COST EFFECTIVENESS OF GROWING PLANT LIGHTING SYSTEM

Abstract

Since plants are biologically-based and since controlled environment plant production demands significant electrical-energy inputs, the paper propose an economic comparative analysis on four growing plant lighting systems (fluorescent, metal halides, high pressure sodium and LED), in order to determine the most efficient type of lamp that can be used in a specific crop or greenhouse. As every investment in crop production has the implicit aim to reduce the electrical-power load required for plant production and to harvest as much, the analysis took into account the cost components. There were not taken into account the expenditures of heating plants in winter. There is demonstrated that the best long term investment is in LED lighting system, as predictable. Further, this study was conducted in accordance with all European norms and sustainable strategies.