A solar powered greenhouse is a fantastic addition to any garden, whether it is used to grow your own produce or cultivate flowers and plants which might otherwise struggle in the climate in which you live. They work by allowing light (a form of solar energy) through the glass or plastic walls which are then absorbed by the plants and soil and converted into heat energy. The heat which is created by the plants can then not escape through the walls thanks to the length of the heat waves, keeping them trapped inside. The carbon dioxide, which is a by-product of the plants’ development and the compost also helps to keep the atmosphere of a greenhouse warm, and this continues through the night.
So when you consider that a standard greenhouse grows plants more successfully thanks to the power of solar energy, it almost seems contradictory to say that you might want to consider a After all, by definition, aren’t they all?! The reality is that whilst the natural or passive heat generated within the greenhouse does help, it isn’t strong enough to grow some of the plants you might want to, or keep others alive in a particularly harsh winter.
If this is the case for your horticultural pursuits, then you may have already considered artificial heating. But the likelihood is you are looking into methods which would necessitate the use of fossil fuels in order to generate the wheat required and we all know these are not good for the environment so if we can avoid them, we should. And that’s where solar power comes in. It will allow you to heat the contents of your solar powered greenhouse without burning any damaging products and grow all the plants you would ever want. And don’t be too concerned about its efficiency on cloudy days too – you might be surprised at just how much solar radiation still passes through the cloud cover to ensure your solar power will still be operational. The will convert the sun’s energy, and you can even store it and use it elsewhere if there is an excess.
So how do you build a solar powered greenhouse?
This may sound like a more complex project than it needs to be. With the right advice, you will be able to create the perfect environment for your crops to flourish all year round. Employing the services of experts such as Sandbar Solar & Electric, but if you read on, we will give you some top tips on creating your dream growing environment.
Position the greenhouse properly
The whole method behind using solar energy to power your greenhouse is to get sunlight onto the right places, so there is simply no point in tucking it away in a leafy corner, shielded by overhanging branches. Consider this especially for summer when all the leaves will be out in full and might create more coverage than you previously would have thought if you’re planning in winter. In the northern hemisphere, your greenhouse needs to be south facing in order to maximize exposure to the sun’s rays as it traverses the skies throughout the day.
Position the panels wisely.
Covering the roof in panels will stop the natural sunlight getting in which you don’t want to consider their location – perhaps place them next to it, for example.
Ventilate your greenhouse
Plants need to breathe, and in the event of it getting too hot, ventilation will also allow the space to cool down. It can prevent condensation, and minimize your need for any pesticides or treatments as it will help stop bugs and disease.
Insulate your greenhouse
If you really want to minimize wasted energy, then you need to insulate. Cover the north wall with material that will absorb heat such as stone or concrete (and paint it black too). Clear vinyl sheeting on the east and west walls will allow the sun in but will insulate, and if you can insulate under the ground, you’ll prevent heat loss and allow it to be an energy store.
Other considerations are to have solar panels fitted to your home and power the greenhouse with the excess energy, which is leftover. This will make your home more efficient too! Having solar power is not just great for the environment; it will also provide a reliable source of energy in places where you might have an unreliable grid. Solar power is a great source of energy, particularly when supporting the growth of your plants and vegetables, so why not consider it for your greenhouse today?
