Why more U.S. growers are doubling up on greenhouse screens

Growers have reported back to us over the years the key reasons they doubled up their greenhouse climate screens. We’ve selected a top four, along with some of the gains they say they made by embracing this powerful way to manage volatile energy costs and unpredictable weather, and create a premium, uniform climate throughout their greenhouse.

Frank Paul, Chief Operating Officer at The Plant Company, with co-founder and CEO, Jason Vanwingerden: “We won’t insist, but we recommend it very strongly,” says Frank Paul. All images courtesy of Svensson

1. Double your climate control—and get the “right light” everywhere

With two screens you gain so much flexibility to manage light, heat, and humidity throughout the day that for some Svensson customers it has become a must-have. At The Plant Company in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, co-owner Frank Paul, says of double-screening: “It was the PARperfect solution that did it for me!”

He continues: “You always get the right light, no direct light, less chance of leaf edge burn and more success with the liners.” 

The Plant Company works closely with sub-licensees and Frank Paul says he’s become a major advocate of the uniform climate that’s possible with Svensson’s PARperfect double screen solution: “We won’t insist, but we recommend it very strongly,” he says, “and they have to use double screens.”

Dutch grower Anthura partnered with Svensson Climate Advisor Bart Bakker to create an "eternal spring" in their greenhouse by using double screens to eliminate uneven light strips.

2. Stop compromising between light and shade

One specialized screen can diffuse light, reducing hot spots, create uniformity and improve light penetration into the canopy. The second can provide substantial shade or blackout for emissions compliance when needed. This combination gives you precise control over how much light reaches your crop—ideal for sun-sensitive plants like orchids where up to 70% shade must be deployed in high summer.  

At Dutch breeder Anthura in Bleiswijk, Head of Cultivation Peter Vogal told us that Svensson’s PARperfect solution had created a kind of eternal spring climate, and also resolved their biggest challenge—strips of light and shade. "We see a higher growth rate and better crop quality," said Vogal. ”Harmony's diffusion properties means there is no unevenness. The screen breaks up light bands, and we can maintain a slightly higher light level on average with diffused light."

Twin Creeks Greenhouse in Ontario, Canada leverages double screens, ClimaFlow, and Energy Monitor to maximize their energy savings.

3. Save serious energy—up to 70% in some cases

The energy savings speak for themselves. For growers in colder regions, a combination of Luxous and Obscura enables high-tech growers to capture energy savings of up to 70%. In Ontario, Canada, Mike Cornelissen of Twin Creeks spoke to Svensson about his double Luxous screens during a cold snap of 0°F : “Today, the boiler is running at only about 50%, and in general we can run our rail pipes at between 110°F and 130°F,” he said. “We are definitely seeing less gas usage and I would say one of the nicest starts of the crop I've ever had thanks to the double screen,” he added. 

Twin Creeks have also made extensive use of ClimaFlow vertical fans from Svensson to further increase their energy savings and create an optimal climate for his peppers to thrive.

Svensson Climate Advisor Ton Habraken and Diamond Flowers Managing Director Koen Kreling stand beneath the soft, diffused light created by a combination of Harmony and Obscura screens.

4. Save on labor and the guesswork of whitewashing

With two movable screens, there’s no need for seasonal whitewashing or fixed shading that blocks too much light. Many growers have done away with white paint entirely, using Harmony and Obscura screens to adjust shading on demand. That means less labor, less of a gamble on when to paint, and more time with the right light levels for growth. “That was one of our goals with the Svensson screens,” said Diamond Flowers Managing Director, Koen Kreling. “We have more flexibility and we can close the screens to keep the harsh sun out.”

When it’s time to double-screen, here are some helping hands

At Svensson, we’ve helped countless growers upgrade their greenhouse climate. Our consultants will first listen to you and help you choose the solution that’s most appropriate to your unique situation. And as you move to setting new yield, quality and energy efficiency goals, you may well find that there are rebates available to help you invest. Svensson can help with that too. 

A good place to start is by checking our Rebates Guides to see what’s available in your region. And you can always contact the Climate Consultant in your area for advice on how to apply for support to double up your screening.