Key Takeaways
- Smart Monitoring and Controls reduced supplemental lighting energy use by 53–78% in modeled scenarios.
- Variable-frequency drive ventilation controls cut electricity use for fans by an average of 63%.
- Field demonstrations were conducted across multiple California climate zones and crop types.
- ERI recommends utility rebate programs to improve automation project payback periods.
- Participating growers continue expanding wireless monitoring and automation systems for ongoing optimization.
Pilots with Commercial Growers Uncover Savings from Smart Monitoring And Controls
A new report outlines how Smart Monitoring and Controls technologies can substantially reduce energy use in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) facilities. Funded by electric utilities in California and completed in 2025 by Energy Resources Integration (ERI) in partnership with Microclimates Inc., the study examined integrated automation systems for greenhouses and indoor farms.
The study explored energy efficiency opportunities for California’s CEA floriculture, food, cannabis, and fungi markets. The report found that Smart Monitoring and Controls systems—including climate and energy sensors along with the controllers and software that automate HVAC, lighting, and irrigation equipment—can save electricity and reduce operating costs for greenhouse growers and indoor farmers.
