Solar heat is an amazing thing, isn’t it? No matter where you are on the planet, the Sun is always shining, providing enough solar heat to keep your house warm during the winter and cool in the summer. However, the easiest and most cost-effective way to take advantage of this incredible resource is by creating a greenhouse that can be used to grow food all year round. With a little bit of ingenuity and some easy-to-find materials, you can bring the luxury of centrally heating your home back, and even save a few bucks along the way!
One of the materials you will need to grow your greenhouse is salt. It might seem strange to put salt towards an environmental goal, but this amazing element is essential for life as we know it. The soil surrounding your home is rich in minerals; however, without salt it will be almost impossible for plant life to take root. Luckily, reflected solar energy is the solution to this problem. When the Sun heats up the surface of the Earth, it causes water molecules to evaporate and become absorbed by the atmosphere. Some of these water molecules fall as rain, but the vast majority join together to form glaciers and sea ice. This is why salt is extremely important for the environment; the more we can protect it, the more we can hope to preserve our planet for future generations!
The Growth Of Solar Energy In North America
Over the years, the popularity of solar power has soared. This is mostly thanks to government incentives that made it easier for individuals to invest in solar panels and gain some energy independence. For instance, the government-backed Solar Investment Bank provides loans to individuals and groups who want to install solar energy systems on their homes and businesses. As the cost of solar electricity continues to plummet, the number of people who have installed renewable energy systems increases every year.
The most recent data from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) shows that in July 2022 there were 266,400 renewable energy systems installed. This represents an increase of 27% compared to the same month in 2021. The growth in the number of solar energy installations is even more remarkable when you consider that in 2020 alone there were 16,400 new installations. This brings the total number of renewable energy systems to 488,400, which still only represents about 2% of the total US homes. Nevertheless, this is a spectacular growth rate and one that cannot be ignored by the mainstream energy industry as demand for clean electricity sources increases.
What Is Saltwater Intermittent Wetland (SWIL)?
Saltwater intermitent wetland (SWIL) is a type of coastal wetland that is regularly inundated by seawater. During the winter, when the Sun is not shining, the water in these wetlands turns to ice. With no sunlight to promote evaporation, this ice can accumulate until the next summer tide rolls in and melts the ice. The soil and other material around these wetlands naturally accumulate heat, which makes it an ideal location for growing food year round. The constant fluctuation between the seasons makes these wetlands very versatile for use as a greenhouse or aquaculture space.
These wetlands are located along the Pacific Northwest, extending from British Columbia to California. Many people in the area have installed greenhouses that collect solar radiation and use it to heat the growing medium. The benefits of this are countless as fresh, healthy produce can be grown all year round, no matter the weather outside! If you live in a area of the country where it rains a lot, then these wetlands are a brilliant solution to bringing more nature into your life!
How Do I Start A Greenhouse From Scratch?
To get started, all you will need are some containers and dirt. The most basic type of greenhouse is a hoop house. You can also use a cooler to create the same effect, although they are not as sturdy as a traditional greenhouse. The main thing is that you make sure that the area is sheltered and protected from the wind so that it does not affect the growth of the plants.
Some materials that you might need to get the most out of your greenhouse are: fiberglass, metal, plastic, wooden flooring, a plastic or vinyl roof, and hardware to attach them all together. If you want to use the space for commercial purposes, such as selling your produce at a market, then you will need to consider investing in a few key items that are suitable for commercial use. These items include but are not limited to: plywood, metal beams, and concrete blocks.
Protect Your Greenhouse From The Wind
One of the most important things to consider when creating a greenhouse is how to keep it clean and healthy. You must make sure that any area where you will be storing food or planting seeds is completely free of dirt, dust, or any other potentially harmful particles. This means that you will need to take the time to sweep, clean, and scrub the space regularly, especially if you have a larger garden.
To keep your greenhouse free of any impurities, you can either use a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuum cleaner with a bag that can hold 20 cubic meters of air, or you can buy a machine that uses high-pressure water in combination with sanitizing chemicals to clean the air. If you decide on the latter, then make sure that the water is changed regularly and that the fumes are properly extracted before letting the unit sit idle for a couple days. Another way to keep the air clean and free of impurities is to install a whole-house air purifier that uses a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
Eco-Friendly Ways To Heat Your House
If you want to create a more eco-friendly and sustainable atmosphere in your home then you can use several methods to heat it effectively and save money at the same time. One of the simplest methods is to use a heat pump. They are virtually maintenance free and can effectively accumulate heat over time, even when operating in standby mode. This means that they only need to be activated once or twice a week, if at all, to keep your home warm.
If you want to heat your home using only solar power, then a solar powered collector with heat storage is what you need. These systems are relatively easy and quick to install, and depending on how much space you have, you should be able to gather enough energy to heat your entire home. In some areas of the country, it is even possible to generate more energy than you need to heat your house. This is mainly due to peak-hour shaving, which is when electricity usage drops as a result of energy-saving measures, often leading to a generation surplus. The same measures that helped reduce your energy use during off-peak hours may actually end up helping you save money!
Bringing The Luxury Of Central Heating To Your Home
If you live in a colder climate then you can also use the warmth of the Sun to bring the luxury of a central heating system to your home. If you live in a place where it gets really cold and you start to feel the chilly air creeping in through small cracks around the windows and doors, then you can use an underfloor heating system, which is a great solution for taking the chill out of your living room.
An underfloor heating system will distribute warmth evenly throughout your home, preventing any cold spots that may appear.
Use The Space For All Its Worth
One of the things that made solar energy so attractive to so many people is that it is usable in an endless number of ways. Unlike other forms of energy, which are only available at certain locations and times, solar power can be used when and where you need it. This means that you can use the space for all its worth throughout the year, regardless of the weather.
If you want to grow food in the wintertime, then there are many benefits to using a greenhouse or other types of covered spaces. Not only will you be providing yourself with healthy produce, but you will be doing the environment a favor by reducing the amount of food that is wasted during the year. The fact that these spaces may be fully automated and require very little human interaction makes them even more attractive. The space that you create may even prove useful in the summertime, as it can be used to keep crops cool during the day, preventing unnecessary stress and damage.
Many people find that growing their own food reduces their dependence on expensive supermarkets. Not only does it provide them with healthy and environmentally-sustainable produce, but it also gives them the flexibility to have food whenever they want it. In the event of a natural disaster or other types of emergency, they will be much better situated to provide for their own needs.