subject: Greenhouse Electricity Options [print this page] So you want to build a greenhouse? Well this is a very good idea for an abundance of reasons, which you probably know some already. This isn't about the advantages and benefits of one, but different lighting options. The place to start really is when you are building the unit itself. Just like any other part of the greenhouse, you really have to think about what you are going to be using the electricity for. Do you want just lights, and some kind of ventilation system, or do you think you are going to need some power outlets.
There is really no sense in running an extension cord from your home to your greenhouse, for a number of reasons. First of all, an extension cord is not the same thing as a good electrical line, tied in directly to your power box. The longer the cord is, the less efficient it will be, and the more power it will have to draw from your house. Extension cords can get damaged from the elements, run over by your lawn mower, and many other problems.
You can have an electrician come out and wire your greenhouse directly from your home. They know what their doing, and know how to put in extra breakers, what kind of loads are needed, etc. The problem is that they are expensive, and you are still going to be drawing electricity from your home. Costs for having someone come in depend on how far the greenhouse is, how many lights, vents and plugs you need, as well as how much labour the person charges.
There is a low cost solution that will work no matter where your greenhouse is located, and this is alternative energy. This can be in the form of either solar panels, or wind turbines. Now a wind turbine isn't the same as those large models for wind farms, they are much smaller and can be mounted on the highest point of your roof. One wind turbine can supply all of your greenhouse power needs. Another alternative is solar power. A couple of 100 watt solar panels is all you need to supply energy to lights, any vent fans, and even electrical outlets.
You may be asking about cloudy days, or using electricity at night, and these are very simple solutions. You use deep cycle batteries to store the electricity, and then you can draw the energy whenever you need it. While wind and solar power is different from you regular house current, you solve this problem with an inverter. This changes the DC current of you alternative power source to AC current.
This is a viable alternative to drawing power from your home, and it will save you money in the long run. It is a clean, renewable energy source, and if you understand the benefits of growing your own food, then you can get into the idea of saving money and the planet by using alternative power as well. You can go on the internet and find abundant resources for both solar and wind generation. There are sites that sell these power systems outright, as well as other sites that can set you up with kits, and teach you how to build them yourself, saving you even more money.
