FEATURESTORY
by Eric Hopper
New Light Technology Comparison
G
reenhouse and indoor gardening equip-
ment is constantly evolving. The face of
horticulture is continuously changing as
existing products and methods are modi-
fied and new products and techniques are introduced.
How efficiently a garden uses its resources, such as
electricity, nutrients and water, will directly influence
a grower’s return on investment. This is why grow-
ers are always searching for technologies that will
heighten their garden’s efficiency.
One of the most influential pieces of equipment
in a greenhouse or indoor garden is the artificial light
source. In a greenhouse, the artificial light source al-
lows a grower to extend his or her growing season. In
an indoor garden, the artificial light source is the main
energy source for plant growth. When considering
how important the artificial lighting system is, it only
makes sense for growers to use the most efficient and
effective lighting system available.
During the last ten years, great strides have been
made in the horticultural lighting sector. Increased
efficiency of old technologies and the introduction
of new lighting technologies have given growers of
today many choices when hunting for a light source.
Although comparing different light technologies can
be a bit like comparing apples and oranges, a closer
look at some of the most popular new light technolo-
gies can give a horticulturist some insight as to which
lighting system may be the best fit for him or her.
18
Double Ended High Intensity Discharge (DE
HID)
High intensity discharge (HID) lighting (both
metal halide and high pressure sodium) once domi-
nated the indoor gardening and greenhouse markets.
Back in the day, these lighting systems were little
more than converted street lamps. They were capable
of, but not necessarily designed for, growing plants.
Over the years, many advancements in the HID tech-
nology increased efficiency and the amount of usable
light energy (photosynthetically active radiation or
PAR).
However, it was the introduction of the double
ended (DE) lighting system that really grabbed the at-
www.GardenandGreenhouse.net
November 2017