Greenhouses are currently among the largest consumers of fossil fuel in the Netherlands. Concerned about environmental implications and costs, the Dutch greenhouse industry is looking for a way to free itself from energy dependence. With an experimental wide span greenhouse constructed using GE's new Lexan Zigzag sheet double-wall PC roofing panels, Dutch horticulturalist company Hydro Huisman aims to turn energy consumption into energy production. Lexan ZigZag sheet roofing raises light transmission levels above those of single glass, especially during non-peak hours/seasons, while ensuring outstanding insulation to retain heat. The Lexan material also provides lighter weight than glass, excellent flame retardance and easy installation.

With its double-wall, zigzag configuration designed specifically for greenhouses, Lexan ZigZag sheet roofing offers a number of key properties. First, its angled design enables the capture of light reflected from the sides of the roof surface, thus increasing the total amount of light transmitted into the greenhouse to 90.9%� 1-2% higher than with single glass. Further, when the sun is low on the horizon, during winter months and at dawn and dusk, the material's channels catch more light than flat glass. Second, Lexan ZigZag sheet offers insulation properties that are similar to those of double-wall glass; the material retains 45% more heat than single glass for substantial savings on energy demand: these savings can be at least 20-25%. Lexan sheet roofing material provides resistance to UV light on the exterior side. It is more than 50% lighter than glass and virtually unbreakable, making it resistant to hail and easy and safe If this first experiment proves its merits then it would open up a new business for Polycarbonate sheets.