Greenhouse Lighting Planner
Design the optimal lighting system for your greenhouse. Calculate grow light requirements, plan lighting schedules, and ensure proper photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) for healthy plant growth.
Greenhouse Specifications
Enter your greenhouse specifications to calculate lighting requirements
Greenhouse Lighting Fundamentals
Light Quality Metrics
- PPFD: Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (μmol/m²/s)
- DLI: Daily Light Integral (mol/m²/day)
- Photoperiod: Hours of light per day
- Light Spectrum: Red, blue, and far-red ratios
- Uniformity: Even light distribution across canopy
Grow Light Technologies
- LED: Energy efficient, full spectrum, long life
- HPS: High intensity, good for flowering
- Metal Halide: Blue spectrum, vegetative growth
- Fluorescent: Low heat, seedlings and herbs
- CMH/LEC: Balanced spectrum, medium efficiency
PPFD Requirements by Crop Type
| Crop Category | PPFD Range (μmol/m²/s) | DLI Range (mol/m²/day) | Photoperiod |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leafy Greens | 150-300 | 12-17 | 14-16 hours |
| Herbs | 200-400 | 14-20 | 14-18 hours |
| Tomatoes | 300-600 | 20-30 | 16-18 hours |
| Peppers | 250-500 | 18-25 | 14-16 hours |
| Cucumbers | 300-500 | 17-24 | 16-18 hours |
| Strawberries | 200-400 | 12-18 | 12-14 hours |
Light Spectrum Considerations
Red Light (660-730nm)
Promotes flowering and fruiting
Essential for yield
Blue Light (400-500nm)
Encourages vegetative growth
Compact, healthy plants
Far-Red (700-800nm)
Stretch and shade avoidance
Emerson effect
Lighting Installation Guidelines
- Hanging Height: 12-36 inches above canopy depending on light intensity
- Coverage Area: Ensure uniform PPFD across entire growing area
- Heat Management: Provide adequate ventilation for heat dissipation
- Light Movers: Increase coverage area and improve uniformity
- Reflectors: Maximize light utilization and reduce waste
- Controls: Timers, dimmers, and spectrum control for optimization
Energy Efficiency Considerations
- LED Efficiency: 2.5-3.0 μmol/J for top-tier fixtures
- Heat Output: LEDs produce 65% less heat than HPS
- Lifespan: LED fixtures last 50,000+ hours vs 10,000 for HPS
- Dimming Capability: Adjust intensity based on natural light
- Spectrum Control: Optimize red:blue ratios for growth stage
- Light Sensors: Automatic adjustment based on ambient conditions
Lighting Schedules and Timing
Supplemental Lighting Strategy
- Monitor natural light levels with PAR sensors
- Supplement when natural PPFD falls below target
- Extend photoperiod during short winter days
- Use dawn/dusk ramping to avoid light shock
- Consider crop-specific photoperiod requirements
- Account for seasonal changes in natural light
🌱 Lighting Optimization Tips
- Start with manufacturer's recommended hanging heights and adjust based on plant response
- Monitor leaf temperature - excessive heat indicates lights are too close
- Use a quantum PAR meter to verify actual PPFD at plant level
- Consider plant growth stage when setting light intensity and spectrum
- Implement gradual intensity changes to avoid stressing plants
- Regular cleaning of fixtures maintains light output efficiency
💡 Advanced Lighting Techniques
- Photoperiodic control for flowering in day-neutral and short-day plants
- End-of-day far-red treatment to promote stem elongation
- UV supplementation for enhanced flavor and nutritional content
- Green light for canopy penetration in dense crops
- Pulsed lighting strategies to maximize photosynthetic efficiency
- Inter-lighting for tall crops like tomatoes and cucumbers