Riga Shade Net for 21x17 Riga XL 5 Greenhouses
Aluminet 50% Shade Net for Riga XL 5 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 XL 5 Aluminet Shade Net is a 50% aluminum reflective shade net designed for exterior installation on the Riga XL 5 greenhouse (14' wide × 17' long). The net is sized at 21' wide × 17' long — significantly wider than the greenhouse footprint — so it wraps over the roofline and down both sides for full coverage of the XL series’ wider 14-foot frame. Roof vents remain fully functional with the shade net installed.
What’s Included
- 1 × 21' W × 17' L aluminum shade net (Aluminet 50%)
- Black taped edges 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 | 21 feet wide × 17 feet long |
| Why 21' Wide? | The Riga XL series is 14' wide — the 21' net width wraps over the roofline and down both sides for full coverage |
| Installation | Exterior — draped over the outside of the greenhouse |
| Edge Finish | Black taped edges with brass grommets |
| Roof Vent Compatibility | Yes — roof vents can open normally with net installed |
| Compatible Model | Riga XL 5 (14' wide × 17' long) |
| SKU | SHADE-NET-ALUMINET-50-21X17 |
| Lead Time | Custom made — ships in 4–5 weeks from order date |
| Price | $369 |
Why the XL Shade Net Is Wider Than the Standard Riga Nets
Standard Riga greenhouse models (IIs through V) are 7'4"–9'8" wide. Their shade nets use a 14' width to wrap over the roofline and down both sides. The Riga XL series is 14' wide — significantly broader — requiring a 21' net width to achieve the same full-coverage wrap. Using a standard 14' net on an XL greenhouse would not provide adequate side coverage. Always order the shade net designated for your specific greenhouse model.
Riga Shade Net Series — Standard vs. XL
| Compatible Model | Greenhouse Width | Net Dimensions | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riga IIIs & III (9x10) | 7'8"–9'8" | 14' W × 10' L | $229 |
| Riga IVs & IV (9x14) | 7'8"–9'8" | 14' W × 14' L | $279 |
| Riga V (9x17) | 9'8" | 14' W × 17' L | $299 |
| Riga XL 5 (14x17) | 14' | This net — 21' W × 17' L | $369 |
The XL series nets are wider (21') than the standard Riga nets (14') to accommodate the XL’s 14-foot greenhouse width. Do not use a standard Riga shade net on an XL greenhouse — it will not provide adequate side coverage.
Why Use a Shade Net on a Riga XL Greenhouse?
The Riga XL series uses 16mm triple-wall polycarbonate glazing with superior insulation (R/K-value 2.5), which is excellent for winter growing. However, the larger interior volume and wider footprint of the XL series can still experience significant heat buildup in summer. 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. The aluminum reflective mesh reflects heat away from the greenhouse rather than absorbing it, making it more effective than standard shade cloth at reducing radiant heat load.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this net 21' wide when the Riga XL 5 is only 14' wide?
The 21' width is intentional — the net is designed to drape over the peak of the 14-foot-wide roof and hang down both sides of the greenhouse. The XL series is significantly wider than the standard Riga models, requiring a wider net to achieve the same full-coverage wrap. The extra width ensures the net reaches far enough down the sides to be secured with the brass grommets.
Can I use a standard Riga shade net (14' wide) on my Riga XL 5?
No — the standard 14' wide nets are designed for the narrower standard Riga models (7'4"–9'8" wide). On the 14-foot-wide Riga XL 5, a 14' net would not provide adequate side coverage after wrapping over the roofline. Use this 21' wide net for the Riga XL 5.
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 XL 5 has multiple 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 black taped edges 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.