Lighting systems in greenhouses

The chart below compares the two most common types of lighting systems found in today’s greenhouses.

LIGHT TYPES	HPS (High-Pressure Sodium Fixture)	LED (Light Emitting Diode)
LIGHT TYPES	HPS (High-Pressure Sodium Fixture)	Traditional LED	Dynamic Lighting (lights + software)
Wavelengths produced	Fixed spectrum	Fixed spectrum	Able to alter/adjust the spectrum
Wavelengths produced	Graph Source Blue light rays encourage photosynthesis, where LEDs shine. Note: CFL, compact fluorescent lamps are not used in commercial growing settings, and commonly found in household applications.
Cost	$ $200 - $250K/acre	$$$ $240 - $400K/acre	$$$$$ $500 - $525K/acre
Life Span	2-year warranty Approx. 20,000 hours	5 to 7-year warranty Approx. 50,000 – 60,000 hours
Benefits	Offer lowest cost entry into the lighting market.	No warm-up, no cool-down. Highly efficient, rebate programs exist off-setting the initial cost. 40% less power than HPS.	Everything a traditional LED can do plus: Enables growers to create a “light recipe” 25% energy savings over traditional LED
Drawbacks	Relative to an LED fixture: Shorter lifespan Generate more heat when in use Give more shade, having a wide reflector (fixture style)	Light is more directional, can target plant canopy. Need knowledge & expertise to run these lights effectively.