How to Heat a Greenhouse with Solar Panels?
Harnessing solar energy is one of the eco-friendly ways to gain electricity. It is more suitable to be used in greenhouses that are composed of plants and nature in perspective.
Not only can it be used in operating the technology of today, but it can also provide heat to sustain the different species of plants that are in your greenhouses.
It may seem unfathomable at first, but as you install the solar panels, you would come to realize how it works. In this text, the information will be provided that will help you to understand the process of its construction and function.
How Does the Solar Heating System Work?
Solar heating systems are considered to be beneficial due to its cheaper alternative in heating the greenhouse. This is known to be environmentally friendly.
However, it is reliable in consumption as no energy blackouts may happen in the process though its functionality operates as long as the sun rays are existing in your area, and at any point, there will always be.
Its overall function is about capturing the heat from the sun, and storing it til your plants need it on a cold day. There are many ways to store the heat using solar panels, and these are the following:
Poly crystalline
The poly-crystalline solar cell is made by melting silicon and then filling the square molds of the panel. It retains the four sided makeup, unlike mono crystalline.
Mono crystalline
The mono crystalline type is usually cylinder in shape and is dark in color. The four sided solar cells are modified and are cut off to minimize the cost while still maintaining the function that it needs to perform.
In this sense, this type is known to be the most efficient kits in terms of solar heating the greenhouses.
Thin-film
Positioning layers of photo voltaic materials to one another build up the thin-film. This makes the individual solar cell complete as the function needed.
Greenhouse Solar Panel Composition
To do the solar panel work efficiently, there are two essential materials to keep it functioning. The materials that are needed are as follows:
Glazing
This maximizes the insolation, which is the specific gathering of heat energy from the sun itself. With this, you can use polyethylene, acrylic, plastics, or acrylics in general.
The usage should be ensured to have the maximum ability to gather solar energy while ensuring that there is little to no energy loss.
Likewise, to ensure its useful function, the glazing should be o.80 to 1.5 square foot of floor space in the greenhouse.
Thermal Mass
Thermal mass is needed to gather the heat during the day when the sunlight continues to strike, then store it till it is needed for the plants in the greenhouse. It is typically released at night since the temperature usually drops at this point of time.
The overall solar makeup relies on thermal mass to execute its needed function. One of the known methods to enhance this by placing rocks or water nearby so it absorbs it directly for maximum heat capacity.
Types of Solar Heating Systems for Greenhouses
In choosing a solar panel kit, the two main types of functionality you should take into consideration:—
Passive
In passive solar heating, it does not have any electrical wiring that should be taken into account. Instead, the gathering of heat is usually in a natural manner.
Active
The active function requires wiring and technology. Specifically, it uses pumps and fans to provide the heat distribution within the greenhouse premises.
Tips for Building a Greenhouse Powered by Solar Energy
In building a solar heater for your greenhouse, there are a few aspects that you should take into consideration:
1. Know its Purpose
Before installing the solar panels, you should be mindful of its functionality and how you can maximize its full potential. Specifically, to supply you with more information regarding solar energy.
It provides a reliable source of power since it relies on the sun on, and the sun never losses its light. It also reduces the carbon emissions that are suitable to promote a greener life.
2. Evaluate the Efficiency
You should know what it can do, and evaluate it based on your needs. Some kits add few features that you might need in the long run, and you should take advantage of it.
In addition, see whether the package that you are attempting to invest is suitable for your area as some are not preferred depending on location.
3. Know the Costing and Relate It to the Allotted Financial Aspect
You should know what kind of function and quality you need with the price that you are willing to spend for. Different kinds of solar kits that offer different types of access, and evaluating two types with the same price gives you a better deal.
Top 3 Preferred Solar Panel Kits for Greenhouses
In buying panel kits, you always need to ensure the quality of its function and its overall efficiency. Although it may seem confusing as many offers different additional benefits with a variety of choices, that can be taken up to your advantage.
To have an insight regarding this matter, here are the top three preferred solar kits by most greenhouse owners:
1. Renogy 100 Watts Eclipse Mono crystalline
The product offers a variety of functions such as an adjustable aluminum stand that is corrosion resistant. This makes it beneficial whenever you need to modify the optimal angle depending on season and weather.
It is also equipped with a four stages charging controller to prevent the occurrence of overcharging.
Moreover, it continues to gather heat, even in environments with low-lighting. The batteries that it uses are diverse as well as sturdy designed though it can be a struggle to disassemble due to its detailed folding mechanism.
2. The Go Solar 100W Monocrystalline Solar PV Panel
The solar kit is advertised as having a higher charge than the most kit since it is made up of highly efficient solar cells. The unique material and system of construction make its efficiency reflect in every performance.
Furthermore, it settles on any types of surface regardless of differently shaped fence or roof. It is easy to install and withstand even in extreme weather and season. Nevertheless, the durability aspect depends solely on usage.
3. 400 Watts Solar Panel with MPPT Charge Controller, Solar Combiner, and Solar Cable
The design along with its intricate materials enhances its power efficiency. Besides, the adapter is known to be an easy-install type as well as known for its versatility.
Its brackets help it to mount in any location, but it is not recommended in areas that experience extreme cold.
Conclusion: Try the Solar Panel in Your Greenhouse Now!
The greenhouse is allotted for an eco-friendly environment, and so as the usage of solar panels. It is a win-win situation as you may correlate the two with its functionality as well as taking a step up to the maintenance of your greenhouse.
Thus, when heating the greenhouse, you can benefit from the lessening of cost and its reliability.
However, do you want to enhance your greenhouse? Try a solar panel for thermal heating usage now!
