This website uses cookies to improve functionality and analyze traffic. By continuing to browse or interact with the site, you consent to our use of cookies and acknowledge that you have read and agreed to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.
No products found!
HPS (High-Pressure Sodium) and MH (Metal Halide) lighting systems remain important technologies in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), particularly in greenhouse environments and large-scale commercial production. Despite the rapid growth of LED technology, HPS and MH fixtures continue to be used for their strong canopy penetration, reliable performance, and favorable cost-to-output ratio. Many growers deploy HPS/MH systems as primary lighting in greenhouses, as supplemental winter lighting, or as hybrid configurations combined with LEDs to achieve optimal spectrum and intensity across different crop stages.
HPS and MH lamps provide unique performance advantages that make them valuable for certain crops, climates and facility types.
Strong canopy penetration. HPS lamps emit high-intensity light that penetrates deep into crop canopies, supporting fruiting crops such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and berries in commercial greenhouses.
Proven, time-tested performance. HPS/MH lighting has been used in agriculture for decades, offering predictable results, well-known crop responses and broad grower familiarity.
Optimal spectrum for plant development. Metal Halide lamps provide a blue-rich spectrum ideal for vegetative growth and early-stage development, while HPS lamps provide an orange-red spectrum that supports flowering and fruiting.
Lower upfront cost compared to LEDs. For budget-sensitive operations or older facilities, HPS/MH systems remain attractive due to their lower initial investment cost.
Compatible with existing greenhouse infrastructure. Many commercial greenhouses are already designed for HPS/MH fixtures, making upgrades and replacements simple and cost-efficient.
Effective for supplemental lighting. In regions with low winter sunlight, HPS fixtures help maintain crop growth, stabilize daily light integral (DLI) and support year-round production.
These characteristics make HPS and MH lighting systems highly suitable for commercial-scale crop production, especially in traditional greenhouse agriculture.
Although LED systems dominate new indoor farming projects, HPS and MH lighting continue to be widely used across specific CEA segments for their reliability and agronomic performance.
Greenhouse vegetable production. HPS lamps remain the standard lighting solution for tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers in large commercial greenhouses thanks to their strong light intensity and proven yields.
Berries and fruiting crops. The high PAR output of HPS lamps supports berry production and provides consistent energy for flowering and fruit development.
Transitional and hybrid lighting systems. Many growers use HPS fixtures together with LEDs to balance spectrum, reduce energy costs and maintain strong canopy penetration.
Vegetative and nursery production with MH. MH fixtures are often used in propagation areas, nurseries and early growth stages due to their blue-weighted spectrum.
Winter and low-light season compensation. HPS fixtures are especially valuable in northern climates, helping growers compensate for short days and low natural light conditions.
Retrofits and legacy facility upgrades. Facilities originally built around HID lighting often keep these systems in place due to their infrastructure compatibility and crop performance history.
Across many commercial greenhouse operations, HPS/MH lighting remains a practical, productive and cost-effective solution for maintaining high yields and crop quality.
Choosing and maintaining HPS/MH lighting systems requires careful evaluation of operational goals, crop type, energy budgets and facility parameters. Key considerations include:
Lamp type and wattage selection. Common HPS/MH wattages include 400W, 600W and 1000W, with high-output models preferred for large greenhouse bays and high-canopy crops.
Ballasts and power requirements. Magnetic and electronic ballasts must match lamp specifications. Energy consumption and heat generation should be included in HVAC load calculations.
Heat output and ventilation. HPS/MH fixtures emit significantly more heat than LEDs, requiring additional cooling or enhanced airflow systems—especially in sealed or semi-closed environments.
Mounting height and uniformity. Proper fixture spacing ensures consistent PPFD across crop rows while avoiding hotspots or shading issues.
Lamp replacement cycles. Unlike LEDs, HPS/MH lamps gradually decrease in output and must be replaced periodically to maintain consistent PAR performance.
Integration with control systems. Growers may connect HPS/MH fixtures to timers, dimming modules (where applicable) or greenhouse climate controllers to synchronize lighting with daily light integral (DLI) targets.
Energy cost management. Although the CAPEX is lower than LEDs, operating costs of HPS/MH systems are higher due to electricity use and additional cooling demand—factors that should be considered in long-term planning.
On CEAUnion, manufacturers and suppliers can list HPS lamps, MH systems, ballasts, reflectors, mounts and hybrid lighting solutions. Growers and developers can compare performance data, evaluate specifications and contact vendors directly to source commercial-grade lighting equipment for greenhouse and hybrid CEA facilities.