Greenhouse materials

Hi Lindsey - thanks for being here to answer our questions!
We have been planning on building an attached 50' x 16' (or 18') greenhouse on the Southside of our barn- we are located in southwest Washington state (super wet for 9 months and super dry in summer). In your opinion - which is the lesser of evils: polycarb panels or plastic film? Glass is just so expensive we had pretty much ruled it out - but would be interested in your thoughts on the cost benefit if you think it is the better way to go.
We have a collection of recycled sliding glass doors and windows we were originally thinking of using, but piecing it all together got a little cumbersome. Do you have any thoughts on this/does your book cover this?
Thanks!

Do you get hail?

Are there trees nearby that lose branches often?

once in a blue moon we get a little hail - but nothing like you get in Kansas! Not enough to design around. And no trees close enough to hit the greenhouse.

Hi Laurie,

I'm located in NE Vancouver, WA.  We have a small 8 x 12 greenhouse that I use mainly for starts, seedlings.  With our cloud cover, I get very little solar gain through winter and only stay about 2 degrees over ambient at night.  It does help with pounding rain, frost and windchill.  

What are your plans for your build?  I would love to get more out mine but it just seems like we don't get enough sun.

Mike

mainly for starts and overwintering potted citrus, etc..., but I would like a few permanent beds in there to keep a few things like greens and herbs going over the winter. We will have season extension high tunnels and row covers elsewhere on the property. This greenhouse would be my main workshop so having a dry place to work is just as important. My laying flock will have access to it in the winter as well - their coop will share part of a wall and we will be venting between the two.
We've got plans for microhydro on the property - so may run lights in the winter using the microhydro power, and we're also considering a rocket stove.  This is my "dream" greenhouse...