Will solar thermal water heaters work to heat a greenhouse in winter?
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Will evacuated thermal solar tubes work for a greenhouse in winter?
Solus Lee Una
Feb. 22, 2021Last updated: March 3, 2021
im looking for heating solutions for winter for a greenhouse and figure thermal tubes might be the best option since theres no risk of fire or electricity required (winter doesnt have much sun for solar panels) could you tell me if and how this would work, price and what equipment i would need? thanks!!
Here is our page on greenhouse construction in cold climates, have an look here for tips –
How to build a greenhouse in a cold climate
As for heating, using solar thermal collectors can be a great way to heat a greenhouse, is this a new build or is it already existing? I ask because if its new then you can install radiant hydronic tubing in a poured concrete floor that you can feed with heated water from thermal solar panels. If its an already existing greenhouse and you are looking for heating solutions, you could consider running your heated tubes through some sort of thermal mass, like stone or sand beds underneath plants.
Are you looking to make it a 4 season greenhouse? I ask because if so, you may want a better insulated and more reliable system. We recently built a demonstration house that is on a slab on grade floor with solar air heated tubes heating the slab floor. It may be a something to consider depending on how big this project is and if it is all seasons.