Hybrid Lighting: A Smart Solution for Cold-Climate Greenhouses
When planning a lighting upgrade, consider not only energy savings but also the impact on your growing strategy. Moving from HPS to LED changes the heat balance in the greenhouse, which means you may need additional heating sources. For growers in colder climates, a hybrid solution, combining LED and HPS, can be the best choice to maintain plant health and climate stability while reducing electricity costs.
We at Gavita International B.V. are proud to share the success story of Espiflöt in Iceland. This spring, they applied for a grant from the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate. With this subsidy they have replaced a part of their HPS luminaires with our WEGA PLUS DUAL CHANNEL LED lighting.
“When we started looking at a lighting upgrade, energy savings were important, but maintaining the right growing climate was even more critical for us. Moving from HPS to LED changes the heat balance in the greenhouse and stable conditions is important especially for crops like roses. The hybrid solution has been the perfect balance. By combining LED with HPS, we’ve reduced our electricity consumption while keeping the radiant heat our roses need for stable growth.”
The results speak for themselves:
– Expected annual electricity savings: 500,000–600,000 kWh
– Expected cost reduction: 5–6 million ISK per year
Why hybrid? Iceland’s extreme climate and the radiant heat from HPS fixtures make a full LED transition challenging. By keeping a 50/50 mix, Espiflöt retains some heat from HPS while benefiting from LED efficiency. This approach is particularly valuable for crops like roses, which thrive under stable conditions. Improved light control with our dim solution integrated in Senmatic clima computer ensures constant and stable light levels even when HPS turns off during sunny periods.
“What really stands out is the light control. With the dimming solution integrated into our Senmatic climate computer, light levels stay consistent even when the HPS units switch off during sunny periods. After just one month, the plants are clearly thriving, and we feel confident in this solution for the long term.”
A big thank you to Árvirkinn for their expert installation and to Jóhann Páll and his ministry for supporting sustainable horticulture. After a month of operation, the plants are thriving, and the grower is confident about the future. Want to learn more about our solutions in the Nordics? Get in touch with our experienced sales team, led by Vidar Nordby (contact info), who brings over 25 years of horticultural expertise. Together with trusted partners like Árvirkinn, we deliver local, tailor-made solutions designed to meet your requirements.
“Thanks to Gavita International B.V. (Agrolux), Árvirkinn, and the support of the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate, we’ve taken an important step toward more sustainable rose production, without compromising quality.”
From left to right: Axel Sæland, Árni Þór Þorsteinsson and Guðmundur Þór Gíslason