As autumn approaches, supplemental lighting for greenhouse growers is becoming increasingly important for crop health and yield. Now is the best time to learn about some lighting options. Whether you decide to adopt a new LED system, stick to a proven true HPS lamp, or do some efficiency upgrades to your current crop lighting, learn about the benefits of your greenhouse lighting options. HPS lighting is still the most popular option and has provided a good record for growers. Provides bright, intense light and has a long life. Here are some quick facts about HPS lighting for greenhouse crops:
Provides a good spectrum (light mix) that proves to be suitable for plants. When comparing the output per watt, it is quite energy efficient and less expensive. The size is smaller than LPS or fluorescent light. A cheaper alternative to other options on the market. Providing extra heat, which is beneficial in winter.
LED lighting for greenhouse crops
Although LED lighting has been around for a while, it is still a newborn in this neighborhood. The initial use and success of the greenhouse when it first appeared and the high cost of installation led many growers to be cautious about using LED lights. LED lighting has been improving for some time now, and growers are using LED lights to provide energy savings superior to other crop lights.
Here are some quick facts about LED lighting for greenhouse crops:
Can reduce energy use by up to 75%. Diode maintenance costs are much longer than traditional bulbs. Flexible light adjustment. They can be dimmable or they can be turned on immediately. Color accuracy is available at a variety of temperatures. The fixture can be placed close to the plant to increase efficiency. Reduce wire size and associated wire costs. Things to remember in any lighting setup Choosing the right spectrum All plants require PAR light (photosynthetically active radiation), which is in the 400 to 700 nm wavelength range.
Supplement greenhouse lighting.
The supplemental light level requires only a small fraction of the full illumination level, while the photoperiod light level can even be lower. At GGS, we have tools that accurately measure the natural light levels of the greenhouse, as well as the level of light produced by the auxiliary lighting. As with any suspension in the greenhouse, the fixtures cast a shadow. You need to make sure that the key areas of your bench don’t block natural light – this is something your lighting designer should consider when planning the layout. The cost of energy is usually the second cost in the post-labor greenhouse. Crop lighting can account for a large portion of these costs. As with any energy upgrade cost, you need to weigh the initial upfront investment and potential return. The usual overhead is whether your greenhouse has the electrical configuration needed to power the supplemental lighting. Your wiring, breaker box, and service amplifier are all factors that should be considered.
