For the time that the screen has lasted, it is a very good reference of the product's quality. Additionally, the screen has met our expectations in terms of features, durability, and functionality.
How Finka maintained a Svensson climate screen for more than 13 years
-
- Greenhouse:
- Finka Ahuehuetes
-
- Location:
- Querétaro, Mexico
-
- Crop:
- Tomatoes
-
- Challenge:
- Temperature, winter growing
-
- Solution:
- Solaro 3520 O
AUGUST 2023
Finka, a high-tech greenhouse operation located at AgroPark in Querétaro, Mexico, has successfully operated a Svensson Solaro 3520 O climate screen for more than 13 years. Installed in 2009 in a 10.2-hectare tomato greenhouse, the screen has demonstrated long-term durability and stable performance under commercial growing conditions.
With a shading level of 35%, the screen plays an important role in temperature management, supporting consistent crop development and high fruit quality across production cycles.
A long-term installation in a high-tech greenhouse
Finka was one of the first high-tech greenhouses established at AgroPark Querétaro and began operations in 2009. Following strong production results, the operation expanded over time and today manages 31 hectares within AgroPark and an additional 21 hectares in San Antonio.
The Solaro 3520 O climate screen was installed in the original 10.2-hectare tomato module and remains in very good condition after more than a decade of continuous use.
According to current grower Luis Espinola, who works alongside head grower Saúl Villalobos, the screen continues to perform reliably and has maintained its structural integrity and functional properties since installation.
Supporting crop health and quality year after year
The decision to install the Solaro 3520 O screen was driven by the need to improve crop health and fruit quality through better climate control. The screen helps stabilize nighttime temperatures and reduce heat loss during winter production cycles, creating more favorable growing conditions for tomato plants.
Gerardo López, who previously managed this greenhouse module, explains:
“The screen has been installed for more than 13 years, and with regular maintenance it still looks almost like new. It is washed every cycle and remains fully functional.”
Energy savings through smart screen management
While shading is the primary function of the screen, it also contributes to energy efficiency when used as part of a well-managed climate strategy.
Saúl Villalobos, head grower at Finka since the start of operations, highlights the importance of correct screen use “With a good strategy and proper use of the screen, we can save up to 10% on heating costs during winter, supported by data from sensors installed above and below the screen.”
By integrating climate screens with sensor-based climate control, Finka is able to optimize energy use while maintaining stable conditions in the crop zone.
Looking ahead
Gerardo López also notes that Svensson’s climate solutions help create a more stable growing environment:
“Svensson provides the materials we need to control the greenhouse climate and give the crop better conditions, resulting in healthier plants that are less susceptible to disease.”
Given rising energy costs, Finka is now evaluating a transition to a high light-transmission, energy-saving screen within Svensson’s Luxous family, with the goal of maintaining crop performance while further improving energy efficiency.