Techno‐Economic Assessment of Solar Photovoltaic Systems for Sustainable Cucumber Production in Semi‐Arid Regions: Evidence From Baghdad, Iraq

ABSTRACT Climate extremes, water scarcity and energy insecurity pose significant challenges to agricultural production in arid regions. The present study evaluates the techno‐economic performance of solar‐powered greenhouse cucumber production relative to diesel‐irrigated open‐field systems in Baghdad, Iraq. Primary farm‐level data were collected from 100 farmers employing both systems and analysed using net present value (NPV), benefit–cost ratio (BCR), payback period and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results demonstrate that solar‐powered greenhouse cultivation yields significantly higher productivity and profitability compared with conventional systems. Average yields exceeded 1300 g per plant, whereas open‐field conditions produced approximately 250 g per plant. At a 10% discount rate, the solar‐powered system generated a positive NPV, a BCR above 1.5 and a payback period of less than 3 years. Water‐use efficiency improved by 40%–60% through enhanced irrigation management and greenhouse microclimate regulation. These findings indicate that photovoltaic‐powered greenhouse systems improve agricultural productivity, profitability and resource‐use efficiency while enhancing the resilience of farming systems in semi‐arid environments. Solar‐powered greenhouse cultivation, therefore, represents a sustainable and economically viable approach for horticultural development in arid regions.