Greenhouse growers are under increasing pressure to grow more with less - less energy, less water, and fewer inputs, all while optimizing yield and quality. For those managing CEA, precision and reliable monitoring tools are not just helpful; they're essential. Apogee Instruments, a manufacturer of scientific-grade sensors, has become specialized in this space by delivering robust, research-grade solutions tailored for professional growers.
Monitoring light with precision: The power of PAR and ePAR
One of the most in-demand sensor technologies among their range is Apogee's PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) and ePAR sensors. These tools quantify the amount of light that is usable by plants for photosynthesis, a critical factor in optimizing crop growth.
"They're essential for anyone who wants to maximize their lighting efficiency or dial in their supplemental lighting schedules," says Ryan Lindsley at Apogee Instruments.
Understanding how much usable light reaches your crops, especially in greenhouses with dynamic conditions, is key to fine-tuning lighting setups, whether you're using natural sunlight, high-pressure sodium (HPS), or advanced LED systems.
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The Apogee team at Greentech Amsterdam 2025, looking for testers for their newest sensor
An all-in-one monitoring solution: The Apogee Guardian
In recent years, Apogee has responded to the needs of greenhouse and CEA operators by offering integrated monitoring solutions. Their Guardian system bundles light sensing with other vital environmental parameters such as CO₂, relative humidity (RH), and temperature.
"The Apogee Guardian combines one of these light sensors with other parameters in a compact, reliable, all-in-one solution to monitor the most important metrics. It's designed for growers who want simplicity without sacrificing accuracy."
This integrated approach is ideal for growers who need a holistic view of their growing environment, helping ensure consistency and optimal crop conditions without relying on multiple standalone devices.
Built to last: Accuracy and reliability
One of the defining characteristics of Apogee Instruments is its focus on precision and durability. The company's sensors are widely used not only in agriculture but also in climatology and environmental research, fields that demand scientific-grade performance.
"Our sensors go through long development cycles and extensive long-term testing to ensure they're accurate, rugged, and reliable," Ryan says. "Everything from manufacturing to calibration is done in-house under controlled conditions. That's how we back our products with a four-year warranty."
For greenhouse operators, this means less downtime, fewer calibration issues, and more confidence in the data that drives critical decisions.
Seamless integration with automation systems
Growers need sensors that integrate seamlessly with automated climate controls, fertigation systems, and data loggers. Apogee supports this need with multiple connectivity options.
"Popular options for integration include Modbus, 4-20mA, and Bluetooth connectivity," he notes. "We're also actively exploring new connectivity solutions based on feedback from our partners. Whether you're building out a new facility or upgrading an existing one, the ability to plug into your existing infrastructure reduces friction and cost."
Case studies as success stories
From research greenhouses to large-scale commercial growers, Apogee's sensors are helping clients improve efficiency and yields internationally.
"While the applications vary, from cannabis to leafy greens to ornamentals, growers consistently report better insight and tighter control over environmental variables. Since we have a lot of different applications for our sensors, you can find a range of case studies on our website," Ryan adds. "These show how our products help improve yield, optimize energy use, and make better decisions based on real-time data."
"Apogee sensors empower our customers to make data-driven decisions by providing multiple products with incredible value. Our sensor accuracy and long-term reliability boost sustainability efforts by minimizing time, resources, and cost."
For more information:
Apogee Instruments
www.apogeeinstruments.com