Dynamic lighting and power management: what every grower needs to know. By Sollum’s R&D team
Introduction: not everyone can handle dynamic lighting — and here’s why.
The power problem that nobody talks about.
Dynamic lighting is transforming greenhouse
Most greenhouses sit at the far end of power
operations, offering precision, efficiency, and
distribution line, meaning they often experience
adaptability. However, not all lighting systems are
unstable electricity. When lighting intensity
designed to handle the power challenges that come
constantly adjusts, the electrical system is under
with real-time adjustments.
constant stress.
Many lighting solutions struggle with power
Many LED systems on the market weren’t designed for this level of demand.
management, which can lead to flickering lights, overloaded circuits, frequent breaker trips, and costly maintenance. The key to successful dynamic lighting lies in an intelligent system that adapts seamlessly while ensuring plant growth remains the top priority. This article explores common challenges in dynamic lighting and what it takes to implement a system that truly works.
Figure 1 - Distribution Line
1- Inrush current spikes—the silent killer Turning on conventional LED fixtures creates a sudden and massive demand for power—in some cases, a spike 70 to 100 times the normal operating current.
Designed, engineered and e manufactured in North America.
If the system isn’t built to handle these surges,
adjustments based on environmental feedback,
growers experience:
rather than relying on outdated unidirectional configurations.
Breaker trips and unexpected shutdowns Overloaded transformers that wear out faster Inconsistent lighting that impacts crop performance
2- Unstable current = wasted energy Dynamic lighting requires constant adjustments— but if the LED drivers aren’t optimized for this, they waste energy compensating for fluctuations. This can result in:
AI-driven intelligence in smart fixtures is what makes true dynamic lighting possible. Instead of simply following pre-programmed schedules, these systems continuously analyze a range of factors, including: Power fluctuations and electrical load stability Ambient environmental conditions such as temperature Plant growth stages and real-time
Excess heat, reducing the lifespan of fixtures Voltage fluctuations affecting light quality Increased maintenance and higher operating costs A well-designed lighting system accounts for these issues, ensuring that adjustments are smooth and power usage is optimized.
Intelligence where it matters: the key to true dynamic lighting
photosynthetic efficiency By leveraging AI, smart fixtures can: Predict and mitigate power fluctuations before they cause disruptions Optimize light intensity and spectrum dynamically to support plant growth Self-regulate power draw to prevent overloading circuits This AI layer acts as the decision-making brain of the lighting system, ensuring that power stability and optimal plant health are maintained
Dynamic lighting is more than just adjusting intensity
simultaneously.
—it’s a real-time power management challenge requiring precision, adaptability, and deep integration with electrical infrastructure, all while keeping plant growth at the center of every decision. 1- AI-embedded intelligence in smart fixtures To ensure stable and efficient lighting, fixtures must operate independently and make real-time
Designed, engineered and manufactured in North America.
Without this intelligence, dynamic lighting remains
By continuously managing power flow, a truly smart
reactive rather than proactive, leading to
system ensures that every lighting adjustment is
inefficiencies and system failures.
made with plant vitality in mind, promoting optimal photosynthesis and stronger yields without risking
LED FIXTURE
ADVANCED CONTROL
LED DRIVER
CONVENTIONAL
system failure. Additional benefits include: Reducing unnecessary electrical strain Extending infrastructure lifespan
ADVANCED CONTROL
Figure 2 - icons by Annette Spithoven
2 - The brain behind the operation: powering plant growth efficiently An effective dynamic lighting does more than control brightness—it must prioritize plant growth while maintaining electrical stability, all at scale. A truly intelligent system ensures that power is directed where and when it’s needed most to optimize yield while protecting infrastructure.
Ensuring seamless light transitions without power surges
Seamless integration with existing infrastructure Integrating dynamic lighting into an existing electrical system requires careful planning and execution. Lighting should work hand-in-hand with electricians to ensure a smooth and efficient setup, whether it’s for a new build or an upgrade.
Such a system should: Balance energy consumption efficiently Ensure stable operation within existing electrical constraints Dynamically adjust light distribution based on plant needs
A well-integrated system minimizes disruptions and maximizes efficiency, ensuring growers get the most out of their lighting investment.
Why some lighting solutions struggle While many companies claim to offer dynamic lighting, successfully implementing it without creating electrical complications is a challenge.
Designed, engineered and manufactured in North America.
