Programs and Meetings

Greenhouse Energy Conservation Strategies: Alternative Energy

 

Natural gas and oil are the most common fuels used to heat greenhouses.  However, several other energy sources, including solar, wind, and biofuels, can be used to generate heat and electricity.  Below are articles grouped into several general topics related to alternative fuels for greenhouses.

Alternative energy comparisons

• Comparing Fuel Costs by John Bartok Jr., University of Connecticut.
  
  
• Approximate Heating Value of Common Fuels by John Bartok Jr., University of Connecticut.
  
  
• Heating Bill Comparison (for homes, with January 2007 prices) by Chris Schilling, Saginaw Valley State University.
  
  
• Fuel Value Calculator by the USDA Forest Products Laboratory, July 2004.
  

Solar and wind energy

• Solar and Wind Energy for Greenhouses by A.J. Both and Tom Manning, Rutgers University.
  
  
• Solar Heat is Not an Option Yet by John Bartok Jr., University of Connecticut.  Reprinted from the October 2007 issue of Greenhouse Management and Production.
  
  
• Wind Energy Project Analysis by the Minister of Natural Resources Canada, 2004.
  
  
• Wind Speed of Michigan at 30 Meters map by AWS Truewind.
  
  
• Michigan – 50 Meter Wind Power map by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Biofuels (corn, biodiesel, wood, switchgrass, algae, etc.)

• Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center website at Michigan State University.

• Corn – A Home Grown Heat Source by John Bartok Jr., University of Connecticut.
  
  
• Heating with Bioheat and Waste Oil by John Bartok Jr., University of Connecticut.
  
  
• Burning Wood May Offer Heating Savings by John Bartok Jr., University of Connecticut.  Reprinted from the August 2007 issue of Greenhouse Management and Production.
  
  
• Heating with Corn by the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan, January 2007 update.
  
  
• Heating of Greenhouse with Biofuel Pellets by O. Fasina, D. Bransby, J. Sibley, and C. Gilliam, Auburn University.  Presented at the 2006 annual meeting of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.
  
  
• Biomass Heating Project Analysis by the Minister of Natural Resources Canada, 2005.
  
  
• Wood Biomass for Energy by the USDA Forest Products Laboratory, April 2004.
  
  
• Do You Have the Resources? (Wood Fuel) by Bill Calkins, Greenhouse Grower.  Reprinted from the December 2001 issue of Greenhouse Grower.
  
  
• Renewable Energy website at Purdue University.
  

Other fuels and related topics

• Coal Heat – Another Greenhouse Alternative by John Bartok Jr., University of Connecticut.
  
  
• Can You Afford Free Heat? (geothermal heat) by Brad Kenney, Greenhouse Grower.  Reprinted from the January 2007 issue of Greenhouse Grower.

Other Greenhouse Energy Cost Reduction Strategies pages:

• Energy Audits
• Energy Grants and Loans
• Greenhouse Lighting
• Greenhouse Technologies
• Temperature and Scheduling
• Supplemental Materials and Links

  Copyright © 2012, Department of Horticulture, Michigan State University.

MSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.