> One person says insulate heavily to avoid changes in temperature,
> while another says expose them to sun to encourage changes in
> temperature. Go figure!

Actually, this is not as contradictory as one might think, at least here 
in  Alberta.

The insulation is to mitigate sudden temperature changes and reduce heat 
radiation.  The sun is to provide warmth to assist the bees in moving 
around to exploit their reserves and even fly -- when  the conditions 
are right.

I have seen a temperature drop of over 80 Fahrenheit degrees in just one 
hour here.  Moreover, when the sun goes behind a cloud or sets, the 
temperature on exposed surfaces changes drastically.

One successful beekeeper packed his hives in pairs facing south.  All 
sides except the south side were insulated well, and wrapped in black 
plastic.  The south sides had no insulation, only the black plastic.  I 
don't know if he still packs that way, but it worked very well.

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