Sourcing clear/translucent panels for DIY mini greenhouse?

Hi, I wanted to build a mini "greenhouse" (for my methane digester) and getting my hands on untreated lumber is pretty easy - dumpster diving in the subdivisions that keep popping up around here :( - but have not been able to figure out where to source some panels so some sun can get in there!

I guess since its for a methane digester it doesnt need light so I could just paint it black (not sure about that - that is would the lack of light take away from heating the digester itself?) but I'd prefer to make something that I could use as an actual greenhouse should I fancy it later.

I was thinking maybe windows from the local restore but whoa, not cheap at all. Was almost going to buy from a box store but was also pretty expensive - plus I am SURE something that might otherwise be thrown away could be repurposed, just hope I am missing something.

One caveat, I am not a fan of plastic film stuff, I could probably find some easier but ... it just annoys me (reminds me of plastic bag liter).

Any ideas really welcome!!!

Check at ReStore for old glass shower doors, or old screen doors with glass. If they have them, they may be cheaper than the windows.  Glass shower doors don't let in super bright light, but they are hard to break. Screen doors often end up in trash too.

If you are a construction dumpster type, look for remodels happening, and ask if they are pulling windows, or stalk the places that replace windows, they probably trash the old ones.

Another thing worth thinking on is go to a window repair place and either look in their trash or ask them if they have anything that might work hanging around that they'd sell you cheap. What they can't sell might work fine for you!

Keep us up on it, sounds like a fun project!
:D

PS: I'm a big fan of if you are using glass for a greenhouse, use small panes, you lose less if/when the glass breaks. The angle of the roof is not how those windows were made to hang, and the glass is very fragile at weird angles. Straight side walls are great for old windows, but the roof is iffy territory.

Thank you! I honestly hadnt thought of places being remodeled, might try calling some contractors to see if they can point me to some things they are working. I hadnt thought about shower doors either, that is a GREAT idea! Regarding the smaller panels... I totally never thought about that as a means to reduce damage if something gets thrown at them, nice!

Will keep you all posted, and thanks again! (I really love this community!)