Institutional and Research Greenhouses by Solar Innovations - Custom designed to meet your exact need

We offer 9 Standard Colors.

Bronze
Hartford Green
Natural Clay
White
Black
Sandstone
Mill Aluminum

Clear Anodized, Dark Bronze Anodized, custom color matches, and flouropolymer finishes are available for an additional charge.

Copper, Stainless Steel, and simulated Lead coated Copper cladding options are available for an additional charge.

Actual colors may vary. Color chips are available upon request.

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* Please note: Any Solar Innovations® operable feature should not be operated when there is snow, ice, or any other non-natural weight on the structure. Operable features must remain free of debris for proper operation. Operable features should not be operated when the wind is blowing in excess of 50 mph, based on an exposure rating of B. Failure to comply with these limitations will void the warranty on the operable features, and any component thereof.

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Straight Eave Double Pitch Greenhouse exterior

Straight Eave Double Pitch Greenhouse interior

Straight Eave Double Pitch Greenhouse window and ridge vents

Institutional Greenhouses by Solar Innovations®
Build the Perfect Environment™
SI5000

An institutional greenhouse is any greenhouse designed for an organization. The primary focus of the greenhouse is simply to grow plants and enjoy horticulture. Scientific research can be performed, and the plants can be sold as in a commercial greenhouse but institutional greenhouses are designed more for pleasure gardening.

The beauty of a Solar Innovations® institutional greenhouse is the material used to construct the greenhouse and the ability to customize every portion of the structure. Aluminum is used in the construction of all Solar Innovations® greenhouses. Rotting, rusting, warping, and constant finishing maintenance are not concerns with aluminum greenhouses. There are eight standard frame finishes available and any custom color the job may require. Glazing options for the greenhouse include glass and polycarbonate. There are pros and cons to each selection.

Polycarbonate greenhouses tends to be less expensive than glass and requires less cleaning, but can sometimes affect light infiltration and scratches easier than glass. Glass is the traditional choice of greenhouses, allows for optimum light infiltration and is available in numerous thicknesses, types and tints. Any element within the greenhouse can be customized, from the frame, glazing, shape, size, and the greenhouse equipment used to operate the structure.

Institutional greenhouses are found in an array of applications; the most popular being schools. All levels of education have greenhouses from elementary to high school. College level greenhouses tend to lend themselves to research purposes. The school greenhouses can be designed to meet the exact needs of a school. In an elementary greenhouse, benches can be manufactured to lower heights to accommodate younger children. Another option that may be found in an elementary greenhouse would be ground beds where the students can plant seedlings directly into the ground. High school greenhouses tend to become more advanced growing environments. The size of the greenhouse may need to be expanded to accommodate larger classes and more involved growing. Shading can be added for the cultivation of orchids, along with greenhouse accessories that will monitor temperature and humidity.

Prison greenhouses are another popular application for institutional greenhouses. Many prisons utilize greenhouses as a way of training and therapy for inmates. Any gardener knows that growing plants can be relaxing and releases stress, two practices which are greatly needed in prisons. Often times a prison greenhouse is used to teach the inmates new life skills that will help them to obtain employment when released. The greenhouses can be designed around ADA restrictions making it a sound choice for any institutional application. Multiple environments tend to be created with this type of greenhouse to provide instruction in different sectors of horticulture. As an example, the first room would be devoted to hydroponic gardening, the second to traditional soil vegetables, and the third could be an area with a pond and tropicals where the students can study aquaculture.

The different environments can be fitted with its own set of accessories. Each room can have its own fans, misting systems, heating and cooling. Any application can use the technique of multiple environments. Nursing homes can have different zones for growing shade plant and heat loving plants. Hospitals and rehab facilities would benefit from an herb garden or a vegetable garden, or both areas integrated into one structure. The possibilities are unlimited and Solar Innovations® will work with you to create the best greenhouse for your application.

After the institutional greenhouse design is complete, Solar Innovations®, or its nationwide dealer base, can complete the installation for the project. If you already have a greenhouse that is malfunctioning, Solar Innovations® offers repair services. Our installation crew can come to your greenhouse and are typically able to repair the faulty items. Should a new greenhouse be necessary, Solar Innovations® can design a new greenhouse for you, demolish the old one, and install the new greenhouse for you. There are also “do-it-yourself greenhouse kits” available for those who would like to buy the product factory direct and then complete the installation themselves. Whatever the design, application, or requirements needed, Solar Innovations® can create a wonderful greenhouse for you and your institution.