A greenhouse screen changes the microclimate as well as heat loss. Its benefit depends on covered geometry, fabric properties, closure hours, outside weather, heating setpoints and crop requirements. A shading curtain used mainly at midday is not equivalent to a thermal screen closed on cold nights. AGR010 is the reference to examine, with its current annex supplying the climate data, calculation convention and evidence expected for the specific greenhouse.
Test the greenhouse and screen against AGR010
Define each greenhouse block, bay dimensions, roof form, perimeter and heated cultivated area. Separate unheated tunnels and propagation rooms. AGR010 eligibility follows its technical boundary, not the farm’s total cadastral area, and the protected surface should be calculated with the convention stated in the current sheet. Use one geometry convention from survey through calculation and reconcile protected area with the installed screen layout.
Describe the existing cover, air leakage, heating generators, distribution pipes, fuel and control setpoints. Record whether another screen already exists and how it is used. Adding a second movable layer differs from replacing a worn curtain, so the initial configuration needs dated photographs and operating testimony. Baseline records should distinguish existing shading or thermal layers from the new movable screen and its control function.
Record geometry, crop calendar and heating baseline
Link the reference period to crop species, planting and harvest dates, day and night temperatures and heating hours. A fallow month or a lower setpoint can reduce fuel independently of the screen. Climate station data should correspond to the location and annex method rather than a distant annual average. Crop and climate records need matching timestamps because heating demand changes materially across cultivation stages.
The screen specification should include thermal or energy-saving properties, permeability, shading, fire behaviour and installation geometry. Gaps at gutters, gables or drive mechanisms can create bypass paths. Record overlap and edge sealing because nominal fabric performance assumes a substantially closed layer. Inspect seams, drive openings and perimeter closure since small bypass areas can undermine the declared fabric performance.
Model closure by climate rather than blanket hours
Control logic determines when the screen closes for outdoor temperature, radiation, humidity and wind. Export setpoints, delays and manual-override rules. Counting every night hour is not defensible if condensation management keeps the curtain cracked open or crop work requires frequent retraction. Convert control rules into evidenced closure hours using actual weather and crop constraints rather than an ideal nightly schedule.
Calculate with the authorised AGR010 variables and annex climate values, preserving units and area definitions. Keep simultaneous boiler replacement, cover renewal or temperature changes outside the screen effect unless the method explicitly combines them. The result is not a direct forecast of fuel invoices. Keep area, temperature and climate inputs in the units and zones specified by the current AGR010 annex.
Prove fabric, controls and complete protected area
Photograph the uncovered baseline, rails and fabric during installation, labels, edge details and the fully deployed screen across identifiable bays. Pair purchase quantities with plan dimensions and invoice lines. A roll of fabric in storage does not prove protected area or functioning automation. Photographic sampling should cover edge bays and irregular geometry as well as unobstructed central spans.
Commission travel limits, motor protection, weather sensors, alarms and interaction with roof vents. Trend screen position, indoor and outdoor temperature, humidity and heating calls on selected nights. These records show whether the theoretical closure strategy occurred under real crop conditions. Acceptance testing should prove complete travel, safe vent interaction and stable position feedback under operating conditions.
Balance heat retention with humidity and plant health
Excess humidity can increase fungal risk, dripping and ventilation demand; daytime shading can affect yield. Agronomic service must therefore be maintained while heat retention is optimised. Cleaning, tears and cable tension also influence persistence of savings over the project life. Monitor humidity and crop response so apparent heat retention is not achieved through unacceptable agronomic service.
Confirm the live AGR010 PDF, annexes, dates and required declarations immediately before submission. Technical fit does not guarantee recognised savings, certificate issuance or commercial payment. Use a cautious closure-rate sensitivity so the investment decision does not depend on perfect weather or uninterrupted screen use. The reference codes for this review are AGR010. Apply conservative closure and persistence cases when valuing savings over the expected fabric and drive life.