Key Takeaways
- Jordan Goulet, GM of Hort Americas Canada, shares strategies to optimize LED lighting ROI in greenhouses.
- Key factors include cultivation adaptation, warranty details, and PPFD over spectrum alone.
- Real-world case studies and rebate programs demonstrate how growers can enhance profitability.
- Goulet highlights emerging technologies likely to influence lighting ROI in the near future.
- Spectrum customization remains valuable, but simpler systems may offer better returns for some crops.
Hort Americas Canada: Jordan Goulet Discusses LED Lighting Challenges and Opportunities
In a recent interview on Horti-Gen Insights, Hort Americas Canada General Manager Jordan Goulet discussed the evolving landscape of horticultural lighting and the nuanced factors that influence return on investment (ROI) in controlled environment agriculture. With extensive experience advising commercial growers on LED adoption, Goulet provided practical guidance on improving yields, managing costs, and navigating incentive programs.
Overlooked Factors in LED ROI: Beyond Fixture Selection
According to Goulet, three often-overlooked variables can significantly affect lighting ROI:
- Operational Learning Curve: Switching from high-pressure sodium to LED systems changes how crops respond to heat and light. Growers must adjust irrigation, CO₂ levels, and temperature management to avoid delays in plant performance.
- Warranty and Maintenance: While LEDs have long lifespans, not all warranties are equal. Growers should assess diode and driver coverage, as well as manufacturer stability, to account for total cost of ownership.
- PPFD vs. Spectrum Focus: Many operations prioritize spectral tuning while underestimating the importance of sufficient light intensity (PPFD). Goulet recommends fixtures that deliver the necessary light output to ensure productivity.
Real-World Example: LED Interlighting in Quebec
A greenhouse operator in Quebec adopted interlighting solutions due to low ceiling height constraints. By placing LEDs between plant rows, the grower achieved over 40% higher yield per square meter without modifying the structure. Goulet noted that creative fixture placement and vendor support in securing grants helped accelerate ROI in this case.
Responding to Energy Costs and Incentives
Goulet emphasized that LED scheduling and rebate programs can significantly impact ROI:
- Dynamic Scheduling: In provinces like Ontario, where peak electricity rates vary greatly, running LED systems during off-peak hours or using dimmable controls helps manage costs.
- Regional Rebates: Programs such as Save on Energy and Hydro Quebec may cover up to 50% of LED installation expenses. Growers are advised to partner with vendors familiar with navigating these programs.
Spectrum Customization: When and Where It Makes Sense
While tunable LEDs allow growers to optimize light for different growth stages, Goulet suggests this level of control may not always yield a justifiable return for all crops. For commodity crops, simpler lighting systems with proven performance may offer better overall economics. However, tunable spectra remain relevant for higher-value crops such as cannabis or ornamentals.
Emerging Innovations That Could Reshape ROI
Goulet outlined three innovations that could shape greenhouse lighting strategies in the coming years:
- Sensor Integration: Affordable, real-time sensors could reduce energy use by up to 20% through precision lighting adjustments.
- Intelligent Controls: Algorithms linking lighting with environmental factors could boost efficiency and maximize photosynthesis.
- Improved Fixture Reliability: As LED technology advances, durability and component access will become increasingly important for minimizing downtime and maintenance costs.
Read the entire conversation here.
