Greenhouse Lighting
There are several light bulbs available that are ideal for greenhouse lighting. Light output and color of light used are all important factors to consider in greenhouse lighting. Purchasing greenhouse lighting can be an expensive endeavor. It is also important for a light bulb to last long to keep down the costs associated with greenhouse lighting. Does this Spark an idea?
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HID
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Some of the most widely used types of light bulbs used in greenhouses are HID bulbs like metal halide bulbs and high-pressure sodium bulbs. The acronym "HID" stands for "high intensity discharge." HID light bulbs draw a lot of power and emit intense amounts of light.
Other Options
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Fluorescent light bulbs and LEDs (light emitting diodes) are other greenhouse lighting options. These options are much more energy efficient than HID light bulbs but they do not produce nearly as much light.
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Lumens
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Lumens are a measurement of light intensity; many greenhouses utilize bulbs that have a high lumen output. The more light a plant receives, the faster and larger it will grow. Fluorescent bulbs produce between 75 and 90 lumens per watt. Metal halide bulbs produce up to 125 lumens per watt. High-pressure sodium bulbs produce up to 140 lumens per watt.
Color
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The color of light is very important in encouraging indoor and outdoor plant growth. According to ACF Greenhouses, blue light like the light emitted by metal halide bulbs and fluorescent bulbs encourages vegetative growth in plants. Red light on the other hand, like the light produced by high-pressure sodium bulbs, encourages budding and flowering in plants.
Lifespan
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ACF Greenhouses claims that metal halide bulbs last for around 10,000 hours. High-pressure sodium light bulbs typically last for around 18,000 hours. The Energy Commission of California claims that fluorescent light bulbs last for around 10,000 hours.
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