Energy Costs

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CAN (QC): Clean energy at a discounted rate now available to more greenhouse growers

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Submitted by Elsewhere on 2020-Dec-02 Wed 13:22
2020-Dec-02 Wed 13:22
2331

The Régie de l’énergie has approved a new rate option for Québec greenhouse growers. Last July, Hydro-Québec submitted an application regarding this new option to the Régie in order to extend the terms and conditions of its Additional Electricity Option to a greater number of growers and to make it…

Heating systems for a temperate greenhouse

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Submitted by Elsewhere on 2020-Nov-25 Wed 11:19
2020-Nov-25 Wed 11:19
2237

Global warming is a growing concern. For growers, a reduction in the use of fossil fuels can be a way to minimize their impact on the environment. It can be very difficult in winter months to maintain the greenhouse at ideal temperatures for plants, even during the day. During winter months, the…

📄 How much energy can LEDs really save in greenhouses?

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Submitted by Elsewhere on 2020-Nov-24 Tue 12:23
2020-Nov-24 Tue 12:23
2224

When switching to LEDs, your electricity bill will lower and your heating bill will increase. Sounds fair, and most growers are completely aware of this. But by how much? That's often unclear, even when the LEDs have already been installed. "Since electricity is measured in kwH and gas is measured in…

📄 Photovoltaic roof-shade system for food and electricity production in a greenhouse

Profile picture for user Elsewhere
Submitted by Elsewhere on 2020-Nov-10 Tue 12:26
2020-Nov-10 Tue 12:26
2095

The use of renewable energy in modern greenhouse management is important to achieve efficient and sustainable food supplies for a world with an increasing population. This study assessed the performance of a blind-type shading regulator that can automatically rotate semi-transparent photovoltaic (PV)…

Struggling to control electricity costs? Here are six tips that could help.

Profile picture for user Elsewhere
Submitted by Elsewhere on 2020-Oct-08 Thu 11:15
2020-Oct-08 Thu 11:15
1739

Electricity is still a bargain considering all the work that it accomplishes. Besides saving considerable labor, it provides better environment control to produce quality plants. Yet, one of the complaints that I frequently hear is that the bill keeps increasing every year.

Part of this is that the rates charged by power companies are increasing. More than half of the states had increases within the last year. Another reason is that growers keep adding equipment and controls that need electricity.

The following are six ideas – based on the energy audits I have done in the Northeast – that may help to slow the electric bill increase.

Natural ventilation saves considerable electricity — When compared to fan cooling that operates 2000 to 3,000 hours per year, installing vents saves at least one-quarter on the electric use. Today, systems are available for most types of greenhouses. Roll-up sides, either manual or motorized, are easy to retrofit on hoophouses with the addition of an extra rail at 4’ to 6’ above the baseboard. Payback is usually less than 5 years. Roof vents can be added to most greenhouses. Although more expensive, they provide more uniform ventilation within the greenhouse than having fans.

How to qualify for energy rebates on your LED installation

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Submitted by Elsewhere on 2020-Sep-18 Fri 22:06
2020-Sep-18 Fri 22:06
1412

Rebate programs can be a great resource for growers looking to convert their grow lighting to #LED technology, as it can help offset the large costs associated with a lighting installation. Learn more on how to access these programs at --> pllight.com/how-to-qualify… pic.twitter.com/r97cGzlg30

B.C. partners with industry on energy efficiency at Delta greenhouse

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Submitted by Elsewhere on 2020-Sep-18 Fri 12:27
2020-Sep-18 Fri 12:27
1397

Changes to a Delta greenhouse will help grow vegetables using about half the amount of natural gas to heat the facility, lowering its carbon footprint, increasing its energy efficiency and supporting a clean economy. “By working together with B.C. growers, we’re investing in more sustainable ways to…

CAN (QC): New cost-effective rate offering for greenhouse growers

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Submitted by Elsewhere on 2020-Jul-14 Tue 10:19
2020-Jul-14 Tue 10:19
779

Hydro-Québec has filed an application with the Régie de l’énergie regarding a new rate offering to support the development of the Québec greenhouse industry. The application provides for a rate of 5.59¢ per kilowatthour (kWh) for photosynthetic lighting and space heating to raise crops, available to all…