Can The Shaded Solexx Greenhouse Cover Keep Things Cool?

Solexx greenhouse panels are a popular choice for greenhouses due to their ability to diffuse light evenly, eliminating “hot spots” and shadows, and reducing light transmission. They also provide protection for plants and seedlings, prolonging the life of the panels. The Solexx covering is not only insulated, but also offers exceptional light diffusion, making it an ideal choice for both shade and sun-loving plants.

The double-walled insulated Solexx greenhouse covering provides 100 light diffusion, which has been shown to accelerate plant growth up to 25 degrees Celsius. This superior twin-wall covering reduces energy costs, reduces condensation, and protects plants from harsh conditions. Frame spacing is crucial, and the framing or trusses that support the panel should be strong and shatterproof.

Solexx panels are made from high-density polyethylene plastic (HDPE), providing optimal diffuse light, significantly lowering energy costs, and reducing condensation. It also helps keep the greenhouse cool in summer heat, preventing overheating and preventing plants from burning under Solexx.

Solexx panels have significantly better insulation due to being full of air, which is the best insulator. Despite having a similar structure, Solexx panels diffuse light evenly throughout the greenhouse, eliminating “hot spots” and shadows. Additionally, a bit less light transmission helps maintain the greenhouse’s temperature.

In moderate climate regions with moderate summer temperatures, shade cloths are the best option for keeping the greenhouse cool and promoting growth. By installing Solexx panels, you can enjoy the benefits of a well-insulated greenhouse without the added stress of overheating.

Will a shade cloth cool a greenhouse?

White shade cloths are ideal for reflecting heat and maintaining light spectrum quality, keeping the growing area cooler while allowing sufficient light for plant growth. Knitted shade cloths are lightweight and flexible, made with interlocking threads for air and water flow. They are tear-resistant and lightweight. Woven options are durable and can stand up against wind and hail. The choice between these two depends on the greenhouse’s ventilation and wind protection needs. Knitted cloths are ideal for areas with less intense sunlight, while woven options are more durable and can withstand wind and hail.

Is it okay to put a greenhouse in the shade?

Plant growth relies on light, so only the minimum amount of shading is needed to maintain temperatures below 25-27ºC (77-81ºF). However, allow as much light in as possible, especially for edible plants like tomatoes. Sun-loving plants like succulents don’t need shading, but providing shade can make the greenhouse more pleasant. There are various ways to shade greenhouses and conservatories, including external blinds, which provide shade and a cooling effect by preventing sun rays from passing through the glass, and internal blinds, which allow sunlight to pass through the glass and generate heat but are more easily automated. There are various materials available with varying degrees of shading and permeability to allow air exchange.

How do I keep my greenhouse cool in the summer?

To keep your DIY greenhouse cool, install ventilation windows, dampen down the inside, promote airflow with fans, and add a shade cloth. Polycarbonate greenhouses are designed to keep your growing space warm and cozy, but managing the heat on summer days can be challenging. To lower temperatures and upgrade your backyard greenhouse, consider installing ventilation windows, dampening down the inside, promoting airflow with fans, and adding a shade cloth. These low-cost tricks can help keep your plants thriving during the sunniest months, extending your planting season into winter.

How much can shade cloth reduce temperature?

The use of dark green and dark brown shade cloth has been demonstrated to lower temperatures by approximately 10 degrees Celsius. However, this approach may also result in the development of spindly plants. The structures employed permit direct sunlight during the early morning and late afternoon hours, thereby preventing legginess.

How long does greenhouse shade cloth last?

Shade cloth can last up to 16 years when properly cared for. To store it, fold it up and store it out of direct sunlight. Ensure it is completely dry before folding and store tightly rolled in a large plastic bag. There are knitted and woven types of shade cloth, with knitted being the most popular. Knitted shade cloth doesn’t unravel, requires no special treatment to seal, and can be easily adjusted in size. We can special order woven varieties for customers, but we recommend knitted shade cloth for its convenience and ease of use.

