Trystan Casey
Greenhouses can get extremely hot, even in the middle of winter. There are many ways to cool down a greenhouse without using electricity, such as installing a shade cloth or using a misting system. Solar-powered fans can also be used to circulate air and prevent stifling stillness. Proper ventilation is essential, as it keeps plants healthy and happy. Evaporative cooling is another effective method, which involves wetting the outside of the greenhouse or maintaining a humid interior to lower the temperature.
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What You'll Learn
Install a solar power system
Solar panels can be added to a greenhouse to generate electricity to power equipment such as fans, pumps, and lights. This is referred to as a solar-powered greenhouse. The solar panels gather the sun's energy and convert it into heat, providing the perfect environment for plant growth.
There are two main types of solar greenhouses: active and passive. Active solar greenhouses use solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity, which can then be used to power heating, lighting, and ventilation systems. Passive solar greenhouses, on the other hand, rely solely on the design of the greenhouse to collect, store, and distribute solar energy without the use of mechanical systems.
When installing a solar power system in a greenhouse, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you need to determine the power needs of each piece of equipment and calculate the total electric load. This will help you choose the right size and type of solar panel system. For example, a small residential greenhouse with low power needs can be equipped with a small solar PV system, while a large aquaponics greenhouse with multiple systems will require a much larger and more expensive setup.
Another consideration is whether to install the solar panels on the greenhouse roof or utilize a ground-mounted system. Putting solar panels on the greenhouse roof can block the light needed for plant growth, so it is important to ensure that there is enough roof space to accommodate the panels without causing unwanted shading. If your greenhouse is small, it may be better to install the solar panels on your home's roof or use a ground-mounted system.
Additionally, you need to decide whether to connect your solar-powered greenhouse to the electrical grid or operate it off-the-grid. Grid-tied systems can provide backup power and allow for the sale of excess energy, while off-grid systems with battery backup can provide more independence and resilience.
Finally, it is important to consider the costs and benefits of installing a solar power system in your greenhouse. While the initial investment can be high, solar-powered greenhouses can provide significant long-term savings on electricity bills and help reduce carbon emissions.
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Use a shade cloth
Using a shade cloth is an effective way to cool a greenhouse without electricity. Shade cloths are available in woven, knitted, or reflective material. The material type determines the amount of shade provided, with woven material requiring taping to prevent raveling when cut, and knitted material offering more flexibility. Reflective cloth is the most efficient at reducing greenhouse temperatures.
Shade cloths are a gardener's first line of defense against the sun's intense heat, acting as a protective barrier that reduces light intensity and heat. They are particularly useful for glass greenhouses, which tend to overheat more than poly houses. It is recommended to use 70% shade cloth for glass greenhouses and 60% for polycarbonate houses.
When installing a shade cloth, it is important to consider the size and orientation of your greenhouse. For smaller greenhouses, a full cover may not be necessary, and you may only need to cover a portion of the structure. The orientation of your greenhouse should be such that the long side faces south and north, allowing for the most direct light during low-light winter days.
Shade cloths can be installed over the top of the greenhouse, similar to how a shade tree provides cooler temperatures during the summer. Additionally, you can attach the cloth to your greenhouse using grommets and ropes or by running a bungee or cord through the grommets.
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Ventilation
Vents
The simplest way to cool a greenhouse is by getting the air flowing through vents. Aim for vents that account for about 40% of your floor area, split between the roof and sides. This allows warm air to escape through the highest point, creating a "chimney effect". Keeping the doors open on summer days and warm nights will also help regulate the temperature.
Solar-powered Vents
Manual roof vents are available, but these can also be fitted with a solar-powered opener. This is a wax cylinder that expands and contracts with temperature changes, pushing the vents open when warm and pulling them shut when cool. This ensures that the vents open and close at appropriate times, even if you are not at the greenhouse every day.
Fans
Circulation fans are essential to a healthy greenhouse. They increase CO2 availability, essential for plant growth, and help reduce excessive moisture, creating an environment that reduces disease and pests. They also help strengthen plant stems. A small fan can be installed near a pond to increase evaporative cooling.
Natural Breezes
When positioning your greenhouse, consider the prevailing winds to take full advantage of natural breezes. A well-placed structure can create a sustainable and comfortable atmosphere for plants without the need for mechanical cooling systems.
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Evaporative cooling
One method is to use a fan and pad system, which has been the standard evaporative cooling method for over 50 years. In this system, aspen or cellulose pads are mounted on one of the greenhouse's walls and supplied with water from a pipe above. Fans on the opposite wall then draw air through the pads, and the air is cooled as it passes through. The excess water is collected in a gutter at the bottom. This system can be controlled by a thermostat, controller, or computer, and the pads are sometimes removed in winter to allow more light into the greenhouse.
Another way to utilise evaporative cooling is to wet the outside of the greenhouse. As the water evaporates, the greenhouse's exterior surfaces will be cooled, and the air will be cooled as it enters the greenhouse. This method works well when paired with good ventilation, such as roof and side vents, to create a natural airflow.
Misting systems are another way to implement evaporative cooling. These can be set up on a battery-operated timer and use tiny water droplets to cool the greenhouse through evaporation.
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Positioning
When positioning your greenhouse, it is important to consider the prevailing winds in your area. By placing your greenhouse strategically, you can take advantage of natural breezes, which can be as effective as mechanical cooling systems in regulating the temperature. Aim to position your greenhouse so that it captures these natural breezes and allows for good airflow.
The orientation of your greenhouse is also a key consideration. In the northern hemisphere, a greenhouse with a south-facing orientation will receive the most sunlight. This can be beneficial for plant growth, but it is important to ensure that your greenhouse does not become too hot, especially during the summer months. Consider partial shading or using shades and vents to regulate the temperature.
If possible, try to position your greenhouse near a source of water, such as a pond or stream. This can be useful for evaporative cooling, where you wet the outside of your greenhouse to cool the air as it enters. You can also use water for misting systems, which can help lower the temperature inside the greenhouse.
When positioning your greenhouse, consider the path of the sun throughout the day. You may want to avoid placing your greenhouse in an area that will be in direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day. This can help prevent the greenhouse from overheating. Additionally, consider the surrounding landscape and any potential sources of shade, such as trees or other structures.
Finally, if you are in an area with cold winters, consider sinking the floor of your greenhouse below the frost line. This natural insulation can help stabilize the internal temperature, providing a buffer against the cold and maintaining a warmer environment for your plants. This technique can be combined with other methods, such as using solar water heating pipes in a closed loop running through your garden beds, to further stabilize the temperature.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some ways to cool down a greenhouse without electricity:
- Install a shade cloth over the top of your greenhouse to create a cooling effect.
- Use a misting system to lower the heat.
- Get the air flowing by keeping the vents and doors open.
- Install a solar-powered fan to circulate the air.
Shade cloths are available in woven, knitted or reflective material. Woven material will ravel when cut and will need taping, while knitted material has more give and does not require taping. However, taping can be beneficial as you can then put grommets in the tape.
Solar-powered fans circulate air, preventing the stifling stillness that can stress your plants on hot days. They are especially useful in larger greenhouses where air can become trapped and heat can accumulate.
In the winter, you can keep your greenhouse cool by sinking your greenhouse floor below the frost line. The ground's steady temperature will act as a buffer against the cold and help stabilize the internal temperature.
