That's pretty cool!
I'll bet that you could use the rope light thing to heat hives for spring build up as well....
I love to grow hot peppers. Still trying to make a good Melinda's habanero sauce recipe.
I will usually grow serrano. Jalapeno, Habanero, Thai Chile, Big Jims, Bananna, and a few bells. I get my peppers as starts from the local nursery my tomatoes as well. Growing season is short here but I have often thought of using a green house or cold frame to extend it.
Alfred