Introduction:
Greenhouses have traditionally used High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) lights to provide the light needed for plant growth. However, with advances in technology, LED grow lights have become an attractive alternative. Here are some of the reasons why greenhouses are making the switch from HPS to LED grow lights:
Energy Efficiency: LED grow lights are more energy-efficient than HPS lights. They consume less electricity and produce less heat, which can lead to significant energy savings.
Better Spectrum of Light: LED grow lights offer a full spectrum of light, which is more conducive to plant growth. HPS lights emit primarily red and yellow light, which is not as effective in promoting photosynthesis as the blue and red light wavelengths emitted by LED grow lights.
Longer Lifespan: LED grow lights have a longer lifespan than HPS lights. They can last up to 50,000 hours compared to the 24,000 hours of HPS lights. This means less maintenance and replacement costs in the long run.
Greater Customization: LED grow lights can be customized to provide specific light wavelengths for different plant species, growth stages, and environmental conditions. This flexibility allows growers to optimize plant growth and yield.
Environmentally Friendly: LED grow lights are more environmentally friendly than HPS lights. They do not contain toxic materials like mercury and lead, which are present in HPS lights. LED grow lights also emit less heat, which can reduce greenhouse cooling requirements and associated greenhouse gas emissions.
Background:
Hong’s Nursery in Surrey, BC is a family-owned business that has been providing high-quality plants and gardening supplies to the community for over 20 years. The nursery has always been committed to sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint, so when they heard about BC Hydro’s incentive program for switching to LED lighting, they jumped at the opportunity.
The nursery had been using 184 old HPS lights to provide their plants with the necessary light for growth. However, the HPS lights were not energy-efficient and required frequent maintenance, which was not only expensive but also time-consuming. The owners of Hong’s Nursery knew that switching to LED lights would not only save them money but also benefit the environment.
They decided to contact LED Smart Horticulture Light specialist to discuss the possibility of switching to LED lights. The specialist evaluated the nursery’s lighting needs and recommended the Grow3 LED lights as the most efficient option. The Grow3 LED lights are designed specifically for horticulture and offer a full spectrum of light, which is ideal for promoting plant growth.