top of agricultural greenhouses, with module spacing and height designed to accommodate agricultural machinery operations (typically ≥3m)
Technical advantages:
The land utilization rate is increased by 2-3 times, and the comprehensive income per unit area is increased by 50%-100%
Photovoltaic panels provide shade and cooling for crops (reducing temperature by 3-5℃), reduce water evaporation, and save over 30% of irrigation water
Suitable for planting shade-tolerant crops such as edible mushrooms, Chinese herbal medicines, and vegetables, with high economic benefits
Typical case: The agricultural-photovoltaic complementary project in Quzhou, Hebei, with an installed capacity of 50MW and an annual power generation of 60 million kWh, also cultivates Chinese herbal medicines, achieving an annual output value exceeding 100 million yuan
Photovoltaic agricultural greenhouse:
Structural innovation: The adoption of large-span flexible supports (18-60m) eliminates the need for pillars inside the shed, facilitating mechanized operations
Environmental optimization:
Intelligent ventilation and temperature control systems create the optimal growth environment for crops
The combination of photovoltaic systems and agricultural IoT enables precise agricultural management
Economic benefits:
The dual income from power generation and agricultural output shortens the investment recovery period by 2-3 years compared to pure photovoltaic projects
Improving the quality of agricultural products (such as organic certification) can lead to a premium of up to 30%+
2. Photovoltaics + Fisheries: Three-dimensional development of power generation on water and fish farming underwater
Fishing-photovoltaic complementary model:
System design:
The photovoltaic module is supported by high-density polyethylene float to adapt to water level changes
The components are positioned 3-5 meters above the water surface, ensuring no interference with ship navigation and fishing operations
Ecological benefits:
Photovoltaic panels shading reduces water temperature (3-5℃), thereby reducing algae proliferation and improving water quality
Provide a suitable growth environment for fish, and increase the breeding density and yield by 15% or more
Economic benefits:
"Generating electricity on the panel and raising fish under the panel" brings dual benefits, with the comprehensive income per unit of water surface increased by 60%-100%
The shared use of aquaculture facilities and photovoltaic supports reduces infrastructure investment by over 20%
Typical case: Jiangsu Rudong Fishery-Photovoltaic Complementary Project, with an installed capacity of 100MW and an annual power generation of 120 million kWh, while also cultivating Penaeus vannamei, with an annual output value of 80 million yuan
3. BIPV (Building-integrated photovoltaics): The perfect integration of building materials and energy
BIPV vs BAPV (Building-integrated photovoltaics vs Building-attached photovoltaics):
BIPV features: Photovoltaic modules are directly integrated into the building structure as building materials (roof tiles, curtain walls, skylights, etc.)
BAPV features: The photovoltaic system is attached to the surface of the building without altering its original structure
Performance comparison:
Comparison Item BIPV BAPV Advantages Analysis
Aesthetic Appearance:
- Integrates perfectly with the architecture, exhibiting strong coherence
- Slightly incongruous, with low aesthetic appeal
- BIPV (Building-integrated Photovoltaics) demonstrates clear advantages
Waterproof performance: Self-equipped with waterproof function, with a lifespan comparable to that of the building. Requires additional waterproof treatment, with a shorter lifespan. BIPV advantages
Space utilization: No additional space required, increasing usable area. Installation space needs to be reserved. BIPV advantages
Cost: Initial investment is 40%-60% higher, but the overall cost is lower. Initial investment is low, but long-term maintenance costs are high. BIPV (Building-integrated photovoltaics) is better in the whole life cycle
Lifespan: Same as the building (50 years) 25 years, replacement required BIPV advantages
Applicable scenarios: New construction, high-end renovation projects; Existing building renovation, cost-sensitive projects; Depends on project requirements
BIPV application forms:
Photovoltaic roof tiles: replacing traditional tiles, combining waterproofing, insulation, and electricity generation into one, suitable for both flat and sloping roofs
Photovoltaic curtain wall: replacing traditional glass curtain walls, with adjustable light transmittance, balancing daylighting and power generation, suitable for commercial buildings
Photovoltaic skylights: installed on roofs or atriums, providing natural lighting while generating electricity, suitable for large shopping malls and exhibition halls
Photovoltaic shading: applied to balconies, windows, and car ports, it provides shading and cooling while generating electricity
Economic benefits:
Although the initial investment is 40%-60% higher than that of traditional building materials, the investment payback period can be shortened to 6-8 years through saving building materials, reducing cooling load, and generating electricity revenue
Reduce building energy consumption by 30%-50%, obtain green building certifications (such as LEED, Green Building), and increase property value by 10%-20%
4. Other innovative applications
Photovoltaics + Transportation:
Photovoltaic on expressways: Installing photovoltaic panels on slopes, service areas, and noise barriers, without occupying land, while protecting the roadbed and reducing noise
Photovoltaic charging station: Integrating with electric vehicle charging, it achieves an integrated system of "photovoltaic, storage, charging, and swapping", providing a green transportation solution
Photovoltaic carport: Provides shade for parking lots while generating electricity, suitable for large shopping malls and residential areas
Photovoltaic + Hydropower:
Reservoir dam photovoltaics: Install photovoltaics on the dam crest and slope protection, without occupying additional land, while monitoring dam safety
Photovoltaic power generation at pump stations: Provides power for irrigation pump stations, reduces operating costs, and enhances irrigation efficiency
5. Suggestions for choosing "photovoltaic +"
Select the appropriate photovoltaic + mode according to different scenarios:
Agricultural land: Prioritize the integration of agriculture and photovoltaics, selecting components with a light transmittance of 30%-50%, suitable for cultivating high value-added crops
Aquaculture: Opt for a fish-solar hybrid system, with module height ≥3m, utilizing corrosion-resistant materials, and adapting to humid environments
New buildings: Prioritize BIPV, especially for commercial buildings and public facilities, to enhance building quality and value
Existing building renovation: BAPV is more economical, especially for old buildings with limited roof load-bearing capacity
Transportation facilities: Install photovoltaic systems in unused spaces, such as highway slopes and service areas, to achieve the dual function of "transportation + energy"
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