KNOWLEDGE CENTER
Lighting Fundamentals
Explore the essential measurements, concepts and planning principles behind effective horticultural lighting.
START WITH THE ESSENTIALS
Build a Strong Foundation for Better Lighting Decisions
Understanding horticultural lighting begins with knowing what each measurement represents—and how those measurements work together. Explore these resources to better understand PAR, PPF, PPFD, DLI, light spectrum and the principles used to plan supplemental lighting for commercial crops.
FEATURED GUIDE
Understand the Measurements Behind Every Lighting Plan
Learn how PAR, PPF, PPFD and DLI describe different aspects of horticultural light—and how these measurements work together when evaluating or planning a grow-lighting system.
LIGHT SPECTRUM
Understand How Light Spectrum Influences Plant Growth
Explore how different wavelengths of light contribute to photosynthesis, plant development and crop quality—and why spectrum should be evaluated as part of the complete lighting strategy.
INTERACTIVE TOOLS
Put Lighting Fundamentals Into Practice
Use these practical tools to estimate supplemental-lighting requirements and explore the potential operating impact of different horticultural lighting systems.
DLI Calculator
Calculate the Daily Light Integral delivered to your crop using the average PPFD at canopy level and the number of lighting hours per day.
Calculate DLISupplemental PPFD Calculator
Estimate the average supplemental PPFD required at crop level using your target DLI, available natural-light DLI and planned lighting hours.
Calculate Supplemental PPFDLED vs HPS Energy Savings Calculator
Compare annual electricity use, operating costs and potential savings when evaluating LED and HPS grow-lighting systems.
Compare LED and HPSWHY IT MATTERS
Turn Lighting Knowledge Into Better Growing Decisions
Fixture wattage alone does not define how effectively a lighting system supports a crop. Understanding light intensity, daily light delivery, spectrum and uniformity helps growers compare technologies more accurately, establish appropriate targets and plan lighting around their crops, facilities and operating goals.
CONTINUE EXPLORING
Explore More Horticultural Lighting Topics
Continue exploring the principles, environments, crop strategies and engineering tools used to plan effective commercial horticultural lighting.
Lighting System Design
Explore how light distribution, fixture spacing, mounting height, electrical planning and controls shape an effective lighting system.
Growing Environments
Learn how lighting strategies differ across commercial greenhouses, indoor farms and vertical growing facilities.
Crop Lighting Guides
Explore crop-specific lighting considerations for tomatoes, lettuce, fresh herbs, roses and other commercial crops.
Calculators and Engineering Tools
Use practical tools to estimate DLI, supplemental PPFD, energy consumption and early project requirements.
PLAN YOUR PROJECT
Turn Lighting Fundamentals Into a Practical Project Plan
Every crop and growing facility has different lighting requirements. Share your project details with our team, and we will help you evaluate the appropriate lighting strategy for your operation.