Jul 26 2007
Solar Innovations, a custom manufacturer of residential and commercial greenhouses, conservatories, sunrooms, folding glass walls and more, announces environmental control system upgrades available to the home gardener or professional horticulturalist thanks to continued technological advances.
Advances in computer technology have made owning and operating greenhouses easier than ever before. "Solar Innovations' environmental control options can aid the home gardener or professional horticulturalist by automatically adjusting temperature, humidity, and light intensity from within the greenhouse or from a remote location." An environmental control system will improve plant life within greenhouses by providing a constantly monitored atmosphere, producing a more uniform product.
Solar Innovations' greenhouse control systems can be automated according to the gardener's specifications. Greenhouse accessories, including fans, vents, misting and fogging systems, and heating or cooling systems, are automated in stages corresponding to the gardener's selection and plants' needs.
The first stage of implementation can be as simple as an on/off switch to control circulation fans which destratify the air and ridge vents to allow for the escape of hot air. An evaporative cooler can also be incorporated to draw cool moist air into the structure. By semi-automating a control system with a humidistat, a thermostat, or a timing device, the accessories will run only when necessary, lowering operating costs and saving energy. Fully automated systems have the option of being controlled by a sensaphone or remote programming system on a PLC or even through a cell phone, saving a substantial amount of time. These fully automated systems can be designed to maintain a specific set of criteria for constant plant comfort, taking into account the conditions outside the structure that may affect the plants' growing atmosphere.
In addition to common greenhouse accessories, Solar Innovations' environmental control systems can be designed to accommodate advanced features like evaporative coolers and foggers, drip systems, sensaphones, remote programming, photo and light sensors, and soil sensors. The horticulturalist's time can now be spent tending to plants rather than tinkering with their growing environment. Beyond the cost and time efficiency of the greenhouse control system, Mother Nature will benefit. Control systems can also reduce the need for chemicals to aid plant growth as the environment is more closely adjusted to create the ideal conditions and reduce energy costs and waste.