Disclosed is a photo controller, a photo controller assembly, and a process for controlling non-unity power factor devices. The photo controller includes a housing and a circuit board positioned within the housing. The circuit board includes a photosensor, an electronic controller, and a thyristor secured to the circuit board. The electronic controller is configured to produce a series of trigger pulses for activating the thyristor; wherein the thyristor is configured to control power switching of a non-unity power factor lamp.