This study investigates the feasibility of integrating a photovoltaic (PV)-powered atmospheric water production (AWG) system for sustainable saffron (Crocus sativus L.) production in arid regions. A hybrid PV-AWG device was developed and tested in Torbat Heydarieh, Iran, to extract irrigation water directly from ambient humidity using solar energy. The study addresses the challenge of water scarcity in arid environments by exploring PV-AWG as a decentralized and renewable supplementary water source for high-value crops. The energy consumption and water production efficiency of the system were evaluated under different environmental conditions, and the optimal compressor operation cycle was determined. Two identical saffron beds were cultivated-one irrigated with tap water and the other with liquid water produced by the AWG device. Yield parameters, floral morphology, and chemical composition (crocin, picrocrocin, safranal) of the saffron were measured and compared. Results showed that the AWG-irrigated bed produced slightly higher flower and stigma yields with comparable quality traits, confirming the technical suitability of AWG water. The novelty of this study lies in experimentally optimizing compressor on-off operation to maximize water extraction under varying ambient conditions, while demonstrating a fully autonomous PV-powered AWG system independent of grid electricity and conventional water sources. Under photovoltaic operation, the energy use efficiency increased to approximately 0.036, while the specific energy demand decreased to about 500.92 MJ g-1, indicating a substantial improvement in energy performance compared to grid-powered operation. The energy-economic assessment further showed that photovoltaic integration reduces dependence on external fossil electricity; however, the economic return remains negative due to limited water yield and high initial investment costs. The study concludes that PV-AWG technology can support small-scale saffron farming (specially greenhouse production) in water-scarce regions but requires optimization and scaling to enhance economic viability.