Solar Windows Slash Greenhouse Energy by 57%

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Murdoch University's solar windows let greenhouses produce electricity while growing plants, using 56% less power than standard setups.

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These special windows allow 70% of plant-needed light through while turning UV and infrared rays into 17 kilowatt-hours of daily electricity.

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Solar greenhouse windows saved 29% water compared to regular ones, showing promise for farming in water-scarce regions.

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Tomatoes, lettuce, and bell peppers thrived normally under solar windows, while chili plants grew 22% better than usual.

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Some crops like wheat and barley struggled, taking 3-17 days longer to flower as plants stretched taller seeking light.

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A 150-square-meter greenhouse with these windows can generate 4,700-6,800 kilowatt-hours yearly, depending on location.

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Los Angeles, Cape Town, and New Delhi showed strongest potential due to abundant sunlight exposure year-round.

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The technology offsets 24% of greenhouse power needs, addressing the 1.5% of Europe's total energy used by commercial greenhouses.

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Researchers aim to perfect light and temperature control for self-powered greenhouses that maintain year-round food production.

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