Commercial Grade: Why Some Large Facilities Still Rely on HPS
Despite the rise of LED technology, many commercial growing operations continue to rely on High Pressure Sodium (HPS) lighting. This isn't simply resistance to change—there are compelling business and operational reasons why HPS remains prevalent in large-scale commercial facilities.
The Commercial Perspective
Commercial growing operations approach lighting decisions differently than hobbyists, with greater emphasis on:
- Return on investment (ROI) timelines
- Proven, predictable results
- Operational consistency
- Staff expertise and training
- Integration with existing systems
"yes, especially facilities. my job uses a few thousand. but working under those babies is toasty af."
Key Factors Driving Commercial HPS Adoption
Economic Factors
- Lower initial capital expenditure
- Established supply chains
- Predictable replacement costs
- Proven ROI models
Technical Factors
- Proven performance at scale
- Superior canopy penetration
- Standardized specifications
- Established maintenance protocols
Operational Factors
- Staff familiarity and expertise
- Established SOPs and training
- Integration with existing systems
- Consistent, predictable results
Economic Considerations
Capital Expenditure vs. Operational Expenditure
Commercial operations often evaluate lighting based on total cost of ownership (TCO) over specific timeframes:
| Cost Factor | HPS | LED |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Investment (10,000 sq ft) | £75,000-100,000 | £200,000-300,000 |
| Annual Electricity Cost | Higher (£60,000-80,000) | Lower (£30,000-40,000) |
| Annual Bulb Replacement | £5,000-10,000 | Minimal |
| HVAC Requirements | Higher (but may offset heating) | Lower |
| Typical ROI Breakeven | Immediate production | 3-5 years vs. HPS |
For operations with limited initial capital or those planning to upgrade facilities within 3-5 years, the higher operational costs of HPS may be acceptable given the lower upfront investment.
Financing Considerations
The way commercial operations finance their equipment also impacts lighting choices:
- Operational Expenses: Electricity and bulb replacements are typically operational expenses
- Capital Expenses: Initial lighting purchases are capital expenses, often with different budgeting and approval processes
- Depreciation: HPS systems may be fully depreciated in existing operations, making replacement with LEDs a significant new capital expense
Technical Advantages at Commercial Scale
Canopy Penetration
In large commercial operations with dense canopies, HPS lights offer superior penetration:
- Better light distribution through lower canopy layers
- More consistent results with tall plants or dense planting
- Proven performance in multi-tier growing systems
Heat as an Asset
In large facilities, particularly in colder climates, HPS heat can be advantageous:
- Reduced heating costs during winter months
- More consistent temperatures throughout large spaces
- Beneficial for certain crops that thrive with warmer canopy temperatures
"I still use 600w HPS because it's cold and the heat is useful."
Standardization and Reliability
Commercial operations value standardization and predictability:
- HPS technology is mature with standardized specifications
- Replacement parts and bulbs are widely available from multiple vendors
- Performance characteristics are well-documented and consistent
- Failure modes are well-understood and easily diagnosed
Operational Factors
Staff Expertise and Training
Many commercial growers have teams with decades of experience under HPS lighting:
- Growing protocols optimized for HPS spectrum and heat profile
- Staff trained in maintaining and troubleshooting HPS systems
- Nutrient regimens developed specifically for HPS growing conditions
"Been MH/HPS for 20+ years now. I've been contemplating LEDs as they are improving all the time but I'm old and stuck in my ways!"
Integration with Existing Systems
Commercial facilities often have integrated systems designed around HPS characteristics:
- HVAC systems sized and configured for HPS heat loads
- Electrical infrastructure designed for HPS power requirements
- Automated systems programmed for HPS-specific parameters
- Physical infrastructure (ceiling heights, support systems) optimized for HPS fixtures
The Transition Approach
Many commercial operations are taking a measured approach to LED adoption:
Hybrid Implementations
- Sectional Upgrades: Converting portions of facilities to LED while maintaining HPS in others
- New vs. Existing: Using LED in new construction while maintaining HPS in existing facilities
- Supplemental Lighting: Adding LED fixtures to supplement existing HPS infrastructure
Testing and Validation
- Running controlled trials comparing HPS and LED in identical growing conditions
- Collecting data on yield, quality, and operational costs
- Developing new SOPs and training programs for LED technology
- Gradually scaling successful LED implementations
Future Outlook
While LED adoption in commercial facilities continues to increase, HPS lighting will likely remain significant for several reasons:
- Hybrid Systems: Many facilities will operate hybrid HPS/LED systems to leverage the advantages of both
- Specialized Applications: Certain crops or growing methods may continue to favor HPS characteristics
- Regional Factors: In colder climates, the heat from HPS can remain advantageous year-round
- Economic Constraints: Operations with limited capital will continue to leverage existing HPS infrastructure
The commercial growing sector's approach to lighting technology demonstrates that both HPS and LED have their place in modern agriculture. Rather than viewing them as competing technologies where one must "win," successful operations are strategically leveraging the strengths of each technology based on their specific business needs, growing environments, and operational constraints.