How much cooler is it under a shade cloth?

The 40 mono shade cloth has heat absorption properties, reducing temperatures by 3-5 degrees. It effectively blocks sunlight but absorbs some heat, resulting in a moderate reduction. Aluminet shade cloth, on the other hand, does not absorb heat and offers better heat and light reflection, reducing temperatures by 5-10 degrees. The quality of 40 shade cloth significantly affects its ability to reduce temperatures. Higher-quality cloths have better sun-blocking properties and enhanced heat reduction capabilities, resulting in more significant temperature reductions and improved overall performance.

How do I reduce the sun in my greenhouse?

Shading is a cost-effective method for cooling greenhouses, often applied outside over the glazing or with screen systems inside. It can result in lower electric bills if fans are used. Shading compounds, which are applied in the spring, wear off before the first frost. Some growers add additional layers of shading as the sun’s intensity increases during summer or the shade material wears off.

An alternative is woven or knitted shade fabrics made from materials like polypropylene, saran, polyethylene, and polyester. These lightweight, easy-to-apply fabrics are available in various degrees of shade and are typically custom-fabricated to fit the greenhouse. Most materials are ultra-violet stabilized and have a lifespan of about 10 years. Costs range from 10-40¢/sq ft. Polypropylene is strong, tough, and resistant to flexing, abrasion, and chemical attack.

Saran is fireproof and shrinks about 3 when installed, while lock-stitched, knitted polyethylene netting is fire and mildew resistant. Metalized materials like Aluminet (GREEN-TEK) can moderate both day and night temperatures.

What is the difference between polycarbonate and Solexx?

Solexx greenhouses are made with polyethylene, a flexible and easy-to-cut material with a lower insulation factor compared to polycarbonate. Polyethylene diffuses light less, making the greenhouses hotter in summer. It is easy to clean and does not scratch like polycarbonate. Solexx panels are durable, withstanding snow and subzero temperatures without yellowing. They contain UV inhibitors throughout the material, preventing it from breaking down in the sun.

They have a 10-year limited warranty against ultraviolet breakdown, and have been in the field for over 35 years with minimal UV degradation. Although plastics eventually break down when exposed to direct sunlight, Solexx panels are easy and inexpensive to replace, making them a cost-effective choice for greenhouses.

When to put shade cloth on a greenhouse?

Apply shade cloth seasonally when days are consistently hot, such as in May or early June. Remove the cloth when the days cool in the fall. This reduces heat buildup in the greenhouse, keeping pest populations lower, plants healthier, and people happier. Glass greenhouses tend to overheat more than poly houses, so use 70 shade cloth over glass and 60 over polycarbonate houses. This saves effort and water.

At what temperature is a greenhouse too hot?

It is important to note that greenhouses can become uncomfortably warm during the summer months, particularly if they are not adequately ventilated. The temperature can reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit, which is detrimental to plant life. To maintain optimal greenhouse conditions, it is essential to implement effective cooling strategies, such as regular irrigation of plants. This is one of the most effective methods for maintaining a cool and healthy greenhouse environment for plants.

What is the most effective method of cooling a greenhouse?

Growers can benefit from incorporating dedicated cooling systems to maintain healthy air exchange and actively lower greenhouse temperatures. One effective method is the evaporative cooling system, which uses exhaust fans to pull hot air in from the outdoors and cool it with water-soaked pads. This system can lower a greenhouse’s temperature by up to 20 degrees while consuming minimal energy. This system is convenient as it is completely sealed and requires no additional pumps, filters, or internal plumbing.

Another option is installing a fogger or misting system inside the greenhouse structure. Misting systems work similarly to fan and pad systems, cooling a greenhouse through evaporation. Water droplets are emitted through nozzles, and as they evaporate, they spread through the air, cooling down the growing area. This system is particularly beneficial for greenhouses with limited energy consumption.