Daylight energy is clean and renewable. However, at the same time, it has obstacles and disadvantages. The latter fact would be especially applicable in the case of a greenhouse, with its heating requiring uniform and steady heating up for plant growth. In the present write-up, we are going to discuss one question: does a solar heater for a greenhouse exist? We are going to look into their types, how they work, and their pros and cons.
What is a Solar Greenhouse Heater?
A solar greenhouse heater is an equipment piece of equipment that can be used to capture solar energy and convert it to heat energy to make up for the relatively warm temperature conditions that are needed in a greenhouse. The systems require collectors, which could come in the form of photovoltaic (PV) panels or solar heat absorption panels converting solar radiation into electrical energy where it's then further converted into heat through an electric heater. However, solar absorption panels generate heat directly and further transfer it, either by convection or with a 12V circulation fan powered by an additional small PV panel.
When choosing a collection system by PV, you will probably have to buy collectors and heating system separately, besides batteries or thermal mass storage.
A much simpler system is a solar furnace, which is comprised of a black panel, enclosed in a transparent, insulating case through which it draws cool greenhouse air to be passed over the panel and then pumped back into the greenhouse. Once this has been achieved, the air will, of course, begin to move by convection, but even more rapid results are possible if a fan is utilized in order to speed up the process of air movement.
Are Solar Greenhouse Heaters Any Good?
Certainly, solar greenhouse heaters have an advantage that they are environmentally friendly and cheap in their operation. They also provide long-term fiscal advantages. Nonetheless, they also produce upfront installation expenditure, are subject to the availability of light, and need extra space for the panels. Despite these considerations, the developing efficiencies and unit costs of this technology make it a really attractive and viable proposition for most of the property holders in today's world.
Solar greenhouse heaters could be very applicable in these areas, considering that they can support maintaining the condition appropriate for the growth of plants and, hence, being a useful selection for horticulturists and agriculturists. In many ways, the solar greenhouse heaters will help reduce carbon emissions from around the world in a natural way. Though they require a heavy investment at the beginning stage, but its benefits are more than enough to recommend the solar greenhouse heaters as an efficient, cost-effective heating solution for those interested in this option for their greenhouses.
Types of Solar Greenhouse Heaters
Depending on how solar energy is captured, there are different types of solar greenhouse heaters. Some of the common forms are indicated below:
- PV Panels: These panels transform sunlight into electrical energy used to power a space heater. The entire system is quite standard and increasingly utilized for commercial greenhouse heating solutions.
- Solar Furnace: Usually attached to the walls of the greenhouse, and often the heat produced by these panels themselves is directly used in passing over to the air for direct heating of the greenhouse.
- Hot water panels: Solar absorption panels used to heat water that can be distributed through pipes laid along the floor or in walls.
Pros and Cons of Solar Greenhouse Heaters
Solar greenhouse heaters, like all technological applications, come with their unique sets of pluses and minuses.
Pros:
- Environmentally Friendly: They are one of the environmentally friendly methods since these solar heaters do not create any carbon footprints, unlike almost all others that come via fossil fuels.
- Savings Over Time: In the long run, solar systems can prove economical because they have less upkeep costs over time with no straight expense in the installation.
- Sustainable: Solar heating qualifies as a renewable source of energy since it offers a level of sustainability not manifested in other forms of energy. They draw their energy from the sun.
Cons:
- A large capital outlay: Solar heating installations require a lot of capital for the installation, despite the small maintenance costs.
- Dependent on weather: Solar energy is a renewable source of energy, but it depends on the availability of the weather. During nights and cloudy weather, one cannot think of availing such services from solar systems.
- Space Requirement: In order to make use of the solar heating systems in the greenhouse, a lot of space is required. A large area should be inbuilt for installing the systems within the greenhouse.
What To Consider When Installing a Solar Heating for a Greenhouse?
You will need to have a number of considerations when planning to install a solar heater for your greenhouse:
- Size of the Greenhouse: The measurements of the actual greenhouse will determine the type and size of a solar system. A small one may only require one system, while an extra-large one may need a couple of them or even larger systems.
- Location and Climate: The location of your greenhouse in relation to prevalent weather conditions is extremely important. You should consider the position of your solar systems in such a manner that the favorable utilization of the path of the sun takes place for as long as possible above your place. Remember, it's the climate that will determine the kind of solar system you need; one designed for cold conditions will definitely differ from one designed for warm conditions.
- Insulation: It is important to have proper insulation so that whatever is emitted by solar heating systems with the view of warming up during the cold nights or other cold periods remains trapped and is not wasted.
- Financial Plan: This is among the most crucial of aspects. Solar heating systems may come at a few hundreds to several thousands of dollars. Although the initial costs of outlay are high, over time, the eventual return on the investment can be huge, particularly if the investment is in the most effective of the solar power systems.
Can You Heat a Greenhouse With Solar Panels?
Of course, these collectors makes this possible. Actually, the solar panels receive sunlight energy and transform it into electricity, which actually powers the solar heater that heats the greenhouse. While using solar panels, they should be placed correctly to receive sunlight the right way. Besides all this, solar panels themselves should be applicable for producing the wanted outcome by working with the heater.
They should also be well-insulated so that the heat does not go out, especially on the north-facing wall.
Another way of achieving proper insulation would be having thermal mass inserted inside the greenhouse. It could be a material capable of heat absorption and retention. It absorbs heat from the sun during the day and at night emits that retained heat; thereby warm up the greenhouse in winter through emitting the absorbed heat during daylight and makes the room cold in summer.
Solar panels can also warm a greenhouse using water by powering a network of pipes just under the floor or along the walls. The water then picks up heat from the sun and re-radiates it back into the building by heating the air in the process.
Best PV Panel for Greenhouse Heating
BLUETTI PV420
Priced at C$1,099.00, this collector has up to a 23.4% high conversion efficiency capacity. It comes complete with a stand for easy and convenient installation, splash-resistant properties, and movability. It assures super-fast charging ability with the 420W solar power capacity. Moreover, it is fitted with a strong ETFE coating and is applicable in more than one kind of BLUETTI. This folding solar panel is a reliable and effective choice to satisfy all your solar needs.
BLUETTI PV350
It comes as a complete unit with really high efficiency, which allows harnessing up to 25% of the solar power. Besides being waterproof and very solid, it comes together with a kickstand for easy mounting, making it hassle-free. Also, this panel can be folded and carried around, used virtually with all BLUETTI appliances. Its power output of 350 W means that with this device, fast charging is assured.
BLUETTI PV200
Positioned at a retail price of C$599.00, the collector introduces a sleek and power-efficient addition to your solar needs. Foldable in nature and portable, featuring monocrystalline solar cells with a 23.4% efficiency rating and high-quality ETFE coating, these solar panels are designed for use with most solar generators that come with MC4 connections. With a 12-month warranty included, you can trust in its dependability and have peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
In summary, solar heating systems for greenhouses are a logical, ecologically sound way to ensure conditions ideal for growing. Solar systems utilise the eternally free sun's energy, decrease carbon emissions and save considerable money over a period. However, it should be placed in mind that variables like the size of the greenhouse, prevailing weather, and capital should be factored in during the selection of a solar heater. Although the investment may first put one off by its substantial nature, the long-term benefits make it all pay off. It becomes increasingly cheaper to purchase such devices, which, with technological advancement, also become more efficient than before. This would make solar heaters not only very good for those who want to heat their greenhouses environmentally friendly but also one of the most effective with results so far.
