SunMed Growers Partners With Fluence on LED Expansion
December 23, 2021 
Fluence by OSRAM, a leading global provider of energy-efficient LED lighting solutions, has announced a new partnership with SunMed Growers, a 250,000-square-foot greenhouse cannabis facility located in Warwick, MD. 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.
SunMed is helmed by third-generation greenhouse grower Jake Van Wingerden, who channeled decades of cultivation knowledge into one of the most advanced cannabis facilities in the U.S., which he expanded from 70,000 square feet to 250,000 square feet in just five years.
“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,” Van Wingerden 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.”
Before implementing Fluence’s lighting solutions, Van Wingerden used HPS fixtures to supplement the greenhouse’s natural light. However, he felt he could bring in more light at higher efficiencies with more advanced technology. After researching the benefits of LEDs, he 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, Van Wingerden and SunMed Growers made the decision to retrofit the entire facility with Fluence’s VYPR series top light. 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.
In addition to Fluence’s LED technology, SunMed’s facility also leverages a fully automated Dutch rolling table system to move plants through each phase of cultivation. Coupled with its in-house growing media and stringent sanitation practices, SunMed’s pristine greenhouse reflects Van Wingerden’s rich expertise as well as his team’s combined horticulture experience.
“It’s an honor to work alongside Jake and his team at SunMed — they are true experts at their craft and are pioneering some of the most innovative facility designs on the market today,” says David Cohen, CEO of Fluence. “We’re eager to support the SunMed team in their future expansions and witness how high-light-intensity strategies can drive record yields and superb plant quality.”
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