Greenhouse Energy Conservation Strategies: Technologies

Programs and Meetings

A variety of technologies can be used to reduce greenhouse energy consumption, including retractable energy curtains, infra-red films, more efficient heaters and fans, etc. Below are relevant articles grouped under several general topics -- some provide an overview of energy-saving startegies while others go in-depth on a particular topic.

Overview of energy conservation measures

Greenhouse Energy Conservation Strategies, a 16-page summary by Erik Runkle (Michigan State University) and A.J. Both (Rutgers University).

Energy conservation podcasts present a variety of cutting-edge technologies used by growers in the U.S. and the Netherlands. Erik Runkle of Michigan State University interviews growers and industry experts.

How Can You Lower Your Greenhouse Energy Bill? by A.J. Both, Rutgers University.
Ten Ways to Reduce the Greenhouse Energy Bill by A.J. Both, Rutgers University.
Greenhouse Energy Conservation Checklist by John Bartok Jr., University of Connecticut.
Ten Easy Ways to Cut Energy Costs in Existing Greenhouse Spaces by Wisconsin Focus on Energy.
10 Ways to Lower Your Spring Heating Bill and Save Money by Erik Runkle, Michigan State University. Reprinted from the December 2005 issue of Greenhouse Management and Production.
10 Easy Ways to Save Energy and Money by John Bartok Jr., University of Connecticut. Reprinted from the November 2005 issue of Greenhouse Management and Production.

Retractable greenhouse curtains

Top 10 Energy Curtain Installation Considerations by Kurt Parbst, Ludvig Svensson Inc. Reprinted from the October 2011 issue of Greenhouse Product News.
Opening Strategies for Energy Curtains by Erik Runkle, Michigan State University. Reprinted from the August 2009 issue of Greenhouse Product News.
Reduce Fuel Costs with Screens by John Bartok Jr., University of Connecticut. Reprinted from the November 2008 issue of Greenhouse Management and Production.
Curtain Checkup by Patricia Dean, Wadsworth Control Systems. Reprinted from the April 2006 issue of Greenhouse Grower.

Infra-red films and heaters

Save Heat with Infrared Film by John Bartok Jr., University of Connecticut. Reprinted from the December 2008 issue of Greenhouse Management and Production.
Installing infrared polyethylene film to save energy by Erik Runkle, Michigan State University. Reprinted from the July 2008 issue of Greenhouse Product News.
Infrared Heats Up by Jim Youngsman, Comfort Glow Heating LLC. Reprinted from the December 2001 issue of Greenhouse Grower.

Efficient heating, fans, venting, and electrical systems

Keep your Greenhouse Cool with these Equipment Maintenance Tips by A.J. Both, Rutgers University.
Reducing Natural Gas / Propane Use for Greenhouse Space Heating by Scott Stanford, University of Wisconsin.
How to Prevent Fan Shutter Heat Loss by John Bartok Jr. Reprinted from the October 2011 issue of Greenhouse Management.
Winter Maintenance for Greenhouse Equipment by Patricia Dean, Wadsworth Control Systems. Reprinted from the January 2011 issue of Greenhouse Product News.

Pipe insulation is an inexpensive, energy-saving measure by John Bartok Jr., University of Connecticut. Reprinted from the October 2010 issue of Greenhouse Management and Production.

Fanning Uniformity in the Greenhouse (HAF fans) by Erik Runkle, Michigan State University. Reprinted from the May 2008 issue of Greenhouse Product News.
Exploring Underbench Heating Options by John Bartok Jr., University of Connecticut. Reprinted from the October 2006 issue of Greenhouse Product News.
Horizontal Air Flow by John Bartok Jr., University of Connecticut. Reprinted from the September 2005 issue of Greenhouse Product News.
Saving Energy on Electric, Lighting, and Water Systems by John Bartok Jr., University of Connecticut. Reprinted from the October 2001 issue of Greenhouse Product News.
Greenhouse Heating Checklist by A. Bucklin, P.H. Jones, B.A. Barmby, D.B. McConnell, and R.W. Henley, University of Florida.

General/other topics

Coping with High Energy Prices by Pennsylvania State University Cooperative Extension.
Using Insulation to Save Energy and Money by John Bartok Jr., University of Connecticut. Reprinted from the April 2007 issue of Greenhouse Management and Production.
Close Down Growing Space – and Save Money in Winter by John Bartok Jr., University of Connecticut. Reprinted from the December 2006 issue of Greenhouse Management and Production.
Reducing Energy Costs in California Greenhouses: I. Reduce Greenhouse Heat Losses by Cooperative Extension, University of California.
Reducing Energy Costs in California Greenhouses: II. Increase Efficiency of Heating and Cooling Systems by Cooperative Extension, University of California.
Greenhouse Energy Conservation and Alternatives by Patricia Rorabaugh, Merle Jensen, and Gene Giacomelli, University of Arizona. Reprinted from Chapter 13 in: Introduction to Controlled Environment Agriculture and Hydroponics.
Stop the Invisible Energy Loss by Mike Brugger, Ohio State University. Reprinted from the September 2004 issue of Greenhouse Management and Production.

Other Greenhouse Energy Cost Reduction Strategies pages:

This page was last edited Feb 12, 2012.
Please send your comments to Dr. Erik Runkle runkleer@msu.edu

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