A team of researchers at the Lethbridge Polytechnic have recently been finding new ways to conserve energy for greenhouse operations by using light optimization.
The project compares industrial LEDs, horticultural LEDs and high-pressure sodium lights on cucumbers, tomatoes and bell peppers to determine the best climate conditions for the plants in an energy and cost-efficient setting.
Dr. Seyed Hashem says they have discovered that HPS lights gave about 10% more plant performance over industrial LEDs but used 40% more energy.
Greenhouses are reportedly already adopting results from the peer reviewed trials on cucumbers. The trials are expected to finish in late 2026.