Flexible lamps offer added value in volatile energy market
by HortiDaily14 April 20263 min read
Lewis Flowers transformed its chrysanthemum production by shifting from a planned hybrid SON-T and LED setup to a fully LED-based strategy. Faced with rising energy costs, the grower initially concentrated lighting in half of the greenhouse before fully committing to LED across the entire area. The result: higher yields per square meter and significantly reduced energy expenses. Choosing MechaTronix ensured reliable performance, with 3,000 fixtures operating flawlessly and supported by responsive service. The system also offers flexibility, automatically dimming based on electricity prices, helping the grower actively manage costs in an increasingly volatile energy market.
When the energy crisis hit, cut chrysanthemum grower Lewis Flowers was just about to introduce a hybrid lighting strategy, combining SON-T and LED fixtures. But soaring energy prices forced the company to rethink its plans. Instead of going hybrid, Lewis Flowers took a bold leap: all lamps were concentrated in half of the greenhouse, allowing production to continue fully under LED light. After one more year of partial hybrid lighting, the company decided to go all-in, switching entirely to LED across the entire growing area.
Results: more flowers, lower costs
The transition paid off quickly. Under full LED lighting, the grower now harvests more flowers per square meter, and the superior energy efficiency of LEDs has led directly to a lower electricity bill.
Reliability and service as decisive factors
Lewis Flowers deliberately chose MechaTronix as their lighting supplier, even though there were cheaper options available. "The cooling system works incredibly well," explains Yorick Leeuwis. "We installed 3,000 new fixtures, and every single one is running perfectly. Any minor issues that came up were resolved quickly and professionally, that gave us confidence. With other brands, that level of assurance just wasn't there." The decision to go with MechaTronix not only resulted in a reliable installation but also brought peace of mind for the years ahead.
Flexibility
The system also gives the company valuable flexibility. The LEDs are automatically dimmed whenever electricity prices spike. "The lights are constantly switching up and down, completely automated," Yorick explained in an earlier interview about how the company manages energy and power costs (link in Dutch). "Price fluctuations have become much more extreme," he adds. "On any given day, gas prices can vary by 2 or 3 cents, and the imbalance market truly lives up to its name. We calculate everything back to cost per stem and compare that with other growers every four weeks. It's amazing how big the differences can be these days."
Results: more flowers, lower costs
The transition paid off quickly. Under full LED lighting, the grower now harvests more flowers per square meter, and the superior energy efficiency of LEDs has led directly to a lower electricity bill.
Reliability and service as decisive factors
Lewis Flowers deliberately chose MechaTronix as their lighting supplier, even though there were cheaper options available. "The cooling system works incredibly well," explains Yorick Leeuwis. "We installed 3,000 new fixtures, and every single one is running perfectly. Any minor issues that came up were resolved quickly and professionally, that gave us confidence. With other brands, that level of assurance just wasn't there." The decision to go with MechaTronix not only resulted in a reliable installation but also brought peace of mind for the years ahead.
Flexibility
The system also gives the company valuable flexibility. The LEDs are automatically dimmed whenever electricity prices spike. "The lights are constantly switching up and down, completely automated," Yorick explained in an earlier interview about how the company manages energy and power costs (link in Dutch). "Price fluctuations have become much more extreme," he adds. "On any given day, gas prices can vary by 2 or 3 cents, and the imbalance market truly lives up to its name. We calculate everything back to cost per stem and compare that with other growers every four weeks. It's amazing how big the differences can be these days."