Energy Costs

Vertical farming uses a lot less water. But investors are starting to realize it’s expensive to keep grow-lights running for 12-16 hours a day, @climate reports: bit.ly/2MjIbO4 pic.twitter.com/u86ivtAMPK

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…

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…

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…

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)…

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.

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

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…

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…