33% Yield Increase with a LED Lighting & HVAC Upgrade
Colorado has led the charge in legal cannabis since 2012, setting the stage for one of the most dynamic and competitive markets in the country. As an early pioneer, the state quickly became a hub for cutting-edge cultivation techniques, top-tier talent, and premium cannabis products.
33%
Yield Increase
$924K
in Rebates
$10k/Mo.
Energy Saved
Project Summary
Despite the challenges of a maturing industry, Colorado’s cannabis market has consistently exceeded $1.5 billion in annual sales, a testament to its resilience and innovation.
Bonsai Cultivation was founded in 2015 by a team of industry veterans from The Clinic, one of Colorado’s most respected operators. Their vision was simple but powerful: happy people grow happy plants. By prioritizing their team’s well-being, Bonsai cultivated an environment where exceptional plant care, operational excellence, and business success go hand in hand.
Now, nearly a decade later, Bonsai has solidified its place as one of Colorado’s most respected cultivation brands. Bonsai is laser-focused on consistency, quality, and reliability, supplying top-tier flower to retailers across the state.
Navigating an Evolving Industry with Aging Infrastructure
After nearly a decade in operation, Bonsai’s facility was no longer optimized for peak efficiency. Their eight-year-old Gavita DE HPS lighting system was severely underlit, leading to declining yields and inconsistent crop performance.
Meanwhile, rising energy costs and an aging climate control system pushed margins thinner in an already saturated market.
To stay competitive, Bonsai needed a cost-effective solution to modernize its infrastructure, maximize efficiency, and increase yields, without large capital expenditures.
The challenge: How do you implement large-scale improvements with tight margins and limited budgets?
Engineering for a Profitable and Efficient Grow
When VES first assessed Bonsai’s facility, it was clear the cultivators were excellent, but their environment was holding them back. Aging Gavita DE HPS lights were producing 700 PPFD, far below the optimal range, limiting plant growth and consistency. Meanwhile, rising energy costs and unstable humidity levels were reducing efficiency and crop quality, causing waste.
VES developed a targeted corrective action plan to increase light levels, stabilize climate conditions, and minimize costs without overextending Bonsai’s budget. The solution: replace over 900 outdated HPS fixtures with Fluence RAPTR and Fohse F1V LEDs, increasing light intensity by 60% while improving uniformity. To further optimize plant health, nine Quest 335s and eight Anden 710s were installed, ensuring full VPD control.
By securing $924,000 in rebates through Xcel Energy, VES made it possible for Bonsai to modernize its facility without financial strain, future-proofing its operation for long-term success.
Bigger Yields, Lower Costs, Stronger Future
Bonsai saw immediate improvements. With the lighting and climate upgrades working in tandem, yield increased 33%, allowing for full control over VPD, resulting in denser flower, improved cannabinoid content, and greater product consistency.
With energy costs dropping by $10,000 per month and production costs reduced by $100 per pound, the investment paid for itself in one harvest cycle. Customers quickly noticed the difference, commenting on the improved bud density and overall flower quality.
Bonsai continues to thrive with a more efficient, profitable, and future-proofed operation.
Customer Testimonials
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