Positioning of Greenhouse

[Steven Tracy]

Hi all,

Would I be right in assuming that if you have a rectangular greenhouse you would want to put one of the ends towards the North rather than one of the longer sides to make the most of the sunlight? Also placing the Fish tank on that North end for the best radiation of heat during the winter, and being that side is getting the least amount of sun you would be limiting it's shading effect in that position?

Thanks,

Steve

[Phil Kabza]

There are a lot of "it depends" when it comes to solar greenhouse orientation. It depends on your location. It depends on your climate. It depends on how you want to use the greenhouse. But if it is a year-round greenhouse in a northern temperate climate, you likely want a long side facing south, or possibly a little east of south. You may or may not want the short sides glazed. But it's not likely that you want the north long side glazed, as you will lose more in heat than you will get in light on the north. East and west sun are seasonal, brief, and problematic. West sun most frequently causes overheating. The farther north you are, the less sun you will gain on the east and west sides the later in the year it gets, as the sun swings to the south. Perhaps you can place your fish tanks along the north wall, and have some growing beds above them? It depends, though.

[Steven Tracy]

Hi Phil,

As I'm learning there's a lot to learn, we're in Peyton, CO, zone 5 I think. So I guess your suggestion would fit our situation.

Thanks,

Steve

Phil Kabza said:

There are a lot of "it depends" when it comes to solar greenhouse orientation. It depends on your location. It depends on your climate. It depends on how you want to use the greenhouse. But if it is a year-round greenhouse in a northern temperate climate, you likely want a long side facing south, or possibly a little east of south. You may or may not want the short sides glazed. But it's not likely that you want the north long side glazed, as you will lose more in heat than you will get in light on the north. East and west sun are seasonal, brief, and problematic. West sun most frequently causes overheating. The farther north you are, the less sun you will gain on the east and west sides the later in the year it gets, as the sun swings to the south. Perhaps you can place your along the north wall, and have some growing beds above them? It depends, though.

[Alex Veidel]

Yep, long side facing south is the general rule.