Sunterra, a family enterprise founded in 1970, has long been committed to sustainable crop production and innovation. In 2021, the collaboration with Philips LED plant lighting marked a pivotal moment for the company. By installing the Philips GreenPower LED supplemental lighting system in its new greenhouses, Sunterra has successfully harvested two consecutive seasons of tomatoes and strawberries, ensuring a consistent supply of fresh produce to consumers in Alberta.
Advanced LED Supplemental Lighting: Transforming Crop Yields
In regions like Alberta, where winter natural light is often insufficient for stable plant growth, supplemental lighting is essential. Sunterra’s 17-acre tomato greenhouse employs a mixed lighting solution combining Philips GreenPower LED top-light modules with traditional high-pressure sodium lamps. Meanwhile, a dedicated 7.5-acre strawberry production area utilizes an all-LED approach, incorporating both Philips LED top-light modules and Philips GreenPower LED floral growth lamps.
Recent studies in controlled-environment agriculture confirm that LED supplemental lighting can significantly enhance plant growth. For instance, research by the Canadian Greenhouse Growers Association has shown that optimized LED systems can boost yields by up to 25–30% while reducing energy consumption by 30–40% compared to conventional lighting methods. Such advancements not only stabilize production during low-light conditions but also improve crop quality, meeting the high standards demanded by local grocery stores and farmers’ markets.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
The tailored LED lighting design provided by Philips was backed by detailed return-on-investment data, helping Sunterra manage energy costs effectively. With rising energy prices and increasing environmental concerns, the ability to control operating expenses is crucial for long-term sustainability. Philips’ expert team—including key account managers, plant specialists, and application engineers from North America and the Netherlands—worked closely with Sunterra to develop multiple lighting scenarios that align with the greenhouse’s specific needs.
Furthermore, the transition to advanced LED technology not only enhances crop performance but also reduces the carbon footprint of greenhouse operations. In an era where sustainable practices are becoming a market imperative, Sunterra’s move sets a strong example for other agricultural producers striving to balance profitability with environmental responsibility.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Greenhouse Lighting
The success at Sunterra underscores the transformative potential of LED supplemental lighting in modern agriculture. As technology continues to advance, growers can expect further improvements in energy efficiency and yield quality. The integration of smart lighting controls and adaptive spectrum technologies is likely to refine these benefits even further, paving the way for greener, more resilient food production systems. For greenhouse operators facing the challenges of climate variability and global market pressures, such innovations are not just beneficial—they are essential for sustainable growth.
The collaboration between Philips LED plant lighting and Sunterra Greenhouse demonstrates how advanced supplemental lighting can redefine agricultural production. By enabling year-round high yields of tomatoes and strawberries, reducing energy costs, and minimizing environmental impact, this technology is proving to be a game-changer in the industry. As the agricultural sector evolves, such forward-thinking partnerships will be key to ensuring a secure, sustainable, and prosperous future for growers and consumers alike.
