While its true that all greenhouses are designed to trap solar energy, solar greenhouses both collect energy during the day and also store heat for use when its not sunny outside – at night or during inclement weather.  As with solar dog houses, described two days ago, solar greenhouses may rely on passive solar energy, or they may incorporate PV solar panels into the design.

The following video is a great example of how passive solar greenhouses work:

Solar greenhouses differ from conventional as follows:

• use of glazing materials oriented to receive maximum solar heat, and minimize heat loss
• use of heat storing materials to retain solar heat.
• extra insulation where there is little or no direct sunlight.
• reliance on natural ventilation for summer cooling.

Passive solar greenhouses may be the best choice for homeowners or small farms because they are less expensive than solar panels, but can still help extend the growing season.  Well-designed solar greenhouses use supplemental energy to heated air or water from collection areas to other regions of the greenhouse.  Many experts agree that using greenhouses with solar panels is not cost-effective unless you are producing high-value crops.

There are a number of sites that sell solar greenhouses, including:

www.hobby-greenhouse.com

www.irisherbal.com

www.jc-solarhomes.com

We are not specifically recommending any of these sites, but can definitely say that if you want to take it to the next step, you can compare and contrast to see what options are available with solar greenhouses.

Just keep in mind: (1) your budget; (2) your needs; (3) whether passive or active solar makes sense for where you live; and (4) whether you want an attached or detached greenhouse.

Have fun extending the sun with your solar greenhouse!  See you at the home improvement store…