Original Article
nadereh tabrizi; mojtaba moravej
Abstract
This study comprehensively evaluates the technical and economic performance of grid-connected pvsyst in Urmia and Kashan, comparing them with an off-grid system in pvsyst. The results indicate that the grid-connected system in Kashan, benefiting from higher solar irradiation, achieves superior performance ...
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This study comprehensively evaluates the technical and economic performance of grid-connected pvsyst in Urmia and Kashan, comparing them with an off-grid system in pvsyst. The results indicate that the grid-connected system in Kashan, benefiting from higher solar irradiation, achieves superior performance compared to Urmia. High energy consumption by auxiliary equipment, particularly a constant 5 kW nighttime load, was a major challenge for both systems, with a more pronounced impact in Urmia due to lower energy production. Thermal losses and long-term module efficiency degradation also affected performance. Economically, grid-connected systems demonstrate high investment attractiveness, with a payback period of 3 years, an internal rate of return of 71.99%, and a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of approximately 2,700 IRR/kWh, assuming accurate input data. These systems also offer significant environmental benefits by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Conversely, the off-grid system faced a 31% energy shortage, compromising its reliability for critical applications, with energy wastage during battery saturation periods indicating suboptimal capacity design. The off-grid system’s LCOE is substantially higher due to high initial battery costs, periodic replacement expenses, and lower efficiency. The analysis confirms that grid-connected systems, when supported by reliable grid infrastructure, provide superior technical and economic performance compared to off-grid systems, which are primarily viable in remote areas without grid access. However, the sustainability and economic viability of grid-connected systems heavily depend on supportive policies and stable regulatory frameworks.
Original Article
Adel Taheri Hajivand; Reza Mehdipour
Abstract
Greenhouse cultivation, with its advantages such as high resource efficiency, year‑round production, reduced dependence on climatic conditions, and significant water savings, plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable agriculture and creating economic value added. Despite these merits, the greenhouse ...
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Greenhouse cultivation, with its advantages such as high resource efficiency, year‑round production, reduced dependence on climatic conditions, and significant water savings, plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable agriculture and creating economic value added. Despite these merits, the greenhouse sector in East Azerbaijan Province faces multiple structural and operational challenges. This study applied a descriptive–survey design using a validated and reliable questionnaire, alongside a hybrid analytical framework combining quantitative (SWOT and QSPM) and qualitative (field observation and expert interviews) methods. The integrated results revealed strong convergence between both approaches, classifying the challenges into seven key dimensions: economic, managerial, marketing and sales, structural, educational, seed and natural resources, and social issues. The SWOT analysis indicated that the mean scores of internal and external factors were 2.11 and 2.21, respectively, suggesting a relatively stable but weak system requiring reinforcement of supportive and managerial structures. Based on the QSPM outcomes, the most attractive development strategy was identified as “enhancing financial and technological infrastructure through public–private partnership (PPP)”, with a total attractiveness score of 6.42. The findings emphasize that overcoming current barriers requires implementing hands‑on training, targeted investment in infrastructure, promotion of advanced technologies, standardization of production and management systems, and provision of financial and credit support schemes. These strategic actions would improve the sustainability of greenhouse cultivation, enhance production quality and quantity, and strengthen the competitive position of the region’s agricultural economy.
