Riga Shade Net for 14x17 Riga V Greenhouses
Aluminet 50% Shade Net for Riga V Greenhouse
⚠️ Custom Made to Order — Ships in 4–5 Weeks. This shade net is custom manufactured when ordered and cannot be expedited. Please plan accordingly before purchasing.
The Riga Aluminet Shade Net is a 50% aluminum reflective shade net designed for exterior installation on the Riga V (9x17) greenhouse. It blocks approximately half of incoming solar radiation during the hottest part of the day, reducing interior temperatures and protecting heat-sensitive plants — while still allowing 50% of sunlight through the mesh structure for continued plant growth. The net is sized at 14' wide × 17' long — wider than the greenhouse footprint — so it wraps over the roofline and down the sides for full coverage. Roof vents remain fully functional with the shade net installed.
What’s Included
- 1 × 14' W × 17' L aluminum shade net (Aluminet 50%)
- Taped edge with brass grommets for secure attachment
Specifications
| Material | Aluminet — 50% aluminum reflective shade net |
| Shade Level | 50% — blocks ~50% of solar radiation; allows ~50% light through |
| Net Dimensions | 14 feet wide × 17 feet long |
| Why 14' Wide? | Oversized to wrap over the roofline and down the sides of the greenhouse for full coverage |
| Installation | Exterior — draped over the outside of the greenhouse |
| Edge Finish | Taped edge with brass grommets |
| Roof Vent Compatibility | Yes — roof vents can open normally with net installed |
| Compatible Model | Riga V (9x17) only |
| SKU | SHADE-NET-ALUMINET-50-14x17 |
| Lead Time | Custom made — ships in 4–5 weeks from order date |
| Price | $299 |
Complete Riga Shade Net Series — Which Net Fits Your Greenhouse?
| Compatible Models | Net Dimensions | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Riga IIIs (7x10) & Riga III (9x10) | 14' W × 10' L | $229 |
| Riga IVs (7x14) & Riga IV (9x14) | 14' W × 14' L | $279 |
| Riga V (9x17) | This net — 14' W × 17' L | $299 |
All Riga shade nets share the same 14' width (to wrap over the roofline) and 50% Aluminet material. The length scales with each greenhouse’s interior length. The Riga V net at 14' × 17' is the longest in the standard Riga series. Order the net that matches your greenhouse model’s length.
Why Use a Shade Net on a Riga Greenhouse?
Polycarbonate greenhouses transmit a high percentage of solar radiation, which is ideal for winter growing but can cause overheating in summer — even with roof vents open. Interior temperatures can exceed 100°F on hot sunny days, stressing or killing heat-sensitive plants. The Aluminet shade net reduces solar heat gain by approximately 50%, keeping the interior cooler during peak summer heat while still providing sufficient light for most crops. Unlike solid shade cloth, the aluminum reflective mesh reflects heat away from the greenhouse rather than absorbing it, making it more effective at reducing radiant heat load.
Aluminet vs. Standard Shade Cloth
| Feature | Aluminet (this product) | Standard Shade Cloth |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum reflective mesh | Woven polyethylene or polypropylene |
| Heat Reduction Method | Reflects solar radiation away from greenhouse | Absorbs solar radiation (can re-radiate heat) |
| Light Transmission | ~50% (this net) | Varies by shade percentage |
| Durability | High — aluminum resists UV degradation | Moderate — UV exposure degrades over time |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the shade net measure 14' wide when the Riga V is 9'8" wide?
The 14' width is intentional — the net is designed to drape over the peak of the roof and hang down both sides of the greenhouse. This provides full coverage of the roof and upper side panels where solar heat gain is greatest. The extra width ensures the net reaches far enough down the sides to be secured with the brass grommets.
Is this net only for the Riga V, or does it fit other models?
This 14' × 17' net is sized specifically for the Riga V’s 17'6" interior length. It is not the correct fit for shorter Riga models. For the Riga III/IIIs (10'6" length), use the 14' × 10' net ($229). For the Riga IV/IVs (14' length), use the 14' × 14' net ($279).
Can I still open the roof vents with the shade net installed?
Yes — the shade net is designed to allow the roof vents to open normally. The mesh is flexible and the net is positioned so that the roof windows can push through or lift the net as they open. The Riga V has 2+ automatic roof openers; ventilation is not blocked by the shade net.
Is this shade net for interior or exterior use?
Exterior use only. The net is draped over the outside of the greenhouse. Exterior installation is more effective at reducing heat gain because it intercepts solar radiation before it enters the polycarbonate panels, rather than after.
How long does it take to receive this shade net?
This shade net is custom manufactured when ordered. Lead time is 4–5 weeks from the order date. It cannot be expedited. If you need the net for a specific date (e.g., before summer heat peaks), order at least 5–6 weeks in advance.
How is the shade net attached to the greenhouse?
The net has a taped edge with brass grommets for secure attachment. You can use bungee cords, rope, or zip ties through the grommets to secure the net to the greenhouse frame. The grommets are positioned around the perimeter of the net for even attachment points.