"Switching from HPS to LED lighting can result in energy savings of 50–70%. In our trials, we've demonstrated an energy efficiency of 3.5 to 5 micromoles per joule, outperforming many of our competitors, who often achieve around 3.3 micromoles per joule at best," says Halvard Aagaard, CEO of Photosynthetic, a Norwegian lighting manufacturer specializing in LED lighting for cinematic and horticulture purposes.
Currently, the supplier is trialing with Ravnsborg Gard, a greenhouse company that is producing potted herbs for the Oslo, and beyond, market. They are now trialing LED lighting which is applied as top lighting to measure the effect on its basil production. "This is our chance to demonstrate how our technology works in dynamic conditions. The core technology remains the same, but the form factor and specific features can be adjusted based on the grower's needs," Halvard tells.
Simen Sjølie and Rakibul Islam pictured at the trial facility
As Halvard explains, traditional HPS lights typically operate at an efficiency of 1.7 to 1.85 micromoles per joule, making LEDs a significant upgrade. This improvement is not only about energy efficiency but also about delivering tailored light spectra that enhance plant growth and optimize resource use.
Boosting plant quality and efficiency
Photosynthetics' lighting solutions are designed to provide a tailored light spectrum, optimizing the conditions required for each growth stage of crops. For growers like Ravnsborg, this level of customization benefits testing the efficiency and impact of LED lights on its products, and eventually, the energy bill. "The results we're seeing go beyond basic growth metrics. The tailored light spectrum allows us to improve the plants' color, flavor, and overall quality, critical for meeting market demands," says Rakibul Islam, Chief Scientist at Photosynthetic.
The technology also opens doors for experimentation. Ravnsborg is exploring how subtle changes in the lighting spectrum can influence the performance of different crops. "We can test various recipes and identify the perfect conditions for each variety. This flexibility is helping us expand our product range while maintaining high quality," says Simen Sjølie, Plant Scientist and Electronics Engineer at Photosynthetic.
Photosynthetic's LED lights
Hybrid setups
"We're using this trial to showcase the benefits of dynamic lighting," says Halvard. By adjusting the lighting intensity and spectrum based on the plants' needs, growers can maximize yield and minimize energy use as he explains. For example, the LEDs' beam angle can be customized depending on the setup. Wide angles are ideal for close-to-plant lighting, while tighter beams work better for top lighting in greenhouses.
This adaptability ensures that the light reaches the plants efficiently, enhancing growth without 'wasting energy'. The lights also feature standalone drivers, which can be placed on the light itself or outside the growing area. This flexibility is particularly useful in vertical farms, where managing heat is critical, as Halvard addresses.
"For greenhouses, where HPS lights also serve as a heat source, transitioning to LEDs can present challenges. We address this by offering hybrid setups or recommending improved insulation to maintain optimal growing conditions," he adds. This aligns flawlessly with Ravnsborg's set sustainability goals. Rakibul emphasizes, "Energy costs are a major concern for any grower, especially in a controlled environment. Our LEDs allow us to cut those costs while improving productivity, a win-win for us." Simen explains, "Our lighting systems create uniform growth conditions, reducing the variability that growers often face. This leads to more predictable harvests and higher yields."
Ravsborg's greenhouse facility
User-friendly
Given their long-term presence in cinematic lighting, Rift Lab is drawing on its experience to provide advanced features and a user-friendly interface for CEA operators. "Our control systems are highly intuitive. Growers can easily adjust the lighting conditions to match the crop requirements, which simplifies operations and improves results."
Collaborating with system integrators, the Norwegian firm wants to ensure their lighting solutions are neatly integrated into existing setups. "We're not just providing lights; we're delivering a complete solution that fits the grower's operation. Our ambition is to create solutions that deliver real benefits, lower energy costs, higher yields, and better control over the growing environment," says Halvard. "This trial is just the beginning of what we can achieve in controlled environment agriculture."
For more information:
Photosynthetic
+47 758 032 66
[email protected]
www.photosynthetic.com