ven a small hoop house, designed to just cover the tops of the plants, is a challenge to cover and uncover on a daily basis. The weight of a large light deprivation cover quickly adds up, making manual removal and replacement more challenging than you might expect. If you’ve never handled a light dep tarp by hand, make sure to get an accurate weight estimate before planning to use either manual or automatic controls. Automated removal systems take the hard work out of pulling the material back and forth twice a day, but they still require sizing to the weight of the cover. Narrow down your decision between the two methods of control for light deprivation covers with these considerations.
Upfront and Ongoing Costs
Automated cover controls are definitely more expensive than manual removal systems, both to install initially and for ongoing operation. The energy costs of running motors to retract and extend the cover will add up over the years. However, don’t forget to factor in labor costs when comparing the two methods. Even when using effort-saving manual cranks and extension arms, it takes plenty of hard work from multiple team members if there’s no automated system. Compare all of the hidden maintenance and repair costs and you may find automated controls are more affordable than you assumed.
Labor and Ergonomics
Speaking of labor, you may need to hire extra employees just to manage the daily routine of retracting and extending the light dep cover if you choose manual controls. Even when the extension arms are doing all the dragging and lifting work, you’ll need at least two employees at a time to operate the equipment evenly. Don’t forget about the impact on employees’ bodies when asking them to manually drag and fold heavy light dep tarps and covers for weeks on end. Automated cover systems reduce injuries and repetitive strain claims that increase your insurance costs and take your valuable team members out of work at the height of the season.
Power Supply
Of course, some remote greenhouses may not have the power supply for either automated or powered manual control arms. For these structures, dragging the tarps back and forth by hand alone is the only option. It’s best not to add light deprivation to an entire greenhouse unless there’s a steady and affordable power supply. This allows you to choose from both manual and automated equipment without limitations. Solar panels and generators can add power to remote sites where standard utility connections aren’t available, expanding options for light deprivation greenhouses in rural areas.
Suitable Cover Materials
Due to the extra stress and tension, automated light deprivation control systems tend to require a more durable material than manual equipment. All powered control arms will call for a reinforced or strong cover since the extra force easily tears thinner and weaker materials. Of course, even carefully spreading tarps by hand can tear them if they’re made from inferior materials. Don’t let the need for a strong cover keep you from investing in automated control equipment. It’s worth the investment in a more durable tarp anyway since it will last longer before developing rips or tears.
Maintenance and Repairs
Automated equipment will require more repairs and maintenance than manual arms and lifts, but both require regular attention. Only committing to moving the tarps by hand will eliminate these maintenance costs and chores. Yet they’re well worth the reduction in extra labor costs, wear and tear on the tarps, and risks for employee injuries. Consider how much you’re potentially saving as you weigh the extra costs like routine equipment maintenance.
Make sure that any automated control equipment you choose for light deprivation tarps includes manual overrides. This allows you to still remove the tarps to let light in if the power goes out and leaves the automated system failing to work. Timers make it easy to get perfect light dep periods, but they’re no substitute for human verification that everything’s operating as designed. Find strong light deprivation covers and tarps here at BTL Liners to use with automated and manual control systems alike.
