ABSTRACT
Climate change and ‘Greenhouse effect’ have been subjects of interest for many years due to their importance in achieving a ‘greener’ planet with energy efficiency and less GHG emissions. New technologies are enthused to be developed to succeed in this mission and as a result, different renewable power generation technologies have evolved over time. Wind energy, hydro power, solar thermal systems, solar photovoltaic systems, biomass and fossil fuels, geothermal energy are some of the popular ones among those new technologies which are in action. The temperate countries around the world always faced challenges in producing crops and vegetables during the winter season. The concept of ‘Greenhouse effect’ helped to overcome this obstacle. In many temperate countries the ‘Solar Greenhouse Heating’ is now being practiced for the production of different crops and vegetables during the winter season. Studies showed that the ‘Greenhouse’ needs more energy than any other commercial spaces in winter. To supply this huge amount of energy and also to achieve a system with low GHG emissions, ‘Solar energy’ is used. This particular renewable energy source is chosen because of its feasibility in application, availability and low cost. ‘Solar Greenhouse Heating’ is the concept where thermal energy is stored in a medium which is later, in the absence of solar power, gives away heat and helps to maintain a favourable temperature and also assist in the cultivation process. The medium can be water, soil or thermal mass. Regardless of whatever the medium is, the ‘Solar Greenhouse Heating’ process is proving to be very efficient concept and is being adopted all over the world gradually.
