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In the coming years, many growers will be adding LED grow light to their existing HPS grow light systems, creating hybrid grow light systems. There are a wide range of reasons for beginning to use a hybrid grow light system. They are often related to new cultivation and production goals, or to the possibilities and limitations that the greenhouse presents (for example higher energy costs and/or limited energy capacity).

LED is hot and definitely no longer a thing of the future. This has become evident from, among other things, a survey by Hortilux among growers. Interest levels in LED appears to be very, very high. At the same time, some questions and challenges remain, too.

Many growers who invest in LED lighting opt for wide-beam LED fixtures with a high light output. In this way, they aim to achieve optimal light distribution at the top of the crop and to limit investment costs. In high-wire crops, however, it is particularly important that the light penetrates deep into the crop, so that as many leaves as possible contribute to the photosynthesis. This is why Hortilux's advice is to invest in more, and far-reaching, LED fixtures in this case. This can result in up to eight percent production gains.

Hortilux asked 100 Dutch growers and 30 growers from other countries about their experiences with HPS, LED and hybrid grow light systems. This knowledge document zooms in on the main results of this research. In addition, the experienced Hortilux consultants interpret the results and put them in perspective.