Supplemental greenhouse lighting is becoming more common as LED technology continues to advance. Growers in challenging climates, especially in regions of Canada with inconsistent natural light, are increasingly turning to supplemental LED lighting to boost crop yields and extend the growing season. This shift enables consistent year-round production and profitability.
Growers should understand how using grow lights can significantly impact their yields and learn how to incorporate these systems effectively.
What Is Supplemental Lighting?
Supplemental lighting for plants, also called grow lighting, refers to artificial light used to support photosynthesis. Only certain types of lighting are suitable for horticultural use. To be effective, light sources must emit enough photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) to meet Canada’s minimum daily light integral (DLI) target of 10 to 12 moles per day.
PAR, or photosynthetically active radiation, refers to wavelengths between 400 and 700 nanometers that plants can absorb for growth. While sunlight is the primary source, supplemental grow lights can replicate this spectrum to support plant development. Horticulturists use these lights to maintain year-round cultivation in greenhouses, even in cold or low-light conditions.
Without supplemental lighting, plant growth would be limited to the spring and summer months, which are brief inmost parts of Canada. This seasonal restriction would prevent greenhouse operators from achieving the yields and profits needed to remain viable during the off-season.
Why Are LED Solutions the Most Effective Option?
Most growers choose LED horticultural lights for their energy efficiency and adaptability. Before LEDs gained popularity, horticulturists used high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps, which were common but offered a fixed light spectrum and produced excess heat. LED lighting allows growers to customize the light spectrum to match the specific needs of their crops, recognizing that ornamental shrubs, for example, require different lighting than tomato plants.
LED systems offer precise light intensity control and generate less heat than HPS lamps. Although the extra heat from HPS can be beneficial during cold Canadian winters, it becomes a liability in warmer months. Using separate heating systems with LEDs gives growers better climate control. Plants grown under LED lighting often develop stronger root systems and healthier leaf mass, with shorter growing cycles.These advantages likely stem from the greater precision and control that LED technology provides.
What Is the Benefit of Supplemental Lighting?
During the warmer months, greenhouses can rely on natural light, but shorter daylight hours in winter often slow or halt plant growth. To maintain productivity, growers use supplemental lighting to extend the photoperiod and support year-round cultivation, leading to increased yields and profits.
LED grow lights make it possible to produce warm season crops like strawberries and tomatoes throughout the year, keeping them available on supermarket shelves. This is especially critical for farmers who depend entirely on crop income. Consistent production across seasons strengthens profitability, regardless of climate conditions.
As climate change alters the length and intensity of Canadian winters, dependable lighting solutions become even more vital. LEDs support long-term operational stability and reduce energy use, thanks to their low heat output, which limits the need for greenhouse cooling. This makes them a practical choice for growers aiming to improve sustainability and reduce costs.
How To Use Supplemental Lighting To Boost Yields and Profit
To implement supplemental lighting effectively, greenhouse growers must strike a balance between energy costs and crop productivity. Strategic scheduling and intensity control are key. Supplemental lighting is most effective during nighttime, on overcast days, and during the low-light hours of winter mornings and evenings. Running lights all day is rarely necessary unless heavy cloud cover blocks sunlight entirely. Some crops, such as mini cucumbers, may benefit from continuous light exposure, but these are exceptions.
To reduce costs and boost efficiency, growers should tailor light intensity to the specific needs of each crop and avoid over lighting. Aligning high-intensity usage with off-peak electricity hours can also help manage energy expenses. Smart lighting and climate control systems offer added value by enabling real-time, remote adjustments that improve operational efficiency.
Growers must also account for local regulations on light pollution, which may limit nighttime lighting. In such cases, wall-mounted light abatement curtains can help meet compliance requirements, though they may introduce ventilation challenges that need to be addressed.
Financial Considerations of Supplemental Lighting
LED supplemental lighting presents a valuable opportunity for energy savings and long-term profitability. While the initial setup may require a higher investment, most greenhouse growers see strong returns through increased yields and continuous, year-round production. This makes LED systems a strategic asset rather than a cost burden.
The Canadian government is also creating momentum with financial incentives for businesses that adopt energy-efficient technologies. Programs like the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) offer cost-sharing support to greenhouse operators investing in low-energy lighting and advanced control systems.
For growers focused on scaling sustainably, LED lighting represents a smart opportunity to boost output, improve crop quality, and increase profits—while aligning with national energy goals.
Turn to Sollum Technologies for Your Lighting Solution
Greenhouse growers interested in upgrading their setup with supplemental lighting should contact Sollum Technologies. As experts in CEA lighting requirements, the Sollum team can help growers decide on the optimal systems for their greenhouse size, plant types, and remote access needs. Let our experienced lighting professionals guide you toward adaptive systems that enhance your control over your growing conditions and solidify long-term yield.
To find the perfect dynamic lighting system today, call 866-220-5455 and speak with one of our experts.
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