Last year’s Polar Vortex and this year’s major snow events illustrate how these larger scale weather occurrences have a major impact on reducing the payback period for greenhouse energy conservation projects. As outside temperatures drop below normal, energy consumption goes up, and heavy snow fall can force growers to heat an empty greenhouse or heat an active greenhouse at temperatures higher than would be needed in a normal year. With a more efficient greenhouse covering, these added costs can be reduced. When you take a good hard look at the numbers, it makes more sense than ever to invest in energy efficient greenhouse covering.

The Oregon Department of Energy is accepting applications for the Energy Incentives Program’s Small Premium Projects from July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015. The State has approximately $1 million in tax credits available for theseprojects. For application materials and other information, please visit the department’s webpage at: http://www.oregon.gov/energy/BUSINESS/Incentives/Pages/EIP-SPP.aspx

The Dwight School in Manhattan, just next to Central Park, has a Solexx greenhouse on the roof of their five story building.

“Our greenhouse survived Hurricane Sandy with no damage” were the words used by Barry Gragg of the Dwight School.

No matter what size greenhouse you are growing plants in, if you haven’t seen Solexx, now is the time to call and get a sample.  Another Nor’ Easter has already hit New England.

Are you ready for the next one?  Could this be the year you replace film on your greenhouse more than once?

The USDA has added Solexx Twin-Wall polyethylene greenhouse covering to its list of materials to cover greenhouses.

What does this mean to you?  It means you can create a virtual greenhouse just like your real one and compare covering materials to see what gives you the best insulation value and saves you the most in fuel costs.  It couldn’t be easier.

If you are a greenhouse grower who heats all winter, and you have double poly film or polycarbonate on your greenhouse, Solexx will pay for itself in 2-4 years depending on your location and heating schedule.