To assess the net energy demand in the study system, the RSHG in the hoophouse was calculated for 2013 (Fig. 4) and monthly energy usage was monitored in 2013 and 2014 (Fig. 5). Hoophouses are designed for passive solar heating, and the total annual RSHG for the orientation of the hoophouse and its latitude was predicted to be 71,924 kWh, which does not account for shading from nearby trees. When accounting for losses due to the hoophouse building envelope, the total effective RSHG annually was determined to be 50,443 kWh, and reported by month in Fig. 4. During some periods in the summer, solar energy can completely replace both propane and electric water heating, barring extreme conditions. Excess solar energy was deflected in the summer using a 50% shadecloth and heat in the hoophouse was exhausted using fans and roll-up sides.