"Switch from SON-T to LED was a crucial step, but it did not come without its challenges"

Orance celebrates over five years of pioneering advancements in greenhouse lighting, though their team's expertise and experience date back much further. "Many clients still remember Orance's founders from the days when we executed large-scale projects using HPS fixtures. The foundation of mutual trust was already in place, and when Orance was established, a network of horticultural entrepreneurs was ready to welcome them as a strategic partner in growth lighting", the team says.

"Over the past five years, Orance has accumulated invaluable knowledge. To mark this milestone, Orance created a series of five exclusive videos featuring its earliest clients, asking them five questions that other entrepreneurs may find both relatable and inspiring."

The major challenges in transitioning to LED
For many horticultural entrepreneurs, the switch from SON-T to LED was a crucial step, but it did not come without its challenges. Jack Groenewegen from The Valley shares his experience during the energy crisis: "It became too expensive to produce tomatoes under artificial lighting…" What lessons did this challenge teach them, and how did they restructure their production methods? Similarly, Hans van den Ende from FA. van den Ende Roses faced a significant challenge—finding the right light spectrum.

The power of collaboration
Choosing the right lighting strategy is no simple task. With numerous suppliers in the market, every decision impacts crop production. That's why having a reliable partner is essential. Hans van Holstein emphasizes: "Investing in new lighting requires substantial financial commitment. There are so many suppliers, and as a grower, you don't always know which choice to make. Together with Orance, we selected the perfect fixture for our crops, thanks to their knowledge and expertise."

Richard Schenkeveld from Schenkeveld adds: "I sometimes call Orance 'the architects of light.' They assist us in achieving the optimal distribution, the right light spectrum, the appropriate fixtures, and provide electrical advice to ensure a seamless integration within each department." What makes this collaboration so valuable? And how does Orance support entrepreneurs from start to finish?

Expert guidance and strategy in the growth light sector
LED lighting is a major investment, and choosing the right solution can be a challenge. Jack Groenewegen shares: "There are so many lamps on the market, and developments are moving fast. Making the right choices is crucial, which is why I would recommend involving a consultancy firm when purchasing LED lighting."

Hans van den Ende adds: "A consultancy firm… you know, the thing is… Orance doesn't feel like a consultancy firm." The entrepreneurs describe the complexity of the market: the vast number of suppliers creates a maze of options, and such an investment comes with uncertainties.

Future developments in growth light technology
The future of growth light technology looks promising. Jeffrey van Uffelen envisions multi-channel control and dynamic lighting, where illumination is adjusted based on electricity prices. Finding the right light spectrum remains crucial, according to Hans van Holstein. Jack Groenewegen and Richard Schenkeveld foresee the development of new spectrums and more intensive lighting strategies to manage production costs. How are these growers preparing for the future, and what are their expectations?