Lower the Initial Costs of Curtains and Infrared Film with Efficiency Rebates
May 14, 2023 
Curtains installed in a greenhouse; Photo: I-Hsin Orchids
Improving your greenhouse facility is much easier with financing options and rebates. It is even better when there are multiple ways to pay for projects and the rebate process is simple and easy. For example, California greenhouse operators who are Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) customers can access incentives, on-bill financing, and GoGreen financing for energy-saving projects through the Agriculture Energy Savings Plan (AESAP) program.
Two tried-and-true ways to improve greenhouse energy performance are infrared (IR) film and thermal curtains. Did you know that polyethylene will allow up to 74% of radiation to go right through it unless a barrier is present? IR film is applied to new and existing greenhouses to reduce heat loss from radiation and reflect heat back into the greenhouse. Roofs are the source of 68% of greenhouse heat loss; greenhouse curtains are installed between the plant canopy and greenhouse roof to manage solar heat gain.
Greenhouse growers thinking about adding IR film or curtains can quickly calculate potential rebates by working with AESAP efficiency program implementer Energy Resources Integration. These technologies save 12% to 50% and can pay back in as little as two weeks, especially at facilities located in regions with colder nighttime temperatures and winter seasons.
New construction and retrofit projects can qualify for $0.02 to $0.04 per square foot of IR film and $0.50 per square foot of thermal curtains. For a 60,000 square foot curtain, a grower can expect an efficiency rebate of $30,000. For a 75,000 square foot application of IR film, a grower can expect $1,500 to $3,000.
View the full rebate catalog to see all incentives for other systems including ventilation, irrigation, and refrigeration equipment.
Blooming Profits
I-Hsin Orchids has participated in the AESAP program to support both IR film and thermal curtain projects at its Lodi, CA, facility. The phalaenopsis grower has supplied the U.S. West Coast since 2010 and has innovated orchid sterile breeding technology in Taiwan since 1978.
“I-Hsin Orchids stays competitive by using IR film and energy curtains to reduce our utility bills. Rebates make a difference for our small family-owned business,” says Chia Te Chien, President of I-Hsin Orchids.
Quick Paybacks
Ludvig Svensson manufactures thermal curtains for greenhouses and helps growers understand the impact of curtain projects on their energy bills with a specialized energy savings calculator. By utilizing this tool, growers can make informed decisions about their energy usage and greenhouse scenarios, which can lead to significant cost savings and a reduced carbon footprint. For growers who are planning an expansion or new build, start with an energy calculator to optimize energy efficiency and maximize potential rebates.
Svensson’s Energy Calculator is an invaluable tool for growers who want to maximize their energy savings and potential rebates. This tool considers the unique data of a grower’s greenhouse and local environment to model different scenarios based on different screen combinations. According to Paul Arena, Climate Consultant at Svensson, “With the energy calculator, we can calculate exactly how much growers can save through different screen combinations and available rebates.”
Supportive Partners
At I-Hsin, using the Harmony FR thermal curtain provides energy savings and contributes to a healthier environment for their orchids to grow. The partnership between I-Hsin Orchids, Svensson, and Energy Resources Integration is a great example of how companies can work together to achieve greater energy efficiency and cost savings. With the support of PG&E’s Agriculture Energy Savings Action Plan, I-Hsin has been able to take advantage of rebates for their IR film and can explore the benefits of thermal curtains for more energy savings at a lower capital expense.
If you are served by another California utility like Southern California Gas or San Diego Gas & Electric, ERI can identify eligible equipment and evaluate your project for program participation.
Growers in other states can also access rebates for IR film and curtains. For example, check out offerings in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Vermont. If a rebate is not listed in a program catalog, ask your efficiency program implementer to explore a custom incentive.
Energy savings calculators are useful tools for navigating the custom incentive process; ask your IR film or curtain manufacturer to share estimated savings to support your custom project.
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