Steps on Installing Solar Panels in Greenhouses

Keeping a greenhouse is beneficial, especially if you want to enjoy a year-

round harvest. However, there are some adversaries during the winter months
so heating the greenhouse becomes necessary. The good news is, you can
prevent having high fuel bills by learning how to heat a greenhouse with
solar panels!

Types of Solar Greenhouse Systems

Active Solar Greenhouse System

An active solar greenhouse system works by getting power from the sun and
converting it into electrical energy. The energy is captured, stored, and
circulated through the use of external devices such as radiators, water pumps, 
and fans. Without these devices, solar energy cannot be used to heat a
greenhouse.

The solar collectors for an active solar system are flat-plate PV panels. These
panels are stable and unmovable devices that use liquid and air to collect and
convert power. Those that utilize liquid are called hydronic collectors while
those that use air are called air collectors. 

One of the benefits of using a solar greenhouse system is that it does not only
depends on the sun since there are external devices that store the energy.
Aside from that, it does not have any noise and the heating of the panel keeps
it clean in any kind of weather condition.

In terms of its disadvantages, the external devices needed for the solar system
may be costly. Furthermore, sustaining the equipment in the active solar
system is more expensive than the passive one.

Passive Solar Greenhouse System

Unlike the active solar greenhouse system, a passive solar greenhouse system
does not utilize external devices. However, it depends on the structure and
construction of the greenhouse. The energy that is collected from the sun is
stored on the thermal mass- an object that keeps heat such as rocks, concrete
walls and floors, and water tanks.

The idea behind the passive solar system is that insulates the greenhouse
during nighttime to keep it warm. The advantage of using this kind of system
is that the thermal mass easily heats up yet slowly cools down. 

Although you don’t have to spend on external devices, you need to have the
right window panes so heating would be successful. It also tends to overheat if
you live in a warm region. 

If you want to learn more about the differences between active solar
greenhouse system and passive solar greenhouse system, you can check this 7-
minute video: Solar Energy Understanding Active and Passive Solar Heating.
Materials you need

You need to prepare these items to avoid inconvenience while doing the
tutorial. You can purchase at the nearest hardware store or you can also order
online. As much as possible, look for the items specifically described below.

Solar Panel

If you are planning to construct a 250-watt solar heater, you need to prepare a
500-watt solar panel kit. There are different kinds of solar panels that are
available for greenhouses. Here are some that you can choose from.

The most expensive type of solar panel is the monocrystalline solar panel.
Unlike the polycrystalline solar panels, the silicon is cut off into strips.  These
thin strips of silicon capture the solar energy and convert it to electricity by
undergoing the photovoltaic process.

A polycrystalline solar panel, on the other hand, is made of photovoltaic cells.

This is widely used on home solar setups because it is more affordable
compared with other solar panels. It is made by melting silicon and putting it
into the panel’s square molds.

Another option that you can choose is the thin-film solar panel. It is
lightweight and flexible so it is ideal to use on curved roofs. It is made up of
thin photovoltaic sheets placed on top of one another.

Heater

There are two options that you have in choosing a heater. You can have a 12
volt DC heating unit or a 250-watt A/C heater. If you prefer a 12 volt DC
heating unit, you can directly connect it to the charge controller. 

You can also use a 250-watt A/C heater by connecting it through a charge
controller using a DC to AC controller. If you prefer this one, you can also use
devices with 110 volts in your greenhouse such as light bulbs, fans, and air
conditioners.

Batteries Backup

If you want to run a 250-watt heating unit, you can use a 100 Ah Lead Acid
battery. One battery can provide you with 4.8 hours of backup for your
heating unit. You can add more batteries if you want to increase the backup
time for the solar panels.

What to do to

Choose what kind of solar greenhouse system you want

First, you need to decide what kind of solar system is applicable to your
greenhouse. If it doesn’t have large window panes and concrete floors and
walls, you can choose an active solar greenhouse system. However, if you have
a large place and it is enough to insulate heat, you can choose a passive solar
greenhouse system.

Make a plan

After you have chosen what kind of solar greenhouse system you prefer, make
a plan. Check the place where you will install the solar panels. If you are
planning to put it on the frame, measure if it is large enough to accommodate
all of the solar panels. Also, it must be able to support the weight of the panels.

Place supports for the solar panels

To ensure that the solar panels won’t slide off, it is important that you place
supports such as handles, latches, and brackets. It is highly recommended that
you get a mount rail system. This will help you adjust the position of the
panels at any angle you prefer. Don’t hesitate to add supports if you think that
what you have now is not enough.

Insulate the wires and connect them

You need to insulate the wires first and make them waterproof. To prevent any
electric shock, put a ground wire from the mounting hardware that is
connected to the ground. After that, carefully connect all the panels’ wires
together.

Install the photovoltaic system

In installing the photovoltaic system, you must choose a place where it has
enough ventilation yet there will be no moisture. You can place it in a large
place like your garage. Once you are done installing it, don’t forget to put a
protective covering on it.

Connect the AC breaker panel to the inverter

For the last step, connect the AC breaker panel located at your home to the
inverter. Connect the DC disconnect switch and the photovoltaic system parts
to the photovoltaic wires. Attach the main DC disconnect to the inverter. Once
done, test if the solar panel works.

Benefits of Solar Greenhouse Systems

Saves money

You may spend on outlay costs or exterior devices, however, having a solar
greenhouse system would save more of your money since you won’t have to
pay high electricity bills every now and then. Most of the greenhouses with a
solar system have zero running costs.

Not affected by the power outage

With a solar system in your greenhouse, you don’t have to mind power
outages or power interruptions. The greenhouse will continuously provide
warmth to your plants and crops. An overnight power outage is enough to kill
the crops, especially if it is freezing cold outside.

Easy to install and operate

You will only need a few hours to install the solar system for your greenhouse.
Aside from that, the materials you will need are affordable and easy to
operate. If you purchase a solar panel kit, most of the things that you need are
included in the package. There is also a manual to guide you.

Environmental friendly

Another benefit of using a solar system is that it is environmentally friendly. It

helps in reducing carbon emissions. Aside from that, no toxins are being
released that could harm the atmosphere. You can help save the planet by
using a solar system for your greenhouse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it fine to place the solar panels on the roof of the greenhouse?

You should never install solar panels on the roof of the greenhouse.
Remember, the plants need direct sunlight to grow.  Solar panels would
prevent your plants from receiving the sunlight they need. You can install the
solar panels on a building nearby or you can also make a frame for them.

Where is the energy stored?

If it is not connected to a utility grid, the energy from the solar panels is
usually stored on batteries. If you need to store more energy, you need to
purchase more batteries. However, there are also available batteries that have
larger capacities on hardware stores.

Conclusion

With the use of solar panels, you can ensure that your greenhouse has the
right amount of heat to keep your plants alive. This method is useful,
especially during the winter season. Aside from that, it is affordable and easy
to execute as long as you have the right tools.

References
https://www.literoflightusa.org/how-to-heat-a-greenhouse-with-
solar-panels/
https://newagegardener.com/heat-greenhouse-with-solar-panels/
https://avasolar.com/how-to-heat-a-greenhouse-with-solar-
panels/
https://solarance.com/how-to-heat-a-greenhouse-with-solar-
panels/
https://heliusenergy.com/how-to-heat-a-greenhouse-with-solar-
panels/
https://www.waaree.com/blog/difference-between-active-and-
passive-solar-systems
https://ezinearticles.com/?The-Benefits-of-Solar-
Greenhouses&id=1232386