More than a year after TST introduced its new branch, Horti Solar Projects, various projects have already been completed. "We have noticed that demand for this relatively new concept is rising sharply, partly due to fluctuating energy prices. In times of energy crisis, growers can strike twice," says Rody Bakker of TST.
The company has noticed that growers are increasingly concerned with sustainability. Often, the shed roof alone does not produce enough energy or there is no shed at all. That is why the greenhouse roof is coming into the picture more and more. Not only for growers, but also for example for greenhouses that function as caravan parks, meeting places or greenhouses that are empty.
Greenhouses and business premises have a large roof area. These often unused areas with a glass roof (for example above sorting or processing areas) can offer the opportunity to generate solar energy. In addition to light, heat is also kept out. An additional advantage is that it is a lot safer.
Project Honselersdijk
The different situations and greenhouse roof systems have advantages and disadvantages, but there is always a way to do it as efficiently as possible. Rody Bakker: "For example, for a customer in Honselersdijk we dismantled both roof slopes, cut the glass back to the correct width and glazed them again. In this case, this was more efficient than making the panels to measure. There are a number of points that are important for the success of a project. The panels are mostly used in Venlo greenhouses, but we will soon start a project where the panels will be mounted in a wide-area greenhouse."
Project in Reeuwijk
With a combination of the right application process, quality products and skilled fitters, the company creates a greenhouse as a source of energy, according to Rody. "We transform existing greenhouses into a solar power plant in a relatively simple manner. The existing deck is taken off, if necessary the structure is weighted down and the panels are put back in the same rod, ridge and gutter. It can vary from projects with a few panels to a greenhouse of 2 hectares or more. We like to think along to complete the project successfully, completely customised and according to the customer's wishes."
Project in Oosterbierum
For more information:
Rody Bakker 
TST Horti Solar Projects
rbakker@totaalservicetuinbouw.nl
www.totaalservicetuinbouw.nl/solar