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Your old greenhouse frame may be the key to higher profit

How to prepare your greenhouse for rising energy costs

 

For commercial growers, improving energy efficiency in the greenhouse is a priority. Adopting high-efficiency retrofitting measures can significantly reduce operational costs while simultaneously improving crop yields. Investing in a modern greenhouse cover material will provide a competitive edge for your business now and over time. Keep reading to explore how you can make the most of an existing greenhouse structure by retrofitting it with high efficiency greenhouse covering that will keep temperatures within ideal ranges while saving money on utilities year-round.

A more energy-efficient greenhouse cover material equals more profit

When researching the best materials for your greenhouse frame, consider investing in Solexx. This semi-rigid insulated cladding helps keep heated air inside your greenhouse, so energy use is lower than if you had used a standard plastic film or triple-wall polycarbonate. See chart below showing covering options and their insulating ability.

Chart comparing the values of insulation, R-Value of various greenhouse coverings

Retrofit an existing greenhouse frame for even more savings

Retrofitting an existing greenhouse with Solexx can be a smart financial decision. Solexx is designed to fit over existing frames, so you don’t have to worry about expensive demolition or construction costs. The durable material also helps stiffen and strengthen your frame for superior protection from wind and snow damage. Solexx will literally turn your old greenhouse from a ‘poly bag’ into a sturdy building.

The Solexx greenhouse covering material has a short payback period of as quick as 1.5 years in energy savings (not including all the other cost-saving benefits), so you’ll quickly recoup the costs of your investment.

Here is an example of a customer that recovered an old frame with Solexx. The greenhouse frame seen in the picture was 30 years old.  The difference after installing Solexx is “night and day” according to the grower.

“It was such a game changer. Winters are much warmer. Solexx has helped on so many fronts. We are getting 3-4 more turns per year. We have no frost issues, no hardening off stress, and no burn issues”

Greenhouse frame retrofitted with Solexx greenhouse cover material. Before and after pictures. From dark to light.
Covering a 30-year old Conley greenhouse frame with Solexx.

Once Solexx is installed, you can start seeing the benefits right away—lower energy use bills while still keeping temperatures within ideal ranges for crop growth. With fuel costs on the rise, energy savings not only increase profit, it creates a competitive advantage.

Bonus Solexx Benefit: Diffuse light is better for plants

Solexx delivers on all fronts, so you won’t sacrifice growth for energy savings either. Solexx light is diffuse, so your crops will receive perfect light to thrive. Growers are seeing improved yields today by as much as 25%, which means more turns and a faster time to market.  To learn more about the benefits of diffuse light read here.

Ask how we can help you calculate your savings

Solexx Greenhouse Covering is the perfect solution for commercial growers looking to increase their profit potential by reducing energy use. By retrofitting your existing structure with Solexx, you can rest assured knowing that your greenhouse will stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer while also benefiting from faster plant growth.

If your local utilities offer Energy Rebates, Solexx will likely qualify for rebates, no matter what covering you already have on your greenhouse.  We can help you create a report showing energy savings (using official software created by the USDA) to provide to your utility company. You’ll be able to compare estimated energy costs for each greenhouse covering option side by side on a monthly basis.

Invest in Solexx today and reap the rewards of lower energy use, higher production yields, and greater profits. Call 877-476-5399 or email today to ask us how we can help your business thrive.