Apr 17 2007
Solar Innovations, a manufacturer of custom and standard design greenhouses, offers money saving ideas on becoming a prosperous greenhouse grower without over paying for energy. The endless alternatives in accessories offered by Solar Innovations, combined with their money saving suggestions, help growers to put together an energy efficient, highly functional greenhouse. Navigate through Solar Innovations Greenhouses pages to review all the greenhouse design options and available accessories.
If an existing greenhouse is not energy efficient, many improvements can be made. A few examples include:
-
Sealing all air leaks. Caulk and weather-strip window frames, door frames, or any other openings. Lubricate louvers and keep vents in good operating condition to ensure a tight seal. Seal cracks in the walls and repair any holes in the plastic or glass.
-
Insulating the existing foundation and sidewalls. Insulate the sides of an existing knee wall with insulation boards; remember to leave a small airspace between the insulation and the sidewall to prevent freezing.
-
Using shades or thermal blankets. Up to 85% of greenhouse heat loss happens at night. Shades or thermal blankets can reduce this energy loss by 20-50%. Open shades or thermal blankets six to twelve inches at a time to allow air temperatures to mix naturally, ensuring a less dramatic change in temperature.
-
Leaving shades open during snowstorms. This allows heat to reach the roof and prevent snow accumulation.
Solar Innovations' greenhouse designs incorporate numerous energy saving strategies and components. "Solar Innovations will assist the customer in creating the most economical, ideal growing environment by recommending the best control systems and accessories to benefit the customer." Their superior system and accessories are tested and certified to meet the most stringent requirements. Many schools and institutions, including Yale University and Franklin and Marshall College, have chosen Solar Innovations to meet their greenhouse needs. In addition, Solar Innovations is a popular choice for restoration greenhouse projects such as Blithewold Gardens in Rhode Island.
Review Solar Innovations greenhouse shades or any of the available accessories, including heaters, coolers, benches, fans, foggers, misting systems, shelving, hangers, and more when you view the standard greenhouse page or the custom greenhouse page. These pages provide links to greenhouse accessories which describe recommended usage, purpose, and performance to give customers pertinent information for making important purchase decisions.