Benefits of Using Polycarbonate Panels in Your Greenhouse
Why We Choose Polycarbonate for Our Maze Greenhouses
At Maze, we’re passionate about providing innovative, durable, and sustainable solutions for every Australian garden.
Our range of greenhouses is designed with the local climate in mind, leveraging polycarbonate greenhouse panels to deliver outstanding results for hobbyists and seasoned growers alike.
Typically other coverings for a greenhouse may include Glass, Polyethylene or other rigid plastics such as acrylic or polymethyl methacrylate.
Here’s why we believe polycarbonate is the ultimate choice for modern greenhouses.
1. Unmatched Durability: Panels Built to Last
Polycarbonate is a high-performance plastic specifically engineered to withstand Australia’s diverse weather—from harsh UV rays to hailstorms and high winds.
- Toughness: Polycarbonate panels are virtually unbreakable, absorbing impacts that would easily shatter glass. This means you don’t have to stress about stray cricket balls, storm debris, or curious pets damaging your greenhouse.
- Longevity: Maze’s polycarbonate panels resist yellowing, cracking, and brittleness, ensuring your investment stands strong year after year, often well over a decade with minimal maintenance.

2. Optimal Light Transmission for Healthy Plants
Great greenhouses deliver plenty of sunlight, without the harsh glare or hotspots that can stress plants.
- Diffused Light: Polycarbonate panels transmit up to 80-90% of sunlight, yet scatter it evenly throughout your greenhouse. This reduces harsh shadows and prevents plant burn, so your crops enjoy balanced, gentle light.
- Consistent Growth: Even light distribution leads to healthier, more uniform plant growth, giving seedlings, veggies, and ornamentals the best possible start.
3. Superior Thermal Insulation & Energy Efficiency
One of the biggest challenges for greenhouse growers is managing temperature swings, especially in the Aussie climate.
- Twin-Wall Design: Several greenhouse models feature double-layered polycarbonate panels. The air gap between layers acts like an insulating blanket, keeping the warmth in during winter and blocking excessive heat in summer.
- Energy Savings: Less reliance on artificial heating or cooling means a more energy efficient greenhouse - and a smaller carbon footprint.
4. UV Protection: Shielding Plants and People
Our greenhouses use UV protected panels, blocking the harmful fraction of the sun’s rays while allowing through the parts that plants need for photosynthesis.
- No Fade or Brittle Panels: The UV coating prevents yellowing, so your greenhouse remains crystal-clear year after year, no clouding, no drop in light quality.
- Healthier Growing Environment: Plants are sheltered from UV stress, while gardeners can work inside the structure comfortably and safely.

5. Safety First
Glass may look traditional, but it comes with real risks:
- Shatterproof: Polycarbonate won’t break into dangerous shards. Families with kids and pets, or even community gardens, are safer with polycarbonate.
- Low Maintenance: No broken panes to replace, less cleaning (polycarbonate is resistant to moss and limescale), and a lighter structure that’s easier to assemble.
6. Weather Resistance All Year Round
Whether you live in a frost-prone region or face long, hot summers, Maze’s greenhouses keep performing.
- Hail and Storm-Proof: Panels flex under impact, giving you peace of mind no matter what the forecast brings.
- Rust-Free Frames: Paired with galvanised steel or rust-resistant frames, Maze greenhouses are built for Aussie conditions.
|
Feature
|
Polycarbonate (Maze)
|
Glass
|
|---|---|---|
|
Durability
|
Nearly unbreakable
|
Fragile, prone to breakage
|
|
Light Transmission
|
80-90% (diffused, gentle)
|
90% (direct, sometimes harsh)
|
|
UV Protection
|
Integral UV coating, no yellowing
|
May need extra shading
|
|
Insulation/Thermality
|
Excellent (twin-wall, air gap)
|
Poorer (single layer)
|
|
Weight
|
Very lightweight, easy installation
|
Heavy, labour-intensive
|
|
Safety
|
Shatterproof, no injury risk
|
Can shatter into sharp pieces
|
|
Longevity
|
10+ years, minimal upkeep
|
Brittle, needs replacement
|

FAQs | Polycarbonate Greenhouse Panel Benefits
1. Are polycarbonate panels better than glass for greenhouses?
Absolutely. Polycarbonate panels are lighter, far more durable, better insulated, and safer than glass. While glass may look classic, it’s heavy, breaks easily, and can pose injury risks. At Maze, we choose polycarbonate because it delivers better year-round results for Aussie gardeners, especially in terms of impact resistance and thermal efficiency.
2. Do polycarbonate panels provide enough sunlight for plants?
Yes, and they do it beautifully. Our panels transmit up to 90% of available light and diffuse it perfectly, creating a gentle, even environment that supports healthy plant growth. There’s no risk of glass ‘hot spots’—just vibrant, healthy plants, all season.
3. How long do polycarbonate greenhouse panels last?
Maze polycarbonate panels are built for longevity. With UV protection and resilient design, they typically last 10+ years before even showing signs of wear, far longer than most glass or hard plastic option alternatives, especially in the Aussie sun.
Why Get Your Greenhouse from Maze?
- We offer comprehensive greenhouse solutions, from walk-in kits to compact models.
- Our greenhouses are designed for simple assembly, minimal maintenance, and years of productive gardening.
- As an Australian leader in sustainable gardening, all our products, including greenhouses, reflect our commitment to eco-friendly, durable design.
Using polycarbonate panels in our greenhouses ensures superior durability, light diffusion, and energy efficiency, outshining glass or plastic in every way.
For Aussie gardeners looking for low-maintenance, long-lasting, and high-performing greenhouse materials, polycarbonate is the clear winner.
Browse our full range of greenhouses and start growing your best garden yet.