James: “Today, we’re speaking with Timo Helle, Founder and Managing Director of Helle-Tech. Helle-Tech provide high-quality, sustainable greenhouse technology solutions and is a brand that most Finnish growers are familiar with. Thank you for joining us, Timo. What are the unique challenges faced by greenhouse growers in Finland regarding lighting compared to other regions? “
Timo: “Greenhouse growers in Finland encounter distinctive challenges due to the country’s high latitude and extreme seasonal variations. With limited daylight hours and low solar angles during winter, growers must heavily rely on artificial lighting to sustain plant growth. This increased dependence on supplemental lighting escalates energy costs and demands precise management. Conversely, during the summer, Finland experiences extended daylight periods, potentially leading to light saturation and heat accumulation in greenhouses. Balancing these fluctuations requires sophisticated lighting strategies, ensuring optimal conditions for crop development year-round. These challenges set Finnish greenhouse growers apart, necessitating adaptive approaches to maximise productivity in the face of variable lighting conditions.“
James: “What are the most commonly used lighting technologies in Finnish greenhouses, and what factors influence their selection?“
Timo: “Within the next 3 years LED will surpass HPS as the most widely used lighting technology in Finnish greenhouses. This is primarily driven by factors including energy efficiency, spectral quality, crop requirements, and cost deflation.“
James: “How should Finnish growers balance energy efficiency with optimal light levels for plant growth? “
Timo: “Finnish growers need to balance energy efficiency with optimal light levels by using adjustable light engine technology and tailoring lighting schedules / intensities to match crop growth stages, minimising energy consumption while ensuring sufficient light for photosynthesis. Additionally, they should be utilising light sensors and automated control systems to fine-tune lighting levels based on natural light availability, maximising efficiency without compromising plant growth and productivity. ”
James: “Are there any specific regulations or incentives in Finland that influence the adoption of certain lighting technologies in greenhouses? “
Timo: “Finland offers incentives for energy-efficient technologies, influencing greenhouse lighting choices. Additionally, environmental regulations promote sustainable practices, encouraging the adoption of LED. ”
James: “Could you discuss any recent innovations or trends in greenhouse lighting that are gaining traction among Finnish growers? “
Timo: “Recent innovations in greenhouse lighting gaining traction among Finnish growers include adjustable light-engine technology that increase PPFD on the vertical face of vine growing plants, significantly improve leafy green uniformity without increasing energy. We’re also seeing the integration of smart lighting systems with advanced sensors and automation, whereby light distribution and intensity are optimised based on real-time environmental conditions and plant requirements, enhancing energy efficiency and crop quality.”
James: “What would be your top 3 tips on how to achieve optimal lighting results?“
Timo:
- Prioritise understanding crop requirements to select the correct balance of light quality & quantity.
- Ensure excellent uniform light distribution by using adjustable light-engine technology – this ensures consistent performance with fewer fixtures.
- Monitor light levels and automate systems where possible for efficiency.
About Helle-Tech:
Helle-Tech provides high-quality, sustainable greenhouse technology solutions for the needs of greenhouse growers. Modern greenhouse technology solutions optimise crop production and lay the foundation for energy-efficient operations. For more information, visit www.helle-tech.fi.
