Greenhouse with solar panels and glass installation

How do you Power a solar greenhouse?

There are several ways to harness the sun’s energy needed to power your greenhouse, but three methods are the most widely used: passive solar greenhouses, panels, and generators. Each requires different equipment, comes with different costs, and creates different energy outputs.

What is a solar greenhouse?

Since the 1970’s, the term ‘solar greenhouse’ has normally been used as shorthand for a greenhouse designed with passive solar design. Solar panels produce electricity to power electric equipment in the greenhouse like fans, pumps or lights, and ‘solar-powered’ conventionally refers to solar PV systems.

Should you install a solar-powered energy system for your greenhouse?

The initial cost of installing a solar-powered energy system for your greenhouse can be significant, but the long-term savings it provides can’t be ignored. Using renewable energy sources to power your greenhouse can significantly reduce your monthly energy costs.

Can a greenhouse have solar panels?

If a greenhouse is large enough, like the 3,000 sq. ft. greenhouse at The Golden Hoof Farm (Figure 1), there can be enough roof space to accommodate solar panels. When owning a smaller residential greenhouse you will want to consider utilizing their home’s roof or ground-mounted system to avoid unwanted shading.