As cities continue to grow rapidly, it is projected that by 2030, around 66% of the global population will reside in urban areas.
This rapid urbanization places significant pressure on essential resources, especially food, energy, and space. Traditional farming is increasingly threatened by climate change impacts such as droughts and extreme heat, making food production more unstable.
At the same time, buildings are responsible for about one-third of global energy use and carbon emissions, further intensifying environmental concerns.
Urban land is limited, and while rooftops and corridors offer some potential for urban farming, their usable space is often constrained. However, building facades—typically underutilized vertical surfaces—offer a promising opportunity.
One of the most recent international studies by researchers from Switzerland, Singapore, Australia and Italy investigates the potential of agrivoltaics, an innovative approach that combines vertical farming with solar energy systems on building walls, to address these challenges simultaneously.
The research used a mixed-method approach that combined Research through Design (RtD) and Research for Design (RfD). The RtD approach involved designing, prototyping, and testing physical models to generate new knowledge through practice. In parallel, RfD focused on using simulations and data analysis to guide and improve the design process based on environmental and technical performance.
© Zhang et al., 2025Overview of the agrivoltaics building envelope prototype
In the figure above: The (left) panel shows the front view, featuring the integrated photovoltaic panels and vertical farming modules arranged in a checkerboard pattern. The (right) panel displays the rear view, revealing the hydroponic system integration and structural support framework.
The methodology followed several key steps.
Problem Identification & Concept Development: The team first analyzed urban sustainability challenges, such as energy consumption and limited agricultural space. From this, they developed the concept of an integrated modular system that combines solar panels (building-integrated photovoltaics or BIPV) with vertical hydroponic farming.
Technical Design: Using environmental data (like climate and solar exposure in tropical regions such as Singapore), the researchers developed detailed technical drawings of the building envelope. These included 2D cross-sections showing structural layers, materials, and joint connections.
3D Modeling & Simulation: To evaluate the system's performance, a digital 3D model was created using Rhinoceros software. This allowed the team to simulate energy production, light transmission, water circulation, and temperature regulation. The 3D model also illustrated how the system could be adapted to different building facades.
Throughout the process, special attention was given to making the system modular, prefabricated, and easy to install or maintain. This ensured that it could be applied in real-world urban settings, both for new constructions and retrofits.
© Zhang et al., 2025Exploded axonometric diagram illustrating the compositional layers of the ABE system as an integrated panel
In the figure above: the diagram details the sequential assembly of components from exterior cladding through to interior finishing, highlighting the interconnection between PV, agricultural, and structural elements.
The findings reveal a checkerboard design that alternates between solar panels and transparent glass, allowing for both light transmission (20–30%) and power generation. Each panel, measuring 1.5 meters wide by 2.7 meters high, is capable of supporting the growth of leafy greens such as lettuce, thanks to a 32-liter hydroponic tank powered by its own solar energy. Ventilation gaps, ranging from 65 to 100 millimeters wide, along with rain louvers, help regulate the temperature, ideally maintaining it between 22 and 28°C for optimal plant growth. The structure is constructed using recycled aluminum, which is strong, lightweight, and sustainable. Additionally, the panels can tilt between 5° and 20° to enhance solar performance. The system is designed for plug-and-play installation and provides indoor maintenance access.
Through the integration of thin-film solar panels and vertical hydroponic farming within prefabricated panels, the system allows for clean energy production directly on building facades while simultaneously supporting local food cultivation.
Its smart design improves indoor environmental quality by reducing heat gain and lowering the need for artificial cooling, contributing to energy efficiency.
Source: AI in Agriculture