Feasibility of Solar Energy for Lighting Vertical Farms in China: Techno‐Economic and Environmental Views

ABSTRACT Plant factories are an innovative agricultural model that leverage controlled environments and advanced regulation technologies to improve land‐use efficiency and reduce resource dependence. However, their development is constrained by high energy consumption. Given the high costs and environmental impacts associated with fossil‐fuel‐based electricity, renewable energy sources such as solar power have emerged as promising alternatives. In this study, a model vertical plant factory consisting of 20 stories (area = 100 m 2 ) was applied to 21 Chinese cities with populations exceeding 5 million. Three power supply modes were considered: a grid‐powered system, a standalone solar‐powered system, and a grid‐solar hybrid system. The net present cost (NPC), levelized cost of energy (COE), and carbon dioxide emissions were assessed for each mode. Among the three systems, the hybrid system substantially reduced economic costs (40.87%–65.68% lower NPC than the grid‐powered system), whereas the standalone solar‐powered system most effectively reduced carbon dioxide emissions (85.99%–97.93% lower than the grid‐powered system). By comprehensively analysing solar resources, system design, economic indicators, and emission reduction benefits, this study provides scientific evidence to support decision‐making and implementation of vertical agriculture farming projects, promoting the coordinated advancement of agriculture and environmental protection.