We also build bespoke Greenhouses (including Passive Solar)- which we highly recommend for all year growing.

Why a Passive Solar Greenhouse

You may never have heard of a passive solar greenhouse, so here goes: They have one massive advantage over a standard greenhouse - all year growing even in Jan/Feb. This is because they are built with with thermal mass and in such a way as to trap heat during the day and release back into the greenhouse at night.

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A few key factors:

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1. The greenhouse must face due south for maximum sun exposure during the day. If this is not possible there are workarounds.

2. The North wall of the greenhouse must be made of a material which absorbs and holds heat (generally dense breeze blocks - which are then painted black.

3. Half of the roof is then also not glazed but rather roofed conventionally but also insulated to hold heat in. This actually works out cheaper than glazing the whole greenhouse.

4. The south wall of the greenhouse is ideally double glazed (at least partially). This absorbs just as much heat and light but also releases it slower.

5. the south roof of the greenhouse should be at a 30 degree angle (although there is adjustable up to 45 degrees.

6. Ideally the greenhouse will have 2 low power fans but which would only be used in high summer if the interior temperature exceeds 40 degrees celcius.

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We have one built, and we'd love to invite you to come look for yourself in North London. We are growing some fantastic things, including a banana tree, tropical fruit plus all the usual fruit and veg.

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Half way house?

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Yes, you can have a part passive solar greenhouse for less money, so talk to us about that.