ISHS Acta Horticulturae 245: Engineering and Economic Aspects of Energy Saving in Protected Cultivation
A COST BENEFIT COMPARISON OF VERTICAL SOUTH ROOF AND CONVENTIONAL GREENHOUSES IN THE UK |
| Authors: | D.L. Critten, B.J. Bailey |
| Abstract:
An assessment of the economic performance of various multispan greenhouse arrangements has been carried out, using a tomato crop. Physical variables include light transmission, energy consumption, and crop advancement by double glazing. Financial considerations include seasonal price variations, capital, energy, labour costs, and interest charges. Results are presented in terms of three alternative assessments, the rate of return on capital, net present values, and internal rate of return. The best performance is given by the vertical south facing roof greenhouse, with a Melinex lining. A partially lined (north roof) conventional Venlo is also shown to be superior to the single clad Venlo, though to a lesser extent. Thermal screens in a Venlo produce average results close to the unscreened house. | |
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