December 6, 2021
- New Philips LED grow lights increase light levels to 270 µmol/m2/s from 180 µmol/m2/s while maintaining the same energy usage as before
- The extra light increases both the quality as well as the winter production
Eindhoven, The Netherlands – Florein Gerbera’s from Naaldwijk in The Netherlands has significantly raised the light levels in a 1,1-ha greenhouse by replacing half of the HPS lights by Philips GreenPower toplighting force modules from Signify (Euronext: LIGHT). The new lights boost light levels to 270 µmol/m2/s from 180 µmol/m2/s while maintaining the same energy usage as before. “Quality is our trademark, and the extra light increases both the quality as well as the winter production,” said Reinier Zuidgeest, director/owner of Florein Gerbera.
High output, low usage
The company grows 38 different varieties of gerberas on a surface of 3,5 ha, mainly for the appealing Russian market. Zuidgeest has been using grow lighting since 2003. In 2019, he was one of the first gerbera growers to invest in hybrid lighting. Back then that was on 1 ha. Now, on a slightly bigger area, half the HPS lighting has been replaced by Philips GreenPower LED toplighting force grow lights.
“We were one of the first to order this new module in the spring,” says Zuidgeest. “Horti LED Partner Stolze has installed them in October. What appeals to me is the very high output of 3.600 µmol/s. That is twice as much as an HPS, while using the same amount of energy. Besides that, the module fits in the system seamlessly. We have been using it for a month now, and we are very satisfied.”
