![]() Vents and boiler systems reduce this by 75 percent or more.ĭepending on the efficiency of the solar collector, the location of the collector and the area of the U.S where the greenhouse is located, a PV system will generate from 10 to 35 kWh/square feet per year. ![]() ![]() Ventilating fans and hot air furnaces use more than ½ kWh/square foot per year each if the greenhouse is operated year-round. If conservation measures are utilized, such as roof and sidewall vents, wall insulation, energy screens, accurate controls and a boiler system rather than furnaces or unit heaters, electricity use is decreased to a minimum. ![]() From my analysis in doing energy audits, the typical greenhouse uses between 1 and 2 kilowatt hours of electricity per square foot of floor area per year (kWh/sq ft-yr). First, we need to establish how much power the greenhouse requires. It would take a very large system to provide all the energy needs for a typical greenhouse, but supplying the electricity needs is definitely feasible. Also, systems that can be integrated with the greenhouse are being installed. Photovoltaic systems with efficiencies as high as 40 percent are now available at a cost that results in a reasonable payback. Is it time to consider solar power? Will all greenhouses become electricity generators some day? Improvements in photovoltaic electricity systems are making them more attractive for greenhouses.
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