Wind Solar Energy Consulting

MorganWood offers a range of consulting services related to growing green and going green. Let us help you wind your way through the maze of options and find the best solution for your needs.

 

There's more to eco greenhouses than meets the eye.

 

We can help from the ground up. Starting with facts and figures for proposal writing through to equipment selection, obtaining the right equipment and the actual build.

 

You'll need to decide how big to build to meet your needs and skill level. You'll also want your build to be adaptable as your skills and needs grow. This is where we come in. We've done the number crunching for you. Our experience can short cut the time and effort to getting exactly what you need.

 

There are a number of configurations and methods. You need expertise to get it right the first time. Some of the things to consider are the natural light and artificial light, the temperature extremes and construction material, ground conditions and thermal reservoirs, pumps and fans, control equipment and more.

 

There are a number of questions that need to be answered. First we need to identify what your needs are. For a conventional build in the more northern climates you'll need a double walled hoop structure. Should you use poly or woven? We'd recommend woven glazing. Next you'll want to address the level of production you require. To answer this we need to help you decide what amount of climate control you need. If you want to grow year round and harvest in January you'll need an elaborate system but if you just want to be able to plant root stocks then a much simpler version is needed. We'll help you configure for your growing ambitions.

 

How much heat reservoir is required for my location? This is a complex question and we have to help you decide what type of heat collection system you need and what  insulation technique you should use. Other factors come into play here like what type of artificial lighting will be used because some of them put off a lot of heat. We have to determine what type of reservoir can be used. In some northern locations it's not advisable to put the heat reservoir in the ground. An above ground system may be required and this effects the overall configuration.

 

 

Cooling. Yes, even up north greenhouse cooling is an issue. We also have to take into account the intensity of the natural light. We will help you decide what type of shading system is required and the size of the heat sink you'll need to control your climate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What type of lighting might be required? This depends on what you want to grow and how you want to grow. Year round operation does require extra light. This is a complex subject best left to the experts. We've done the calculations and have access to the latest studies done on artificial light and the energy cost. Let us advise you on what will work best for you.  LED lighting is available up to 600watts input. Combined with conventional High Intensity Discharge lamps or on their own you can grow just about anything. The advantage is that they use very little power and supply just the right light spectrum for the plants. No energy is wasted in the light spectrums that plants don't use. Very little heat is generated which means even less energy is wasted.

 

Lastly, energy.

Carbon foot print is everything these days. If you're on a diesel generator you can relate to this. Wild fluctuations in the price of oil make it impossible for the grower to predict the cost of producing a crop. Even with a barrel of oil nearing record lows we're still paying a premium price. This will only get worse. We design for the lowest cost possible to take you off the grid. It's true even with the prices coming down that the start up cost is high for an off grid greenhouse. However, the equipment we select will outlast any conventional equipment and once it's paid for the rest of its service life is free. It takes roughly 7 years to start seeing returns but as prices for the equipment fall and the cost of food and energy goes up that payback window becomes even less.

 

 

If you're in this for profit or just for food you will benefit in the long run. In terms of competition for your produce, everyone else is affected by the carbon foot print. They have to ship products over great distances. You don't. In terms of quality of produce, their products are designed for shipping and lose nutrient value in the process of shipping. Yours don't.

 

We work closely with a number of Eco suppliers. Our main supplier is located in Saskatchewan and has tested their products in the harshest conditions. Obviously, these technologies apply to more than just greenhouses. We'd be happy to provide consultation for all your off grid needs.

 

There is a steady stream of new products coming on the market. For example, you can now buy solar powered street lights that actually work in northern conditions. You can provide all the hot water you need for your home just using the sun. You can even heat your home. 

 

 

Contact:

Greg Morgan-Woodward

(250) 992-6966

Email: Info@Catahouligans.com

Quesnel, BC