Exaco hybrid greenhouses pair clear glass walls with a polycarbonate roof. You keep the classic look of a glass house, but the roof is tougher, softer on plants and better at holding heat. For many of our customers, the hybrid is the best of both worlds, especially where hail, hot summers or cold winters are a worry.
We are a small, woman-owned greenhouse business in Georgia, and we answer every question personally. This guide covers what a hybrid greenhouse is, how it compares with all-glass, which Exaco Janssens models come in hybrid, and what the upgrade costs.
โ Quick answer
- A hybrid greenhouse has 4mm tempered glass side walls and a 10mm twin-wall polycarbonate roof.
- Exaco calls it a Solar Control roof. It cuts glare and summer heat build-up and spreads the light more evenly.
- Exaco offers the hybrid on the Royal Victorian VI34, VI36 and VI46. Our store also lists it on the Gigant.
- When we wrote this (October 2026), the upgrade added about $3,400 to $4,900 on a Royal Victorian. On the Gigant, both versions were the same price.
- Choose hybrid for hail, overhanging trees, hot sun or winter growing. Choose all-glass for the clearest view and the lowest price.
What is a hybrid greenhouse?
A hybrid greenhouse uses two different glazing materials on one frame. Glass goes where you look through it, on the walls. Polycarbonate goes where the weather hits hardest, on the roof.
In Exaco's Janssens line, the walls are 4mm tempered safety glass. The roof panels are 10mm twin-wall polycarbonate. Twin-wall means two thin sheets joined by small ribs, with air trapped between them. That trapped air is what slows heat loss.
๐ Two meanings: you will also see "hybrid" on some budget kits. There it often means clear polycarbonate walls with a twin-wall roof, on a light frame. In this article, hybrid means the Exaco Janssens version: real glass walls and a polycarbonate roof on a heavy aluminum frame.
The rest of the greenhouse is the same as the all-glass model. That includes the aluminum frame, rubber glazing seals, roof windows and gutters. Exaco brings these greenhouses to the US from Janssens in Belgium. Want to know why the aluminum frame matters? Read our guide to wooden vs aluminum frame greenhouses.
What does the polycarbonate roof actually do?
The roof gets the most sun, the most hail and the most snow. So changing the roof changes how the whole greenhouse behaves. Here is what the Solar Control roof gives you:
- Softer light. Twin-wall polycarbonate spreads sunlight instead of letting it beam straight through. That means fewer harsh shadows and less leaf scorch.
- Less summer heat build-up. Our product listings say the Solar Control panels help reduce summer heating and sun glare. You still need to vent, but the peaks are gentler.
- Better heat holding in winter. The trapped air layer insulates better than one pane of glass. More on this below.
- Hail protection overhead. Polycarbonate flexes where glass can break. The Royal Victorian warranty does not cover glass broken by large hail, rocks or falling objects.
- Easier install. Our Gigant listing notes the poly roof panels are much easier to install than glass roof panes.
๐ก Our take: most people who pick the hybrid do it for one reason: hail or trees. If big storms or falling branches are part of life where you live, the roof is the part to protect.
Hybrid vs all-glass greenhouse: which is better?
Neither is better for everyone. It depends on your weather, your plants and what you want to see. This table sums up the trade-offs.
| Feature | Hybrid (poly roof + glass walls) | All-glass |
|---|---|---|
| Roof | 10mm twin-wall polycarbonate | 4mm tempered glass |
| Walls | 4mm tempered glass | 4mm tempered glass |
| Light | Clear walls, diffused light from above | Clear all around |
| Hail and branches | Roof much more forgiving | Roof glass can break |
| Winter heat loss | Lower through the roof | Higher |
| Summer heat | Gentler peaks | More venting or shade needed |
| Look | Classic from the side, frosted roof | Fully clear conservatory |
| Price | Higher on Royal Victorian models | Lower |
๐จ๏ธ Choose the hybrid if:
- You get hail storms, or trees hang over the spot.
- Summers are hot and sunny, as in much of the South and West.
- You want to grow through winter and keep heating costs down.
- You grow plants that scorch easily, like lettuce, ferns or orchids.
๐ Choose all-glass if:
- You want a clear view of the sky, for example in a garden room.
- Large hail is rare where you live.
- You prefer the lower price.
Which Exaco hybrid greenhouses can you buy?
Here are the hybrid models in our store, with the price of each version when we wrote this. Sizes come from the product pages.
| Model | Outside size | Floor area | All-glass price* | Hybrid price* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Victorian VI34 | 10'2" x 15' | ~150 sq ft | ~$11,149 | ~$14,999 |
| Royal Victorian VI36 | 10'2" x 19'11" | ~200 sq ft | ~$12,599 | ~$17,499 |
| Royal Victorian VI46 | 12'7" x 19'11" | ~250 sq ft | ~$16,599 | ~$19,999 |
| Gigant 13x20 | 12'7" x 19'11" | ~260 sq ft | ~$33,999 | ~$33,999 |
*Prices checked in October 2026. Prices can change and sales may apply, so click the model name to see today's price.
