Photovoltaic Integration in Vertical Hydroponic Systems: Performance, Optimization, and Feasibility

Authors

  • Neil Anand Frederick Honors College
  • Alaina Wenitsky
  • Kai Haavik
  • Alaina Welser

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/pur.2026.160

Abstract

The project investigates the integration of solar energy with hydroponic units to optimize energy efficiency and sustainability in modern agriculture. By measuring the energy consumption of 2 hydroponic units under varying light, pump, and nutrient delivery cycles, the research quantifies baseline energy demands. An educational solar unit was deployed and tested, incorporating a very small photovoltaic (PV) panel with dielectric lighting, enabling partial to full autonomy from grid electricity. Analysis based on power output revealed that residential solar panels have true feasibility for integration with small-scale hydroponic systems. By combining real-time energy monitoring with plant growth metrics, the study provides a quantitative framework for designing scalable, solar-powered hydroponic systems that are both cost efficient and more sustainable that traditional agricultural techniques. Strategies for PV integration in local and international hydroponic farms are discussed, as well as theoretical optimizations for solar power output. This research demonstrates a pathway toward fully sustainable vertical agriculture solutions and establishes a baseline for an energy-efficient system design, with potential applications in urban farming and modern agriculture.

Author Biographies

Neil Anand, Frederick Honors College

Neil Anand in a freshman Chemical Engineer at the University of Pittsburgh, with interests in pharmaceuticals and sustainable process design.

Alaina Wenitsky

Alaina Wenitsky is a sophomore in the Frederick Honors College at the University of Pittsburgh studying environmental science with a minor in environmental engineering. She is passionate about conservation science and sustainability.

Kai Haavik

Kai Haavik is a sophomore studying Physics and Math at the University of Pittsburgh. He is enthusiastic about sustainability and plans to apply his degrees toward developing sustainable technologies.

Alaina Welser

Alaina Welser is a neuroscience and psychology major with a chemistry minor at the University of Pittsburgh. She is interested in sustainability, consciousness research, and neuropharmacology.

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Published

2026-03-27

How to Cite

Anand, N., Wenitsky, A., Haavik, K., & Welser, A. (2026). Photovoltaic Integration in Vertical Hydroponic Systems: Performance, Optimization, and Feasibility . Pittsburgh Undergraduate Review, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.5195/pur.2026.160

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 1 (2026): Pittsburgh Undergraduate Review

Section

Research

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Copyright (c) 2026 Neil Anand, Alaina Wenitsky, Kai Haavik, Alaina Welser

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