Research compares LED and incandescent light bulb
Led light bulbs at an intensity of 0,9 W/m2 showed a reduced response to lighting with 14 hours per night compared to 1,2 W/m² led light or 7,5 W/m² incandescent light. A slow response showed in a longer period of harvesting, while the start of the harvest was equal to the other treatments. Lighting with 15 W/m² incandescent light showed the strongest response. Average weight of the flowers was also clearly lower at a stronger response and heavier at a weak response at a low intensity.
The best strategy depends on the aim on the grower and economic return of lighting will depend on the market prices. However calculations show that due to saving on energy and installation the return on investment will be about 4.5 to 5.5 years. Despite the fact that slightly more led lights are required for the same response as incandescent light, the saving on energy for lighting will still be at least 87% Depending on the strategy of the grower 3.3% up to 5.8% of the total company energy consumption of an average Dutch carnation nursery can be saved.
The research was funded by the Product Board of Horticulture and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and was carried out as part of the Innovation Program Greenhouse as Energy Source.
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