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Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Fact Sheet Series: Greenhouses

Greenhouses can grow fresh produce locally during any season, but they require heat, electricity for nighttime lighting, and carbon dioxide to optimize the environment for plant growth. A combined heat and power (CHP) system can meet all three of these needs. A CHP generator can be sized to provide a greenhouse with thermal heating to maintain a favorable temperature. The electrical output can be used to power greenhouse lights at night, and excess electricity produced during the day can be sold to utility companies to recoup costs. In addition, carbon dioxide is released from a CHP engine’s exhaust, and this byproduct can be used to promote plant growth.

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