Fluence has partnered with SunMed Growers, a 250,000-square-foot greenhouse cannabis facility located in Warwick, Maryland. Together, the companies have retrofitted SunMed’s facility from high-pressure sodium (HPS) fixtures to LEDs and increased overall light intensity over the last two years, resulting in up to 30% yield increases for several of the company’s main production strains.
The largest cultivator in Maryland, SunMed is helmed by third-generation greenhouse grower Jake Van Wingerden. "We have learned so much over the last five years and I’m thrilled that we not only continue to grow our footprint, but deliver the highest-quality cannabis products to the Maryland market," he said. "Through our partnership with Fluence, we’ve seen a notable difference in plant quality over the last two years. Our plants have never been healthier and are growing with incredible vigor under Fluence’s LEDs."
"Before implementing Fluence’s lighting solutions, I used HPS fixtures to supplement the greenhouse’s natural light. However, I knew I could bring in more light at higher efficiencies with more advanced technology. After researching the benefits of LEDs, I realized the significant energy savings, higher light levels — without excess heat — and overall increases in yield were more advantageous than continuing with HPS. After successful trialing of Fluence’s LEDs, we made the decision to retrofit the entire facility with Fluence’s VYPR series top light," he continues.
The data shows from 2019 to 2021, SunMed recorded up to 30% increases in yield across several of its most prominent strains. SunMed also recorded consistent or slightly elevated levels of potency. Now, Van Wingerden is working with Fluence to double the facility’s light intensity without impacting the shading of the current fixture arrangement.
"Cannabis plants can take a tremendous amount of light. By doubling our light intensity — and with another facility expansion in our future—we’ll be producing off-the-charts yields," Van Wingerden added.
For more information:
Fluence Bioengineering
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