Dynamic lighting and power management

Dynamic lighting is transforming greenhouse operations, offering precision, efficiency, and adaptability. However, not all lighting systems are designed to handle the power challenges that come with real-time adjustments.

Many lighting solutions struggle with power management, which can lead to flickering lights, overloaded circuits, frequent breaker trips, and costly maintenance. The key to successful dynamic lighting lies in an intelligent system that adapts seamlessly while ensuring plant growth remains the top priority.

This article explores common challenges in dynamic lighting and what it takes to implement a system that truly works.

The power problem that nobody talks about.

Most greenhouses sit at the far end of power distribution line, meaning they often experience unstable electricity. When lighting intensity constantly adjusts, the electrical system is under constant stress. Many LED systems on the market weren’t designed for this level of demand.

‍1- Inrush current spikes—the silent killer

‍Turning on conventional LED fixtures creates a sudden and massive demand for power—in some cases, a spike 70 to 100 times the normal operating current. If the system isn’t built to handle these surges, growers experience:

• Breaker trips and unexpected shutdowns
• Overloaded transformers that wear out faster
• Inconsistent lighting that impacts crop performance

‍2- Unstable current = wasted energy Dynamic lighting requires constant adjustments—but if the LED drivers aren’t optimized for this, they waste energy compensating for fluctuations.
This can result in:

• Excess heat, reducing the lifespan of fixtures
• Voltage fluctuations affecting light quality
• Increased maintenance and higher operating costs

A well-designed lighting system accounts for these issues, ensuring that adjustments are smooth and power usage is optimized.Intelligence where it matters: the key to true dynamic lighting.Dynamic lighting is more than just adjusting intensity—it’s a real-time power management challenge requiring precision, adaptability, and deep integration with electrical infrastructure, all while keeping plant growth at the center of every decision.1- AI-embedded intelligence in smart fixturesTo ensure stable and efficient lighting, fixtures must operate independently and make real-time adjustments based on environmental feedback, rather than relying on outdated unidirectional configurations.AI-driven intelligence in smart fixtures is what makes true dynamic lighting possible. Instead of simply following pre-programmed schedules, these systems continuously analyze a range of factors, including:

• Power fluctuations and electrical load stability
• Ambient environmental conditions such temperature
• Plant growth stages and real-time photosynthetic efficiency

By leveraging AI, smart fixtures can:

• Predict and mitigate power fluctuations before they cause disruptions
• Optimize light intensity and spectrum dynamically to support plant growth
• Self-regulate power draw to prevent overloading circuits

This AI layer acts as the decision-making brain of the lighting system, ensuring that power stability and optimal plant health are maintained simultaneously. Without this intelligence, dynamic lighting remains reactive rather than proactive, leading to inefficiencies and system failures.

‍2 - The brain behind the operation: powering plant growth efficientlyAn effective dynamic lighting does more than control brightness—it must prioritize plant growth while maintaining electrical stability, all at scale. A truly intelligent system ensures that power is directed where and when it’s needed most to optimize yield while protecting infrastructure.Such a system should:

• Balance energy consumption efficiently
• Ensure stable operation within existing electrical constraints
• Dynamically adjust light distribution based on plant needs

By continuously managing power flow, a truly smart system ensures that every lighting adjustment is made with plant vitality in mind, promoting optimal photosynthesis and stronger yields without risking system failure.

Additional benefits include:

• Reducing unnecessary electrical strain
• Extending infrastructure lifespan
• Ensuring seamless light transitions without power surges

Seamless integration with existing infrastructure Integrating dynamic lighting into an existing electrical system requires careful planning and execution. Lighting should work hand-in-hand with electricians to ensure a smooth and efficient setup, whether it’s for a new build or an upgrade. A well-integrated system minimizes disruptions and maximizes efficiency, ensuring growers get the most out of their lighting investment.Why some lighting solutions struggleWhile many companies claim to offer dynamic lighting, successfully implementing it without creating electrical complications is a challenge.

Here's where some solutions fall short: ‍

‍❌ Using off-the-shelf LED drivers that aren’t optimized for real-time adjustments
‍❌ Using outdated static lighting technology repurposed as “dynamic”
‍❌ Failing to address power fluctuations until failures occur

‍In contrast, an optimized system is designed from the ground up to handle dynamic conditions seamlessly.
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Conclusion: the key to true dynamic lightingFor dynamic lighting to work effectively, it must be designed with power stability, efficiency, and plant growth as top priorities. A system built from the ground up for dynamic greenhouse operations will feature:

• Smart, AI-driven fixtures that adjust in real-time
• Advanced power management to prevent electrical disruptions
• A stable, future-proof design that supports long-term efficiency

The right lighting system doesn’t just provide illumination—it delivers a power-stable, growth-optimized solution.Thinking about upgrading? Let's talk.For growers looking to transition to dynamic lighting, it's essential to ask the right questions to ensure the system is designed for real-world greenhouse challenges. A well-planned system makes the impossible—possible. Want to learn more? Contact the Sollum team.‍

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