Finding profit through improved lighting

Photo courtesy of Fluence

Growers are facing a challenging economy that can make it difficult to determine the best way to invest in their operations. One of the places to consider upgrading or improving is lighting. But how do you approach the change in an efficient and cost-effective way?

“Switching from High Pressure Sodium (HPS) or Metal Hallide (MH) lighting to LED lighting offers growers significant benefits, but the most impactful has to be improvements in crop yield,” says Michael Hanan, Sales Manager, North American Commercial Agriculture for Fluence. “Higher and more consistent yields are essential for effective planning and management, but they also translate directly to increased revenues. This is especially true during off-seasons when growers can better capitalize on elevated prices.”

Investing in LED technology has become increasingly appealing, as widespread adoption of the technology and associated economies of scale have led to significant cost reductions. Additionally, lucrative rebate programs, especially throughout North America, further incentivize the adoption of LED technology. Rebate programs vary from utility to utility, but it’s quite possible for growers to see 50%, 75% or even 100% of their purchase refunded to them.

“Fluence stands out with its in-house utility rebate service and no-fee management, making the transition even more advantageous,” Hanan explains. “When a grower partners with Fluence to manage their rebates, 100% of the rebates goes back into their pocket.”

Additionally, LED lights are far more energy-efficient compared to traditional HPS or MH lighting, resulting in a substantial reduction in energy consumption for the same light level delivered. Growers have seen reductions in their energy consumption by 30-40% after they made the switch to LED.

LED fixtures also boast a longer lifespan than HPS or MH fixtures, eliminating the need for frequent bulb replacements. Not only do growers not have to purchase replacement bulbs, the labor required to replace bulbs is also eliminated, creating multiple cost-savings opportunity for growers.

“These advantages translate to lower electricity bills and reduced maintenance costs, making Fluence LED lighting a highly economical choice for growers seeking to optimize their operations,” Hanan says.

Unlike older technologies, LEDs can deliver crop-specific spectra and precise lighting intensity control, which results in higher and more consistent yields. Of course, lighting is just one of several inputs that factor into the success of any horticulture business.

“That’s why Fluence supports customers with a diverse team of Crop Scientists, Horticulture Specialists and Field Application engineers,” says Hanan. “At the end of the day, lighting is another tool for growers, and it’s all about how they use it to improve their business. Fluence is here to help.”

Hanan adds that Fluence LED lighting contributes to sustainable practices in commercial farming through multiple avenues. Compared to legacy lighting like HPS and MH, Fluence LEDs offer superior energy savings. Their full dimmability enables precise lighting control, ensuring consistent crop illumination while minimizing energy consumption for supplemental lighting.

“Fluence LED lighting not only conserves energy but also optimizes resource usage, making LED lighting technology an asset for environmentally conscious commercial farming operations,” Hanan says.

For more: fluence-led.com