The first thing you will notice when comparing an exterior light dep system with an interior one is the price point. Interior light deprivation systems are quite a bit more complicated in function and installation, and therefore their price point tends to be quite a bit higher than their exterior counterparts. Interior blackout systems require a larger structure to accommodate the internal framing required for the guiding of the blackout curtains, Also, because they are broken up into sections, there are a lot more working parts to the whole system. On the other hand, exterior blackout systems can be used on most standard to commercial sized greenhouses with little to no additional framing required. There are also fewer working components, meaning smaller upfront costs for installation and operation. Although, having a system exposed to the outside elements can also mean more long term maintenance costs, whereas interior curtain systems can last up to five to ten years with little to no maintenance.

The most important thing to consider when debating between an exterior and interior auto darkening greenhouse is the natural environment within you are growing. With all of the differences in each system, just the simple fact that one is on the outside of the greenhouse and one is on the inside can determine which blackout system will actually work for you in your climate. If you are growing in a moderate climate at a lower elevation, then the exterior light deprivation system should function smoothly with minimal issues. If the average wind speed is minimal, and the snow load is light through the winter then an exterior system can roll up and down on the outside of the frame, with little to no adjustments necessary. If you are a grower in the opposite conditions and more extreme climates, then an interior light deprivation system may be in your best interest. When operating in high winds and through the winter with a large snow load, having the blackout curtain system on the inside of the structure will protect your working components and ensure a smoother operation with fewer potentials for light leaks.

Determining the auto light dep system that will work best for you will need to be based off of the size of growing operation you are aiming for. If you are keeping a canopy size under 10K sq/ft. then a stand alone exterior light deprivation greenhouse will be your most affordable and efficient system. Keeping the structure smaller allows for an easier time controlling the internal environment as well as fewer issues with the function of an exterior auto light dep system. If you are looking to grow on a larger scale, going with a large interior light deprivation greenhouse gives you more room availability with stand alone structures starting at 3K sq/ft up to 6K sq/ft. If looking at over 25K sq/ft of growing canopy, then the Gutter Connect structures with interior auto light dep will allow you to maximize your available space by fitting multiple structures on a smaller plot of land.

With most greenhouse growers, power consumption can be concern. Sometimes there isn’t enough power available in more remote areas, or growers are concerned about skyrocketing electrical costs. Often times with all of the working components in the interior automated light dep greenhouses, there will be more power required to operate the blackout system, fans, irrigation systems, etc. On larger greenhouse structures, sometimes 3-phase power availability will be required as well. This isn’t always an option for every property with a cannabis grow. In which case, the exterior systems, with lower power requirements and fewer components, which could be powered off of a generator if needed, may be the convenient or only option.

If you are looking for ease of installation or a DIY project, the exterior light deprivation greenhouse is what you are looking for. Although Fullbloom recommends using a professional installer, with personal construction experience it is not difficult to erect the structure and exterior blackout system. You can even purchase simple retrofit kits to affix an exterior light dep to your existing greenhouse. If you are planning on hiring a professional installation crew already, then interior light dep might be the option to look in to. Professional installation on interior systems can get quite spendy, but these crews do everything from structure erection to electrical wiring and light installation. There’s no way to go when installing interior systems, other than working with the guys who know the systems the best.