The Year-Round Solar Greenhouse

Fresh, local, nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables are hard to find in winter in cold climates. Growing warm-weather crops such as tomatoes, bananas, avocados, and other perennials is nearly impossible using conventional structures. The solution for millions of backyard and small-scale commercial growers is self-heating solar greenhouses.

The Year-Round Solar Greenhouse is the one-stop guide to designing and building greenhouses that harness and store energy from the sun to create naturally heated, lush growing environments even in the depths of winter. This book covers solar greenhouse design and siting principles, glazing material properties and selection, controlling heat loss, ventilation, and construction methods. Additionally, an in-depth section covers sustainable ways of heating the greenhouse without fossil fuels (including using thermal mass and storing heat underground with a ground-to-air heat exchanger).

Variations include attached solar greenhouses, earth-sheltered greenhouses, plus integration of hydroponics and aquaponics. More than a dozen case studies from North America inspire and demonstrate specific challenges and solutions for growing year-round in any climate.

Grow your food anytime, anywhere, using the power of the sun!