While many envision greenhouses as structures made entirely of glass, the horticultural world has seen a surge in the use of polycarbonate. Meteor Systems, a leading player in the industry, has been at the forefront of this shift, recognizing the advantages of polycarbonate in modern greenhouse construction.
Mark van den Tempel, Managing Director of Stabilit Benelux, explained, “Polycarbonate has proven to be an excellent choice because of its long warranty period and superior insulation value.” This acknowledgment has led to increased acceptance and implementation of polycarbonate in contemporary greenhouse designs. Its lightweight nature compared to traditional glass, combined with its durability and thermal insulation properties, makes it a compelling choice for greenhouse builders.
Meteor Systems, headquartered in the Netherlands, is known for its comprehensive range of polycarbonate products and solutions. The company has a history dating back to 1984 and has witnessed the evolving applications and growing demand for polycarbonate.
One of the notable advantages of polycarbonate is its weight, which is significantly lower than that of glass. Despite being lightweight, it offers structural integrity comparable to glass, simplifying installation and reducing the need for heavy support structures. This translates into cost-effective and efficient solutions for modern greenhouse construction.
Polycarbonate sheets are available in various thicknesses, ranging from 2 to 15 millimeters, catering to diverse needs and applications within the horticultural sector. Meteor Systems has continually innovated in this field, offering extended warranties of 15 to 20 years, enhanced insulation values, and impact resistance, all essential considerations in times of energy conservation.
In addition to its lightweight properties, multi-walled polycarbonate sheets have gained attention for their superior insulation capabilities. The number of walls in these sheets directly correlates with their insulation value, with more walls indicating better insulation. This becomes particularly crucial in greenhouses where maintaining a stable and favorable temperature is essential for crop growth and energy efficiency.
Meteor Systems provides a range of multi-walled polycarbonate options, such as 3-walled, 5-walled, and 5X sheets, each offering varying levels of insulation and rigidity. The choice of polycarbonate thickness and structure depends on factors such as light transmission requirements and the need for improved insulation.
A notable feature of the modern polycarbonate industry is the emphasis on extended warranties, which can range from 15 to 20 years. These warranties provide growers with added peace of mind, especially in cases of extreme weather events or unexpected damage.
Replacing aging greenhouse coverings with newer polycarbonate sheets has become a popular practice among growers looking to improve insulation and energy efficiency. Mark van den Tempel noted that replacing 16 mm 3-walled sheets with thicker, more insulated options can result in substantial improvements in U-values, which represent the insulation value.
In response to the energy crisis and sustainability concerns, Meteor Systems has witnessed increased interest in its polycarbonate solutions. Growers are now opting for additional insulation, such as extra screening, to enhance energy efficiency. Replacing older greenhouse coverings with multi-walled polycarbonate sheets can lead to significant energy savings and contribute to sustainability efforts.
Meteor Systems is actively engaged in promoting sustainability within its operations. The company recycles pre-consumer materials and has been using electric cars for its field service since 2019. Moreover, their commitment to sustainability extends to their office infrastructure, where solar panels have been installed to harness clean energy.
As a final note, Meteor Systems offers an IR-Gold panel, which allows light transmission while efficiently reflecting heat. This feature is particularly beneficial during hot days, contributing to a comfortable greenhouse environment.
Meteor Systems’ unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability, coupled with the versatility and advantages of polycarbonate, positions the company as a key player in modern greenhouse construction. The company’s dedication to addressing the evolving needs of the horticultural industry ensures that polycarbonate will continue to shine as a versatile and sustainable solution in greenhouse design and construction.