Royal Victorian VI34, VI36 and VI46
All three have tall 6'7" side walls, so you can stand and work right up to the glass. They include roof windows with automatic and spindle openers, a louvered window, gutters, a misting system and a base frame. The VI46 is the roomiest, with six roof windows. Our full Royal Victorian VI46 review covers sizing, snow ratings and foundations in detail.
Gigant
The Gigant is built for big spaces. It comes in five sizes, from 13x20 up to 20x30, with "High" versions that add extra wall height. It has portal frames for extra strength and a double hinged door. Owners use it for growing, but also as a pool cover, dining room or studio.
How much more does a hybrid greenhouse cost?
A fair way to compare the upgrade is cost per square foot of floor. It shows how much extra you pay for each foot of growing space.
๐ Hybrid upgrade cost per square foot
(Hybrid price โ Glass price) รท Floor area
Use today's prices from the product page ยท Floor area in square feet
๐งฎ Worked example: Royal Victorian VI46
- Hybrid price: about $19,999 (October 2026)
- All-glass price: about $16,599
- Floor area: about 250 sq ft
($19,999 โ $16,599) รท 250 = about $13.60 per square foot. The same math gives about $25.70 for the VI34 and $24.50 for the VI36. So the bigger VI46 is the best value for the upgrade.
These are estimates from list prices on one date. Sales change the math, so check the product page or call us.
๐ About prices: manufacturers update their prices during the year, and we often run sales and promotions. The price on the product page is always the current one. Prices in this article are a guide from when we wrote it (October 2026), not a quote or guarantee. Found a lower price for the same model at an authorized retailer? We offer a Price Match Guarantee - please check the rules first. Call us and we will confirm today's price and any current deals.
Don't forget the rest of the budget. Every Royal Victorian needs a level foundation, and you may want an assembly crew. Shipping is free to the continental US.
Is a hybrid greenhouse better in winter?
Yes, it holds heat better than an all-glass house of the same size. But it is not a fully insulated greenhouse, because the walls are still single glass.
In our heating guide, single glass loses heat at a planning U-value of about 1.25. Twin-wall polycarbonate is about 0.7. That means the roof loses about 44% less heat than a glass roof would. The total savings depend on how much of your greenhouse is roof.
โ ๏ธ Snow still needs clearing: a polycarbonate roof does not raise the snow rating on its own. Brush heavy snow off any greenhouse, because the warranty does not cover damage from built-up snow. Ask us for the structural certification for your model before you order.
Need serious cold-climate performance? Compare insulated options in our guide to the most durable greenhouses for wind, snow and harsh winters. To estimate a heating bill, see how much it costs to heat a greenhouse in winter.
Does a hybrid greenhouse stay cooler in summer?
It helps, especially at midday. The roof takes the direct overhead sun, and the Solar Control panels cut glare and heat spikes. Here in Georgia, that matters from May to September.
You still need airflow. Open the roof windows early in the day and add a fan in hot regions. Shade cloth on the glass walls helps in peak summer.
๐ก Summer tip: set the automatic openers to start venting early. A greenhouse that never gets very hot is easier to manage than one you have to cool down fast.
Who should buy an Exaco hybrid greenhouse?
From the questions our customers ask us, the hybrid fits these buyers best:
- Gardeners in hail country, such as the Plains and the Front Range.
- Southern growers who fight summer heat and harsh sun.
- Winter growers who want lower heating bills without losing the glass look.
- Homeowners with trees nearby that drop twigs, pine cones or branches.
If a fully clear view matters most, stay with all-glass. You can see every size in our Victorian greenhouse collection. For a wider look at glass models, read what is the best glass greenhouse on the market.
How do delivery and assembly work?
We ship every model here free to the continental US by freight truck, curbside. Tell us about tight roads or low wires before you order, and plan for someone to be home.
You can build it yourself with a helper, or hire a pro. We list trusted independent crews on our Assembly Crews page. For a VI46 or a Gigant, we usually suggest a crew.
Frequently asked questions
What is a hybrid greenhouse?
A hybrid greenhouse uses two glazing materials. Exaco's Janssens hybrids have 4mm tempered glass side walls and a 10mm twin-wall polycarbonate roof. You get clear walls with a tougher, better-insulated roof.
Is a hybrid greenhouse better than glass?
It is better for hail, hot sun and winter heating. All-glass is better if you want a fully clear view and a lower price. Your climate should decide.
Which Exaco greenhouses come in a hybrid version?
Exaco offers the hybrid on the Royal Victorian VI34, VI36 and VI46. Our store also lists a hybrid roof option on the Gigant.
How much does the hybrid upgrade cost?
When we wrote this in October 2026, it added about $3,400 to $4,900 on a Royal Victorian. On the Gigant, both versions were listed at the same price. Check the product page for today's price.
Can you see through a polycarbonate roof?
Not clearly. Twin-wall polycarbonate is translucent, so light comes through softly but you will not see a sharp view of the sky. The glass walls stay fully clear.
Does a hybrid greenhouse need a foundation?
Yes. Like the all-glass version, it comes with a base frame but needs a level, solid foundation. Our foundation guides walk you through the options.
Not sure if the hybrid is right for you?
We are a small, woman-owned business in Georgia, and we answer every question personally. Tell us where you live, what you want to grow and how much space you have. We will help you choose glass or hybrid, confirm today's price and any current sale, and plan your foundation and assembly crew.