Under Canopy Lighting: The Fastest-Growing Trend in Commercial Cultivation

One of the fastest-growing trends in controlled environment agriculture is the adoption of under canopy lighting. While top lighting remains the backbone of most facilities, more and more operators are turning to supplemental fixtures beneath the canopy to capture new gains in yield, quality, and overall crop performance.

Why Under Canopy Lighting Is Growing

The lower canopy has traditionally been an underutilized part of the plant due to shading from upper leaves. By delivering light from below, growers activate photosynthesis across more of the plant structure, unlocking measurable gains in commercial facilities.

Key benefits include:

• Higher Yields – Many operators report significant increases in overall production after deploying under canopy systems.

• More Consistent Coloring – Supplemental light beneath the canopy helps ensure uniform development and coloration throughout the crop.

• Improved Light Distribution – PAR penetrates deeper, engaging leaf surface area that otherwise contributes little to growth.

• Reduced Disease Risk – A healthier, more productive lower canopy is less prone to harboring pathogens.

A Trend Across Commercial Facilities

Under canopy lighting has rapidly become a standard consideration for:

• Vertical Racking Systems – Maximizing every square foot of canopy in multi-tier environments.

• High-Density Planting – Counteracting the shading effects of tight crop spacing.

• Longer Crop Cycles – Sustaining productivity and quality from top to bottom over time.

Technology Behind the Trend

Modern under canopy lighting solutions rely on LEDs designed for commercial environments, offering:

• Slim Designs for easy installation below crop lines.

• Low Heat Output to avoid plant stress in tight spaces.

• High Efficiency to balance increased fixture counts with energy budgets.

• Targeted Spectra that stimulate photosynthesis in shaded foliage.

Operational Considerations

It’s important to note that adding under canopy lighting means higher total wattage and fixture counts across the facility. This creates additional demand on cooling and dehumidification systems, as both heat load and plant transpiration increase.

Operators planning to integrate under canopy systems should review HVAC and dehumidification capacity to ensure their infrastructure can keep pace with the higher productivity.

The Bottom Line

Under canopy lighting is no longer a niche concept — it’s one of the most significant trends shaping the future of commercial cultivation. For operators, it translates into higher yields, more uniform quality, and more consistent results across facilities. With thoughtful integration and planning, it has quickly become a cornerstone of advanced lighting strategies.

Disclosure: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. While we strive to share accurate and useful insights, all content reflects opinions at the time of writing and may not apply to every situation. Readers are responsible for evaluating the information and applying it at their own discretion. Black Label Supply LLC is not liable for any decisions or outcomes resulting from the use of this information.