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When using grow lights in horticultural applications, multiple factors contribute to overall project efficiency. These include the lifespan of the lighting system, intensity and uniformity of light distribution, a system’s energy usage, and lighting spectrum, among other aspects. Horticultural lighting transforms electricity into photosynthesis-driving energy for plants, and effective grow lighting leads to a more productive crop yield.

LED lighting is at the forefront of lighting system efficiency. It offers a wide variety of solutions for both indoor and outdoor applications that top traditional lighting in efficiency, lifespan, ambiance, and cost. As in other lighting applications, horticultural LEDs have proven themselves more efficient than traditional grow lighting systems—including in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) setting. Boasting longer system lifespans, higher photon efficiency, better performing system elements, general cost savings, improved temperature regulation and range, increased spectrum regulation, and more effective light beam control, grow lighting systems featuring horticultural LEDs are paving the way in agricultural innovation and urban farming.

The Basics of LED Grow Lighting

All plants have the same needs—including nutrients, air, water, and an optimal temperature setting—but require a different combination of factors to grow most efficiently. Horticultural LEDs support the growing process through augmented light waves designed to enhance photosynthesis. LED grow lighting systems can be as small or as large as a designer desires, depending on the purpose of the system and the lighting components used. These systems are customizable to fit the needs of crops or yield goals through a variety of LED lighting products.

Why use LED grow lights instead of traditional systems? Urban farming systems are constantly exposed to moisture, humidity, and higher-than-average temperatures to increase plant growth. LED drivers are designed to withstand these conditions, and can more precisely tune and deliver appropriate lighting for different crops as needed. The adaptability and reliability of horticultural LED applications make LED grow lights the obvious choice for urban farming situations.

Easy-Install Solutions for Horticultural LEDs

An important aspect of LED grow lighting is the use of proven products. Horticultural lighting, like any lighting management system, is only as productive as the products it employs. GRE Alpha is excited to share the agricultural applications of some of its best and most efficient LED lighting components.

GRE Alpha’s dual mode, Easy-install XLD Series features a patented easy-install enclosure which simplifies wiring and makes installation much simpler, creating cost savings through decreased manual labor and improving reliability of the LED grow lighting system. With universal AC input, integral wiring compartments, constant current and constant voltage dual mode operation, user-adjustable output voltage and current, 1-10V dimming options, compatibility with the SLD Smart Dim dimming module, and up to 92 percent efficiency, GRE Alpha’s Easy-Install products like the XLD75 and XLD200 are flexible, efficient, and reliable, and provide an optimal solution for horticultural LED applications.

The adaptable XLD series can be applied in LED grow light settings to enhance crop yield. Aside from being easy to install, the XLD series is customizable for energy output and temperature regulation, spectrum, light control, and other crucial elements of a horticultural LED system.

The Future of LED Grow Lighting

As the world becomes more connected, more SMART applications for LEDs arrive, and the population continues to grow, LED grow lighting and horticultural LED applications will continue to increase as well. Each LED lighting system is different, and the quality of the products involved determines efficiency and output. Productivity of horticultural lighting systems depends on a variety of factors, and using products specially designed with agricultural applications in mind will make a huge difference in the future of horticultural LEDs for controlled environment agriculture.

Showcasing Innovations in LED Lighting

GRE Alpha looks forward to showcasing even more innovative LED products at future tradeshows and events, including the upcoming 2017 LIGHTFAIR International event in Philadelphia, PA, USA. The LFI conference and tradeshow will be held from May 9 to May 11, 2017. Click here for more information about the event.For more information on GRE Alpha, or to contact a GRE Alpha service representative to schedule a one-on-one appointment with a technical expert, visit https://grealpha.com/.

Filed in: Industry