Are you a commercial grower in California looking to slash energy costs and boost yields? Discover how grow light rebates can transform your operation in 2025. With rising electricity prices and strict efficiency standards, upgrading to energy-efficient under canopy grow lights is a smart move. These specialized grow lights penetrate dense foliage, ensuring even illumination for healthier plants and higher productivity. California’s utility programs offer substantial incentives, making it easier than ever to adopt advanced grow light technology. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the latest rebates, eligibility, and tips to maximize savings—focusing on grow light solutions for indoor and greenhouse setups.
As of July 30, 2025, major utilities like Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) and Southern California Edison (SCE) continue supporting commercial agriculture through targeted grow light incentives. These programs align with California’s Title 24 energy codes, promoting LEDs over outdated systems like high-pressure sodium lamps. By investing in DLC-listed grow lights, growers can reduce energy use by up to 50% while qualifying for rebates that offset upfront costs. Whether you’re cultivating cannabis, vegetables, or herbs, under canopy grow lights are key to optimizing multi-tier systems, and rebates make them accessible.
Why Under Canopy Grow Lights Are Essential for California Commercial Growers
In California’s competitive ag sector, grow lights are the backbone of controlled environment agriculture (CEA). Traditional top lighting often leaves lower plant levels in shadow, leading to uneven growth and wasted energy. Enter under canopy grow lights—innovative LEDs designed to deliver targeted spectrum beneath the foliage. Benefits include:
- Increased Yields: Up to 30% more harvest by enhancing photosynthesis in shaded areas.
- Energy Savings: Cut electricity bills by 40-60% with high-efficacy grow lights (minimum 2.86 µmol/J).
- Sustainability: Align with state goals for carbon-neutral farming by 2045.
- Rebate Eligibility: Many under canopy grow lights qualify for utility incentives, reducing payback periods to under two years.
Commercial growers face high operational costs, with lighting consuming 30-50% of energy. Rebates for grow lights address this, encouraging upgrades that comply with regulations like the California Energy Commission’s standards. In 2025, trends show a focus on controls-integrated grow lights, with bonuses for networked systems.
PG&E Grow Light Rebates: Power Your Under Canopy Upgrades in 2025
PG&E, serving northern and central California, offers robust incentives through its Agriculture Energy Savings Action Plan (AESAP). As of mid-2025, grow light rebates are available for commercial indoor horticulture, including greenhouses and vertical farms.
Rebate Details:
Rebates range from $39 to $79 per fixture for installations after August 30, 2024. Amounts vary by project type (e.g., new construction vs. replacements). Funding is limited and not guaranteed until approved.
Eligibility for Under Canopy Grow Lights:
While not explicitly detailed, grow lights meeting DLC Horticultural Qualified Product List standards qualify if used in eligible setups. Efficacy must be at least 2.86 µmol/J. Projects require an active PG&E meter and focus on energy savings in commercial grows.
Application Process:
Submit the Grow Lighting Rebate Intake Form with details on fixtures, crop types, grow architecture, and timelines. AESAP provides free technical assistance. Approval involves field verification.
In regions like the Central Valley, growers have secured thousands in rebates for under canopy grow lights, improving efficiency and yields.
SCE Grow Light Incentives: Maximize Savings on Horticultural Lighting
Southern California Edison (SCE) targets agricultural businesses with incentives for efficient grow lights, emphasizing LED transitions in cultivation facilities.
Rebate Details:
Incentives vary by lighting type, crop, and savings, potentially covering up to 100% of costs. Examples include substantial rebates for LED systems in single- or multi-tier grows.
The Future of Grow Light Rebates in California
Looking ahead, 2025 trends emphasize controls and bonuses, with rebates evolving to support innovative grow lights. Act now to secure funding before it’s gone.
By leveraging these grow light rebates, California commercial growers can achieve sustainable, profitable operations. Contact us today to start saving on under canopy grow lights.