Energy efficiency is top of mind for many greenhouse growers, especially as energy prices continue to rise. Greenhouse operators can make simple upgrades to improve the energy efficiency of their growing operation.
Many utilities providers and state agencies offer grants and rebates for energy efficiency upgrades. Rimol can provide all supporting documentation required for these applications. Reach out to your utilities provider, state Department of Energy or state Department of Agriculture to see what programs may be available in your area.
Here are some simple upgrades for better greenhouse energy efficiency, many of which may qualify for payment assistance under different state programs.
IR Poly
IRAC (infrared/anti-condensate) poly includes an additive that disperses light and creates an “anti-drip” effect, helping to delay the exit of heat from the greenhouse during the night. For high tunnels or greenhouses covered with a double layer of poly, using IRAC poly as the inner can be a simple upgrade for quick energy savings. According to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension, IR poly reduces energy use by 15 to 20%.
High Efficiency Heater
If you are using gas heat to warm your greenhouse, a high efficiency condensing unit heater is much more energy efficient than models that are even just a few years old. A condensing unit heater such as the Reznor UEZ series can achieve more than 90% thermal efficiency. This is a significant improvement over most standard heater models that are achieving efficiency levels in the low 80% range.
HAF Fans
HAF fans are an easy upgrade to optimize heating and cooling efficiency. HAF fans can move a high volume of air using a small amount of energy. If you are using gas heat, HAF fans are a must to ensure the heated air mass moves throughout the greenhouse, maximizing your heating efficiency.
Learn more: Why Use HAF Fans in Your Greenhouse?
Environmental Controller
Automating your greenhouse heating and cooling with an environmental controller is a worthwhile investment that will save time and money in the long run. With digital environmental controls, you can optimize fuel use through more accurate temperature readings and the ability to set day and night temperatures.
There are many different types of environmental control systems to fit your needs and budget. Start with a simple controller that uses temperature thresholds to manage your roll-up sides, fans and shutters. A more advanced environmental control system can integrate temperature, humidity and even light readings to manage all kinds of equipment, even integrating controls across multiple greenhouses.
Thermal Energy Curtain
An energy curtain system in your Matterhorn greenhouse can provide heat retention in the winter and shade in the summer. According to Wadsworth Controls, a curtain system can reduce heating costs by up to 40% over the winter. An energy curtain can provide a return on investment in just 2-3 years or even less. These systems are also a great choice for retail garden centers, schools and institutions, where they can provide shade necessary to keep customers, students and workers comfortable during the warmer months.
Root Zone or Under-Bench Heating
A wide array of hot water heating products can reduce greenhouse heating costs and help you grow a better plant. A root zone heating system directly warms the plant’s roots by heating the space under the plant – either the soil or the bench it sits on – rather than heating the air. According to BioTherm, when a plant’s root temperature is kept at the ideal, the air temperature needed to sustain peak growth is about 5 to 15 degrees lower. This can reduce fuel costs by 10% or more.
Grants and Rebates for Greenhouse Energy Upgrades
There are many grant and rebate programs available that can financially support energy upgrades for your greenhouse. These programs differ by state and are usually offered by local utilities providers.
Typically, these programs require an onsite energy audit, with the cost of the audit partially or fully covered by the utilities provider. Following the audit, you will receive a list of energy upgrade recommendations. If you choose to move forward with any of the recommendations, you can apply for a grant or rebate to cover the cost of the upgraded equipment. The application process, repayment rates and types of equipment covered will vary by location, but it is worth a call to your utilities provider if you are thinking of making energy-saving upgrades to your greenhouse or high tunnel.
If you'd like to discuss energy upgrades for your greenhouse or high tunnel, get in touch with your local Rimol sales representative. We have experience working with customers who are applying for grant and rebate programs for energy efficiency upgrades and can share any supporting documentation you may require. Request a free quote today!