Customer case of Phalaenova
Electricity Consumption Halved with Full-LED at Phalaenova
Phalaenova, located in Brielle, stands as one of Europe’s premier Phalaenopsis nurseries. Facing the pressing challenge of surging electricity costs, the company sought expert guidance from Ledgnd. The strategic shift from Son-T to dimmable full-LED lighting proved to be a transformative decision.
50% reduction in electricity consumption
Payback period of 3-4 years
Challenge
With 3.5 hectares of orchid cultivation, Phalaenova had relied on Son-T lighting in its greenhouses for years. However, in 2022, they made the crucial transition to LED. “As energy prices soared, we recognized that while a CHP system can offset some of the rising energy costs, it only truly pays off when you don’t require electricity yourself. Every bit of electricity used has a substantial financial impact,” explains Joost van Adrichem, the company’s director. “In 2022, the situation became critical. If energy prices had continued to climb at that rate, we would have faced closure.”
Technical Expertise
To counter this risk, Van Adrichem prioritized a swift switch to LED. “We had little prior experience with LED in our particular cultivation process and lacked the technical knowledge necessary to make well-informed choices. Through our energy consultant, we connected with Ledgnd, and that has been invaluable. Ledgnd possesses a clear view of the market, understanding exactly what’s available and where to source it.”
Phalaenova and Ledgnd collaborated closely, analyzing the situation to identify the most suitable solution. “With my expertise in cultivation, I outlined the specifications I believed necessary,” explains Van Adrichem. “Ledgnd translated these needs into precise technical specifications for the lighting. They conducted a preliminary selection of suppliers, solicited proposals, and produced a tailored lighting plan, detailing light distribution across different greenhouse sections.”
Van Adrichem credits this expertise as instrumental in making the optimal decision. “Every supplier comes with a compelling narrative, but it’s challenging to assess the reliability of their promises. Ledgnd possesses that knowledge, scrutinizing each detail to ensure accuracy. Furthermore, there’s the financial aspect: payment terms, warranties, and conditions are all critical, and having an expert to oversee these facets is invaluable. Additionally, Ledgnd offered support through the complex subsidy process. These funding schemes can be highly opaque, but Ledgnd’s expertise in navigating eligibility criteria saved considerable time and ensured we maximized our entitlements.”
The rapid evolution of the LED market
Initially, Phalaenova opted for a hybrid installation: half Son-T and half LED. “I saw the value in choosing dimmable LEDs straight away,” says Van Adrichem, “but at that time, the options were quite limited. Ledgnd helped us identify a solution with Hortilux that incorporated dimmable LED technology and required minimal adjustments to our climate computer. This installation has been highly effective since day one.” This success led to a decision earlier this year to transition entirely to full-LED. “We engaged Ledgnd again because the developments in LED technology over the past two years have been swift and impactful. The LED market is advancing rapidly, with extensive research on spectrums and new technical capabilities, like lights that can dim not only in intensity but also in specific color spectrums. Ledgnd’s involvement ensures we stay ahead of these advancements, avoiding choices that could quickly become obsolete. Given the scale of investment, we wanted the most advanced system aligned with the latest technical progress, ensuring long-term competitiveness.”
According to Van Adrichem, LED technology aligns exceptionally well with Phalaenopsis cultivation, thanks to the low transpiration rates in orchid greenhouses. “Our transition to LED has halved our electricity consumption. With dimmable LEDs, we can reduce lighting when appropriate, allowing us to save more than 50% on electricity without compromising productivity. This achievement is something I’m not only financially pleased about but also proud to contribute to as part of a broader societal benefit.”
"Thanks to the switch to LED, we now consume 50% less electricity."
Rapid ROI
Van Adrichem expresses deep satisfaction with both the collaboration with Ledgnd and the results achieved. “We feel confident that we’ve invested in a solution we genuinely support and that will benefit us moving forward. The outcomes speak for themselves. With LED covering a total of 3.5 hectares, this represented an investment nearing one million euros. At 2022’s energy prices, we would have recouped this investment within a year, and even now, we anticipate a return within three to four years—a prudent decision indeed.”
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