Screen selection has always been one of the topics domestic greenhouse growers care about most. In recent years of production practice, accumulated experience and continuously changing external conditions have led us to re-examine: Can we maximize the use of climate screens and enable them to perform to their full potential in the greenhouse? Thus, the “smart” selection of screens becomes the first step toward success. As growers, we can also stay informed of the latest “trends” to guide future screen selection.

Focus on environmental uniformity and stability

In the past, growers aimed to achieve climate goals through greenhouse equipment. For example, when determining shading rate, we considered the maximum outdoor solar radiation, the light transmission of the greenhouse covering, and the crop’s light requirements. These are fundamental goals. Today, growers increasingly value the uniformity and stability of the overall greenhouse environment. For high-shading-demand crops such as seedlings, Phalaenopsis, and anthurium, growers hope to reduce direct-light streaks caused when shading screens are used, as these directly impact crop quality and uniformity. By choosing high-diffusion screens (Hortiscatter > 80%), we can effectively improve this issue.

Environmental stability refers to the ability to handle extreme outdoor weather and rapid fluctuations, reducing climate variability inside the greenhouse. Generally, having two or more types of screens increases buffering capacity. For example, low-shading screens like Svensson’s Luxous series can remain closed longer during day–night transitions, minimizing sudden temperature changes, whereas night-use thermal screens (Tempa series) may cause temporary fluctuations when opening or closing.

Achieving “have this, have that, and have more”

For growers with year-round production needs, effective energy savings involve not only winter heating but also summer cooling, while also optimizing the greenhouse climate. To enhance the adaptability of double-screen combinations, Svensson introduced the PARperfect system, which maintains high insulation while adding flexible shading and uniform light distribution. For semi-closed greenhouses, it can improve cooling efficiency. From a long-term planning perspective, using one screen combination to adapt to multiple crops and growth stages provides strong guidance for future screen selection.

Addressing pain points and exploring solutions

Through deep conversations with growers, we find many are not fully satisfied with their existing screen configurations—often because they missed the discussion phase during greenhouse design. For example, greenhouses growing light-loving solanaceous crops may choose thick insulation materials, which absorb moisture, increase system weight, and reduce light when retracted. However, test data show that material thickness does not necessarily correlate with insulation performance. Aluminum screens provide better nighttime insulation and retract compactly. When using multiple insulation layers, it is difficult to evaluate the benefit of the third or fourth layer, as it depends on outdoor conditions. Energy simulation tools can help growers compare options and choose effectively.

Customized screen solutions

Successful project replication is not simply copying existing systems. Every project is unique and deserves a tailored solution. In a Yunnan sweet-pepper greenhouse case, Svensson recommended a 20% shading thermal screen instead of a high-transmission Luxous screen. The region has strong winter sunlight, and young seedlings require shading. Monitoring showed the screen provided year-round benefits—insulation, shading, humidity retention. This demonstrates that custom screen selection maximizes product performance. Growers must consider cost–benefit and project needs to choose the most suitable solution.

We believe future screen selection will evolve toward more specialized, diversified, and customized solutions that meet growers’ refined needs. Only then can we make full use of high‑quality equipment for advanced cultivation. Svensson is ready to support growers with professional tools and expertise.