Energy saving in greenhouses with the use of insulating glass requires a large investment. In the search for a cheaper alternative, a consortium of companies comprising Boal systems, VDH Foliekassen, AGC Chemicals Europe (AGCCE) and Van der Valk Systemen has developed a Glass-Film Greenhouse roof, better known as the 2saveEnergy concept. The combination of diffused glass with a clear ETFE film appears to provide the greenhouse with 10% more light during the winter months. This development will make it possible to save over 20% of the costs in new cultivation greenhouses with multiple screens, or about 50% in those with common practices.
No major problems should be expected crop-wise, as in terms of climate control and energy saving, this greenhouse concept lies somewhere between the new cultivation and the Venlow Energy. The ventilation function included in this concept will make it possible to keep the greenhouse roof clear of snow.
The economic feasibility of a glass greenhouse film is determined by a balance between income and investments that must be made once, as well as yearly income and costs. For a tomato crop, the estimated payback period could be of less than 5 years.
For more information, see the Feasibility Stury Glass-Film Greenhouse concept of Wageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture.
Source: Wageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture