Beyond HPS: Why dynamic LEDs are the next big step

High-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps have long been the workhorse of greenhouse lighting—but as consumer demands shift toward fresher, higher-quality produce, and with energy costs on the rise, commercial growers need a more adaptable and efficient option. Enter dynamic LED lighting, which opens the door to real-time light spectrum control, reduced energy usage, and faster crop transitions. Below, we’ll break down why making the jump from HPS to a truly dynamic LED solution—like Sollum’s—is a game-changer for modern greenhouse operations.

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Goodbye to one-size-fits-all lighting

HPS lamps provide a fixed spectrum, forcing commercial greenhouses to adapt to the lighting rather than the other way around. Dynamic LED lighting flips that script by allowing you to customize the light spectrum and intensity for each crop at every growth stage.

• More than a swap of bulbs: upgrading to LEDs is about precision and adaptability—factors HPS can’t deliver.
• Multiple crops, one platform: with Sollum’s SUN as a Service® (SUNaaS®) cloud platform, you can easily tailor lighting for different crops—even in zones created in the same greenhouse — while adjusting real-time conditions based on growth cycles or changing market demands.

Bottom line: With dynamic LED lighting, you’re no longer stuck with a single lighting recipe. Instead, you get a powerful tool to drive plant health and productivity on your terms.

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Serious energy savings

Energy consumption is one of the biggest overhead costs for any greenhouse, and HPS lamps are notorious for running hot and racking up the power bill. Dynamic LED lighting is inherently more efficient, and taking it further, Sollum’s solution can automatically dim or intensify based on real-time crop needs, preventing wasted output.

• Lower heat output: unlike HPS, which emits significant heat, LED fixtures run cooler, reducing the need for extra ventilation or cooling.
• Real-time adjustments: Sollum’s lights are designed for on-demand control—only using as much energy as your plants truly need at any given moment.

Result: a dramatic drop in energy costs while maintaining (or even boosting) yields. It’s an upgrade that pays for itself over time.

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Crop quality and flexibility

Switching from HPS to fixed-spectrum LEDs is only a half-step if you’re aiming for optimal crop quality. Dynamic LED solutions go beyond simply being “cooler” or “more efficient” by directly impacting plant physiology. From leaf expansion to fruit coloration, different wavelengths prompt different responses.

• Tailored light recipes: certain peppers may need extra far-red light to prevent leaf stacking, while herbs can benefit from strategically applied blue light to intensify flavor and color.
• Adapt on the fly: if you need to switch from tomatoes to cucumbers mid-season—or even pivot to strawberries—Sollum’s dynamic approach makes it easy to reconfigure lighting zones, ensuring each plant gets exactly the spectrum and intensity it needs.

The takeaway: you’re not just improving energy efficiency—you’re refining the very growth process of your crops, enabling better yields, flavor, and shelf life.

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Real-world results: The Chef’s Garden,Ohio, USA

One greenhouse already reaping the rewards of switching from HPS to a fully dynamic LED solution is The Chef’s Garden

“The Sollum lighting solution has worked out very well for us here at The Chef's Garden. We are seeing much better growth in the low-light months of winter as compared to the HPS and other LEDs in the market. We are very pleased with the results in growth, color, and are even seeing statistically significant results in our farm lab relating to mineral density and antioxidant levels in leafy greens grown under the Sollum fixtures.”
- Bob Jones, The Chef's Garden
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By adopting Sollum’s flexible technology, The Chef’s Garden tailors light conditions to each crop’s needs, even during the toughest winter months. They’ve seen gains in plant vigor, nutrient density, and produce quality, highlighting just how powerful a dynamic lighting strategy can be.

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Sustainability that scales

Some growers are more conscious than ever about their ecological footprint. HPS systems can be tough on sustainability goals, consuming high amounts of electricity and generating excess heat.

• Less energy, more output: dynamic LED lighting requires substantially less energy to achieve the same or better results, helping you reduce carbon emissions.
• Year-round local production: by creating ideal conditions with precise, data-driven lighting, you can grow locally year-round, reducing the need to import produce from distant locations.

Why it matters: sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a market differentiator. Growers who can point to lower energy usage and better environmental practices are more competitive in a consumer market that values sustainability.

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Future-proofing through technology

Upgrading to dynamic LED lighting isn’t just a short-term fix for old HPS lamps—it’s a long-term strategy for greenhouse success. Sollum’s cloud-based SUNaaS platform provides:

• Ongoing software updates: receive new light recipes, spectral adjustments, and performance insights—no need to swap out hardware.
• Data analytics: track yield trends, energy consumption, and plant health metrics in real time, making it easier to fine-tune your approach or pivot quickly when market demands change.

End result: you’ll be prepared for the next wave of horticultural innovation, whether that’s a new crop or advanced research on specific light frequencies to curb pathogens and pests.

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Ready to make the shift?

If you’re still using HPS or even static LEDs, the next step in greenhouse lighting is here—and it’s all about dynamic adaptability. By minimizing energy costs, improving crop quality, and scaling sustainable practices, a dynamic LED solution sets you up for long-term success.

At Sollum, we’ve dedicated over a decade to perfecting a truly dynamic lighting solution that does more than just illuminate your greenhouse― it powers the next chapter of your operation’s growth and innovation.

Want to learn more? Contact us today to see how our smart grow light solution can help you!