The SolarHarvest Greenhouse represents an advanced approach to greenhouse design, integrating food production, energy generation, and rainwater capture into a sustainable, closed-loop system. This greenhouse exemplifies the food-water-energy nexus, creating a controlled environment that supports both plant and fish production through aquaponics powered by solar energy. Uniquely, the system’s solar panels double as a rainwater capture mechanism, storing water in cisterns to irrigate outdoor gardens. Using a closed-loop Ollas irrigation system, water consumption is reduced by up to 90% compared to traditional farms. Excess rainwater flows back to the greenhouse, supporting hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic systems. Solar energy acts as the catalyst for this self-sustaining ecosystem, demonstrating a holistic approach to green living. 

The SolarHarvest Greenhouse Project aims to transform the Powers' Family Home’s backyard into a sustainable, energy-efficient garden that integrates solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and precision farming techniques. The small outdoor garden space will utilize the Three Sisters Method to maximize space and plant health by growing complementary crops in specific sections.

This project will feature non-permanent solar racking systems to power irrigation and electroculture systems, while integrating soil sensors, weather stations, and biogas liquid fertilizer to create an environmentally sustainable farming model. The centerpiece of the project will be a Pop-Up Greenhouse, a hoop-house-like structure designed for quick and easy assembly. The greenhouse will be completely off-grid, utilizing a solar battery housed within to power systems such as aeroponics, hydroponics, and aquaponics, making it a 4-season greenhouse for year-round food production. Additionally, the greenhouse will serve as a nursery to start strong, healthy plants for the outdoor garden space.

The project will proceed in phased development, beginning with land preparation, followed by the setup of the outdoor garden, the installation of solar and rainwater systems, the creation of the garden foundation, and finally, the installation of the pop-up greenhouse. Each phase will contribute to the creation of a self-sustaining, eco-friendly garden that reduces environmental impact while fostering plant health and food security.

• Location: Backyard of Power Family Home
  718 SW 199th, Normandy Park, WA

• Project Name: SolarHarvest Garden

• Site Size: 14 by 14 196 Square Feet 

Below is the phased development plan for this pilot project. To streamline the process, the project has been divided into four main phases, each further broken into three sub-parts for clarity and efficiency.

1. Phase One: Solar Garden

   • Focuses on establishing the outdoor garden space using sustainable farming practices and the Three Sisters Method.

2. Phase Two: Solar Rain Garden

   • Implements rainwater harvesting and irrigation systems powered by non-permanent solar racking systems.

3. Phase Three: Greenhouse Infrastructure

   • Develops the foundational elements for the greenhouse, including structural preparation, soil enhancements, and resource integration.

4. Phase Four: Solar Greenhouse Installation and Setup

   • Installs the pop-up greenhouse and configures off-grid systems like aeroponics, hydroponics, and aquaponics.

For simplicity, we will include dedicated pages outlining each phase in detail, along with the specific timeline and associated tasks for the overall project

The SolarHarvest Garden will transform the Power Family Home’s backyard into a sustainable, energy-efficient garden that integrates solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and precision farming techniques. By utilizing the Three Sisters Method, the garden will maximize space and plant health by growing complementary crops in specific sections.

The project will use non-permanent solar racking systems to power irrigation and electroculture systems, while integrating soil sensors, weather stations, and biogas liquid fertilizer to create an environmentally sustainable farming model.

The final installation is the inflatable greenhouse structure, which will sit atop the wooden deck. It will be covered on both sides by the retaining wall, helping to retain heat and enhance the passive solar benefits. This setup ensures that the greenhouse will be more energy-efficient, trapping warmth inside while maximizing sunlight exposure to foster optimal growing conditions. The combination of the inflatable structure and retaining wall creates a sustainable environment, improving temperature regulation and reducing the need for external heating.

Adam Powers, CEO and Founder of House of Powers Construction LLC, is piloting this greenhouse on family land as a prototype for larger-scale projects aimed at transforming vacant land into sustainable, revenue-generating assets. The mission is to empower both landowners and their land through sustainable technology. Once tested, the SolarHarvest Greenhouse will be offered alongside our Solar Glamping initiative, allowing landowners to quickly activate raw land for revenue. With demand from landowners for a high-yield, technology-driven greenhouse, we’ve developed a turnkey solution centered around the SolarHarvest Greenhouse, addressing food, water, and energy security for land and the multiple families living on it. This system could be scaled to support any land size and amount of people to support. This project marks the foundation for phased land development, progressing from short-term glamping to long-term solar homesteading, moving land from temporary to permanent residency. 

• Initial Design, Concept Art, CAD Models

• Site Measurements, Analysis, and Mini Model Creation

• SME Consulting, Site Visits, Master Documentation, White Paper, and AI Analysis

• Procurement and Preparation of Tools & Gear

• Site Preparation: Roughing, Land Clearing, Waste Management

• Groundbreaking, Grading (Leveling)

• Material Deliveries and Retaining Wall Installation

• Rock Foundation, Turf Blocks, and Deck Installations

• Hardscaping and Landscaping

• Final Inspections, Weight and Stress Tests

• Landscaping, Photo/Video Documentation

• Stakeholder Tour, Social Media Campaign, Final Report

• Phase 2: Development 

  1. Lay down the soil, Backfill the retaining wall 1# and 2# 

• Leveling the the land and placing down 2" Thick Gravel Ground Grid 6.5ft x 16.5ft (2) 

• Second Life Solar (SLS) Panels: Repurposed solar panels providing renewable energy for the greenhouse. 

• Modular Solar Racking System: A non-permanent, ground-mounted system, allowing for flexibility and mobility without permanent land impact. 

• EcoFlow 6KW Plug-and-Play Battery Management System: Provides efficient energy storage and distribution.

• EcoFlow EV Charging Capability: Additional storage capacity for expanding power needs.

• Traditional, efficient subsurface irrigation method using clay pots to reduce water waste and provide consistent moisture for plants. 

• Helps stabilize the soil and elevate the land.

• Acts as a heat barrier, absorbing and slowly releasing warmth to regulate greenhouse temperatures.

• Provide thermal mass for passive heat retention, stabilizing the microclimate inside the greenhouse.

• 3D-Printed Solar Rainwater Capture System: Collects and directs rainwater from the solar panels into storage. 

• Ensure a steady supply of water for irrigation and greenhouse operations. 

• Creates a stable, flat foundation that supports up to 1,885 lbs per sq. ft.

• Water-permeable to allow natural drainage while preventing soil erosion and movement—an alternative to concrete foundations.

• A cost-effective and modular way to create a foundation for solar tents and greenhouse structures. 

• Functions as a passive solar greenhouse, allowing sunlight to warm the interior while protecting from external elements. 

Large-Scale Grow Kits

• Gravity-Fed Self-Watering System:

  • Ensures plants receive consistent moisture without electrical components.

• Vertical Grow Kit:

  • Space-saving design for maximizing plant growth.

• Blackout Grow Tent:

  • Controls light cycles for specialized plant growth.

IoT & Monitoring Systems

• Raspberry Pi 3 Controller: Manages automation and data collection.

• IoT Solar Panel Monitoring System: Tracks solar energy production and efficiency.

• Weather Station: Collects real-time data on environmental conditions.

• Data Display System: Provides a user-friendly interface for monitoring greenhouse operations.

• Solar Monitoring Technology: Ensures optimal energy performance.

Soil & Water Monitoring

• Soil Sensors: Measure moisture and nutrient levels.

• Water Pump & Tank Sensors: Monitor and regulate irrigation and water supply.

• Raspberry Pi Camera: Captures real-time images for remote monitoring.