Harnessing Solar Energy for a Greenhouse: Benefits and Considerations

Last updated on March 27, 2024

Growing crops on your property provides many benefits to homeowners. Among them are the opportunity to consume natural products, control the growth process, as well as saving money on the purchase of goods in stores.

In addition, the occupation can turn into a profitable business. You can get the most out of each of these benefits by installing a greenhouse.

More and more people are becoming aware of this fact every year, so the activity of using structures is increasing. According to Research Nester, the average annual growth rate of the greenhouse horticulture market will remain at the level of 9% until 2035.

However, the use of technologies has one important nuance – the process requires a large amount of electricity. To meet this need, homeowners are increasingly using solar systems of the appropriate power level. The reason these designs are becoming more popular and how to use them is why we suggest learning more about them.

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What Systems Can Be Installed in Solar Greenhouses?

What Systems Can Be Installed in Solar Greenhouses?

Modern technologies in the solar industry have reached a high level of development, which is why they open up wide opportunities for owners. Solar systems can have both basic and advanced functionality. In addition, the assortment includes many types of systems for greenhouses, which differ in power level, configuration, and other characteristics.

Solar Panels for Installation in Greenhouses

At any time of the year, agricultural structures maintain an optimal climate for crop production. Regardless of the season outside, greenhouses need constant feeding.

This is due to the presence of a whole system of devices inside them. Connecting machinery and equipment to the general network significantly increases the utility bill, so many owners are considering the possibility of using solar power for greenhouses.

In addition to reducing costs, this idea also ensures an uninterrupted power supply throughout the year. It can be implemented by installing the main element for electricity generation – solar panels.

To ensure the required power level, it is necessary to correctly select the number of elements, power level, and category (monocrystalline or polycrystalline varieties). This can be done independently or in consultation with an experienced solar company specialist.

It is important that the same models as those installed in a solar house on the roof or in a separate area can be used for greenhouses. Constructions can become a reliable source for powering all electrical devices that are installed in an agricultural structure. They generate enough electricity for lighting, air conditioning, ventilation, irrigation systems, heating devices, and composting devices.

Generators for Greenhouses on Solar Energy

Another profitable solution for solar greenhouses can be portable devices that work on the principle of storing electricity. The package includes:

  • Solar cells designed to capture and convert solar radiation
  • A device for storing electricity
  • Components that ensure the supply of current to end consumers

This option can also be a good solution since the power of solar generators is enough to power all systems in the greenhouse. However, in the case of use for objects with a large area, the device often becomes an auxiliary unit of equipment.

In any case, the owner needs to take care in advance to determine the data for the correct selection of the system. A greenhouse’s size, number of electric devices, structural features, financial capabilities, and other factors must be taken into account.

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Why Should You Use Solar Systems in Greenhouses?

Why Should You Use Solar Systems in Greenhouses?

By choosing this technology, the owners are taking a serious step towards ensuring the sustainable development and ecological future of agriculture. This is because greenhouses with solar panels have several environmental, financial, and other important advantages.

Independence from the Local Power Grid

The traditional method of powering devices in greenhouses cannot be called stable and continuous. Although local suppliers try to maintain a stable power supply, sometimes situations occur that are beyond their control.

These can be accidents on the lines, interruptions in the functioning of the equipment, etc. In each of these cases, the power supply is interrupted and the greenhouses cannot work in the usual mode.

This leads to consequences in the form of a decrease in productivity. By using solar systems for greenhouses, you can avoid such consequences.

Every day, structures can generate electricity as they access a source of energy. As a result, it is possible to provide an uninterrupted power supply and the necessary conditions for the normal development of crops.

Safety for the Environment

Solar panels are ecological structures that do not harm the environment during operation. Technology features play a role in this.

It is based on safe photovoltaic elements that do not emit corrosive gases and other pollutants during operation. In addition, solar panels use energy from a renewable source, which automatically excludes contributing to the depletion of natural resources.

Economic Benefit

By choosing solar panels for greenhouse heating, as well as other processes that take place inside the structure, the owner gets the opportunity to save. To many people, this advantage may seem questionable, since the purchase of systems requires a large initial investment. You can, however, benefit from these investments in the long run.

This is about saving on utility bills throughout the lifetime of solar systems. Modern installations can function for 20-35 years, and sometimes even longer. After the payback period, which is on average 6-9 years, the owner gets completely free access to a stable supply of electricity.

Versatility of Use

Modern solar companies offer designs of various types that can provide electricity to greenhouses of various formats. For large commercial facilities, you can choose kits with powerful solar panels and one or more solar generators.

If this is a small home greenhouse, then a system of low-power solar panels will be a good solution. You can place structures on almost any greenhouse. The main condition is an open area.

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The Takeaway

Solar panels are one of the best modern solutions for providing devices with electricity. They are ecological, versatile, and sustainable.

Agribusiness can benefit from solar energy as well as homes and offices. In particular, solar panels can become a reliable source of electricity for greenhouses. Select a solution that fully meets your needs to evaluate its benefits.

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