In modern greenhouse agriculture, shade curtains play a crucial role. They effectively control the temperature and light inside the greenhouse, improving environmental conditions to help crops achieve higher yields and better quality. With technological advancements, various types of greenhouse shade curtains have emerged in the market. What are their features and functions? How should you choose the right one?
As a professional agricultural net manufacturer, INSONSHADE will delve into greenhouse shade curtains, their main types, and their unique advantages to help you choose the best shade curtains for your greenhouse crops, enhancing production efficiency and crop quality.
The Role of Greenhouse Shade Curtains
Greenhouse shade curtain systems are adjusted through electric or manual devices. Some systems integrate intelligent control systems that automatically adjust according to environmental conditions like light and temperature, optimizing the internal conditions of the greenhouse to provide an ideal growing environment for plants. The shade curtains we will discuss are a crucial part of these systems.
Commercial greenhouse shading systems can be divided into external and internal systems located outside and inside the greenhouse covering layer. Hence, shade curtains are primarily categorized into internal and external shading. Below, we will introduce seven types of shade curtains your commercial greenhouse might use in the summer.
Part 1: External Shade Curtains for Greenhouses
As the name suggests, external shade curtains are installed outside the greenhouse. They fundamentally reduce solar radiation and sunlight entering the greenhouse, offering the best shading and cooling effects. Here are the materials that can be used for external shading in greenhouses:
1. Knitted Monofilament Shade Cloth
High-quality manufacturers use 100% new high-density polyethylene as raw material, adding UV protection and anti-oxidation formulas and processing through high-temperature pre-shrinking and setting technology. This superior material endows the shade net with long life, strong wind resistance, and protection against rain, snow, and hail. The UV-resistant formula effectively cools down and reduces heat radiation.
In summer, the shade net can lower the internal greenhouse temperature by 3-4℃, reducing the damage caused by ultraviolet rays to crops. In winter, it reduces heat radiation from the greenhouse, minimizing frost damage. However, due to its cylindrical shape, it has higher light transmittance. Knitted round wire shade nets are suitable for various commercial greenhouses and different installation methods, especially for the external shading system of multi-span greenhouses. The shading rate ranges from 55% to 90%.
2. Knitted Mono + Tape Shade Nets
These knitted shade nets’ raw materials and functions are similar to monofilament shade nets. They are woven from high-strength black wires, protecting against rain and hail, thus reducing damage to greenhouse structures and plants. Due to their vast and flat shape, they have lower light transmittance and a higher shading rate.
It is generally used for internal and external shading of polytunnels but is not suitable for windy areas or multi-span greenhouses because of its high surface density and wind resistance. The shading rate of knitted flat wire shade nets ranges from 65% to 95%, depending on specific needs.
3. Black & White Shade Curtains
Made of 100% new polyethylene, the black-and-white reflective film is used in external shading systems. The white upper surface reflects light and heat, effectively reducing the heat radiation entering the greenhouse. The black lower surface blocks excess light while allowing some beneficial light to pass through.
Based on specific requirements, the shading rate of black-and-white reflective films ranges from 65% to 99%.
4. Aluminum Reflective Shade Curtains
Mainly composed of aluminum and polyethylene, the aluminum foil reflective shade curtain weaves aluminum foil strips into an open structure using woven lines. It reflects unwanted solar radiation and significantly lowers indoor temperatures.
Unlike most knitted shade cloths, which absorb heat, aluminum foil has excellent heat reflection properties, making it suitable for tropical regions or areas with high summer temperatures. Aluminum foil shade curtains cost more than traditional knitted plastic shade cloths. The shading rate ranges from 65% to 99%, depending on the needs.
Part 2: Internal Shade Curtains for Greenhouses
Installed inside the greenhouse, internal shade curtains are primarily used with external shade curtains to prevent intense light from scorching plants. While the cooling effect of internal shading alone may not be very ideal, internal shade curtains can form a good insulation layer with the greenhouse roof. This helps regulate the greenhouse’s internal temperature and significantly reduces the operational costs of artificial cooling and heating. What are the types of internal shade curtains?
1. Aluminum Shade Curtain
Aluminum foil shade curtains reflect and scatter light during the day, keeping the greenhouse cool and avoiding plant overheating. They help retain heat inside the greenhouse at night, maintaining a stable temperature and saving energy. A more stable temperature reduces the risk of fungal diseases caused by dew on crop surfaces. The shading rate of aluminum foil shade curtains ranges from 55% to 99%, and they also offer excellent energy-saving capabilities.
2. Light-Diffuse Curtains
Designed for greenhouse interiors, light-diffuse curtains provide excellent shading and light scattering, ensuring that sunlight is evenly and gently distributed across the crop canopy and lower layers. This innovative feature significantly reduces the risk of damage caused by direct sunlight while keeping the greenhouse cool even with increased light. Uniform light promotes balanced and healthy plant growth, improving yield and quality. These shade curtains offer a shading rate of over 80% and are also energy-efficient.
3. Blackout Curtains
Specially designed for managing light-sensitive crops in indoor cultivation, blackout curtains have an upper reflective layer that helps with cooling, and optional aluminum foil enhances energy efficiency. These curtains provide significant light shielding during the day. They can fully close the curtain system at night, ensuring minimal light leakage with a shading rate of up to 99.99%, protecting neighboring areas from light pollution.
Conclusion
We have discussed common greenhouse shade curtains in the market, including four types of external shade curtains and three types of internal shade curtains. External shade curtains are mainly used for shading, while internal shade curtains work best with external shade curtains. However, external shading systems may not be necessary in some coastal areas, high-latitude regions, or high-altitude areas, and only internal shading systems can meet greenhouse crop needs.
Whether you need an internal or external shading system depends on your region and the shading rate suitable for your greenhouse crops. If you plan to equip your commercial greenhouse with shade curtains, feel free to contact us for the latest factory prices in China.
