CULTILIGHT PLANNING TOOL
Calculate connected load, electricity consumption and estimated operating cost for a commercial horticultural lighting system.
HOW THE CALCULATION WORKS
The calculator converts the installed fixture wattage into connected load, applies the average operating level and then estimates energy use from the lighting schedule.
Connected load = fixture quantity × fixture watts ÷ 1,000
Average operating load = connected load × operating power %
Annual energy = operating load × hours/day × days/year
Annual cost = annual energy × electricity rate
IMPORTANT INPUTS
Use the measured or manufacturer-rated system input wattage, including drivers and associated electrical losses.
Enter the expected average operating percentage when controls, daylight response or production recipes reduce output.
Use an effective energy rate appropriate for planning. Demand charges and time-of-use structures require separate analysis.
Account for seasonal schedules, crop cycles, cleaning periods and planned downtime when choosing annual operating days.
Energy cost is only one part of a complete horticultural lighting project. Our team can help evaluate fixture selection, connected load, controls, PPFD targets and lighting layout for your greenhouse or controlled growing facility.