Is Under Canopy Lighting Worth It?

Growers are always looking for ways to unlock new levels of productivity and efficiency. One such innovation that has been gaining traction is under-canopy lighting. This approach to horticultural lighting challenges traditional top-down methods. By placing LED grow lights beneath the plant canopy, under-canopy lighting can promote uniform growth, increase yields, and enhance quality. However, as with any shift in growing practices, this technique presents its own considerations and potential challenges, such as increased power consumption.
So, is under-canopy lighting worth the investment? Let’s find out.

What is under canopy lighting?

Under-canopy lighting is a type of supplemental lighting that positions grow lights beneath the plant canopy to target areas often missed by overhead lighting.

Typically, LED grow lights are installed above the plant canopy to deliver light from top to bottom. However, this setup can leave the lower portions of plants shaded, potentially leading to leggy, unhealthy growth due to insufficient light. Unlike top lighting, under-canopy lighting reaches the lower parts of the plant, ensuring they receive adequate light.

How does under canopy lighting work?

Under-canopy lights are placed between plant rows to provide a more uniform light distribution throughout the plant structure. They target lower leaves and inner canopy areas that typically receive less light with top lighting, helping to reduce shadowing and improve overall light exposure.
Often, under-canopy lighting is used in combination with top lighting to ensure sufficient illumination for the entire canopy from multiple angles. With light spectra tailored to specific plant needs at different growth stages, LED under-canopy lighting enhances photosynthesis and promotes healthier growth.

Benefits of under canopy lighting

Under-canopy lighting offers several benefits for horticulture, making it a worthwhile investment:

• Enhanced photosynthesis: By providing light to the lower parts of the plant, under-canopy lighting ensures that all leaves, including those shaded by the upper canopy, can participate in photosynthesis.
• Improved crop quality: Better light distribution leads to more uniform plant development from top to bottom. With optimal lighting, the lower fruit or vegetable clusters can improve in taste and aroma compounds.
• Increased yield: With the combination of under-canopy lighting and top lighting, more leaves receive optimal light levels, contributing to overall plant growth and yield.

Potential drawbacks of under canopy lighting

While under-canopy lighting offers various benefits, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks and challenges associated with it:

• Higher initial costs: Implementing an under-canopy lighting system can be a significant investment. Adding under-canopy lighting to an existing setup can be particularly costly, especially for large-scale operations.
• Increased energy use: Although LEDs are energy-efficient, the addition of under-canopy lighting to existing top lighting increases overall energy consumption and electricity costs.
• Plant stress or damage: If not properly managed, the increased heat and excessive light exposure can stress the plants, potentially leading to reduced growth and yields.

Is under canopy lighting worth it?

The answer depends on your goals and setup.

You may wonder if under-canopy lighting truly delivers results. A controlled experiment at the University of Guelph explored the impact of supplemental under-canopy lighting on cannabis growth. The results showed that using red and blue LED under-canopy lights increased yield by 19.8%, while full-spectrum LED lighting boosted yield by 24.5%. Both types of lighting also enhanced THC concentration and significantly increased levels of specific terpenes, such as alpha-pinene, borneol, and cis-nerolidol, throughout both the lower and upper canopies.

Under-canopy lighting can be a valuable addition to horticultural setups, especially if your goal is to maximize yield and ensure consistent plant growth. However, it’s essential to weigh the initial costs and potential challenges against these benefits. If you operate large-scale, high-value crops, under-canopy lighting can be a worthwhile investment. On the other hand, for smaller operations or those with limited budgets, it may not offer a sufficient return on investment.

Under canopy lighting options

We offer two options for under-canopy lighting: Hi-Canopy and Horti-Link.

Hi-Canopy is a 120W fixture with a system efficacy of 2.9 µmol/J, while Horti-Link is a 150W fixture with a system efficacy of 2.85 µmol/J. Both are IP65-rated for easy cleaning and protection against IPM sprays and irrigation leaks. Their aluminum heat sinks efficiently dissipate heat to keep the fixtures running at optimal performance. Additionally, Horti-Link features a specialized glass cover that diffuses light evenly, enhancing canopy penetration.