Examining the pros and cons of different lighting systems for growers

Commercial cannabis cultivation in greenhouses offers a unique environment for optimizing growth. However, lighting plays a critical role, especially in managing seasonal changes and maximizing yields. Greenhouse lighting approaches generally fall into two categories: supplemental lighting to augment natural sunlight and closed-curtain lighting for the colder months, where blackout curtains are needed for insulation. In the following discussion from Scynce LED, the benefits, drawbacks, cost considerations, and how cultivators can leverage financial incentives to reduce the expenses associated with greenhouse lighting systems are explored.

Supplemental lighting for enhanced sunlight
Supplemental lighting is designed to fill gaps in natural sunlight, helping plants reach optimal growth conditions regardless of outside weather. This approach is ideal for maintaining consistent growth cycles and maximizing production, particularly during cloudy days or winter seasons when sunlight hours are limited.

Pros include an enhanced yield and consistent cycle, while cons include higher energy consumption and a more substantial initial investment. Depending on the fixture type and greenhouse size, costs can range from $800 per fixture or more. Additionally, depending on the environmental management system in use, additional costs are required to add an automated DLI management system to optimize lighting efficiency and correlate it to control of back-out curtains, in order to maintain optimal DLI throughout the calendar year, while ongoing utility costs vary widely, with LEDs often providing long-term savings over HPS fixtures despite a higher initial cost.

Closed-circuit lighting for heat retention
During colder months, cultivators may need to keep blackout curtains closed to retain greenhouse heat, blocking natural sunlight. In these situations, closed-curtain lighting allows cultivators to control lighting independently of the external environment, keeping energy costs lower by retaining heat while also maintaining light conditions inside the greenhouse.

The pros of this include energy efficiency, environmental control, and the additional light intensity generated can be used year-round. Cons include reduced natural sunlight and the need to do more maintenance. The system setup costs are initially higher, typically ranging from $80,000 to $150,000 for larger greenhouses, whilst the ongoing maintenance means that there will be additional costs too.

Leveraging financial incentives to offset costs
Fortunately, many cultivators can take advantage of several financing options and financial incentives to offset lighting costs. These programs vary by region and utility provider but can provide significant savings.

Utility Rebates: Many local utilities offer rebates on energy-efficient lighting installations. For example, high-efficiency LEDs often qualify for these rebates, potentially reducing upfront costs by 10-20%.

Tax Incentives: Federal and state tax credits may be available for energy-efficient upgrades. These can be beneficial for large installations, as they offer a direct reduction in tax liabilities.

Grants and Subsidies: Some states offer grants or subsidized loans specifically aimed at supporting agricultural businesses that adopt sustainable practices.

Subsidized Financing: Low-interest loans and other financing options are available through various programs targeting the cannabis industry, allowing cultivators to spread out lighting expenses over time.

Financial impact for cultivators
Implementing these cost-saving incentives can substantially decrease the financial burden on cultivators. On average, growers using energy-efficient lighting and accessing rebates and grants may see up to a 50-75% reduction in initial costs. This not only helps with short-term financial pressures but also enhances long-term operational sustainability.