If you’re looking to optimize your cultivation in 2024, consider transitioning from HPS (high-pressure sodium) to LED grow lights. The field of grow light technology is advancing rapidly, and while HPS bulbs were once the go-to choice for indoor cultivation, they have fallen behind in comparison to LEDs.
The initial investment needed for LED lighting has dramatically dropped during the last few years. Additionally, growers have become increasingly aware of the energy-saving benefits that LEDs offer. In the past, some indoor gardeners had reservations about LED lighting due to their experiences with outdated LEDs. However, even seasoned growers are now opting to transition from HPS setups to more advanced LED options, as the compelling arguments in favor of LEDs continue to grow stronger.
Let’s take a look at the reasons to transition from HPS to LED grow lights.
Longer Lifespan
When considering a long-term grow plan, the lifespan of a grow light is crucial. Typically, HPS lights have an average lifespan of around 10,000 hours, while FL grow lights last approximately 8,000 hours. Consequently, you need to change these light bulbs every two years or perhaps earlier. In contrast, LED grow lights far surpass the lifespan of the aforementioned options. They can operate for up to 50,000 or even 100,000 hours, allowing you to utilize them for 5 to 10 years before requiring replacement.
Save Energy Costs
LED grow lights are widely famous for their excellent energy efficiency. By transitioning to LEDs, you can anticipate saving at least 50% on your lighting-related energy expenses.
Moreover, the advantages of LEDs extend beyond energy efficiency. Compared with HPS lamps, LED lights emit minimal heat. As a result, when you make the switch from HPS to LED lights, you significantly reduce the need for supplemental cooling and ventilation in your cultivation setup. The less heat output of LED lights also mean reduced evaporation. This dual benefit not only reduces your energy consumption but also enables your plants to thrive with less irrigation.
Enhanced Spectrum
HPS lighting has been favored for its spectrum rich in yellow and red light, which is beneficial for initiating flowering in plants. However, this spectrum is also a limitation of HPS bulbs as they lack a sufficient range of spectrum, particularly blue light, which is crucial for vegetative growth. To compensate for this deficiency, many growers have resorted to using additional bulbs like metal halide during the vegetative stage, adding complexity and maintenance costs to their setup.
In contrast, LED grow lights offer a much wider spectrum of light. Since LED lights consist of numerous smaller diodes, manufacturers can manipulate the spectrum they emit. This flexibility has allowed LED producers to create lights that closely mimic the full spectrum of sunlight, resulting in increased yields. With LED grow lights, growers no longer need to swap bulbs or rely on supplemental lighting during different stages of growth, simplifying the cultivation process and reducing maintenance expenses.
Dimming for Increased Control
LEDs offer superior dimming capabilities compared with HPS lights. While HPS lights can be dimmed by adjusting their controlling ballasts, their efficiency drops significantly when dimmed. And their dimmability range is limited, usually less than 50%. This lack of dimmability poses challenges for HPS systems when providing accurate supplementary light in greenhouses. Moreover, separate dimming wires would need to be installed for each fixture.
On the other hand, LED lights generally come with dimmable drivers/ballasts that have built-in dimming features. The ability to dim LEDs allows growers to use them as a supplementary light in greenhouses at minimal cost and to apply lighting profiles such as sunrise/sunset to the cultivation process. The advanced dimming functions of LED grow lights enable growers to reduce light intensity, replicating the changing sun conditions throughout the year. This not only saves energy but also creates more favorable and customizable growing conditions.
Operate at a Low Temperature
HPS bulbs can reach surface temperatures of up to 750 degrees, and if not carefully controlled with costly equipment, they can cause various issues such as stunted plant growth, weak flowers, and rapid drying of the growing medium. These problems can result in root damage, nutrient imbalances, and even complete crop failure.
In contrast, LED grow lights operate at cooler temperatures, eliminating the need for additional temperature control equipment apart from internal circulation fans. The cooler light temperatures create a more manageable grow environment where plants can flourish. Moreover, cooler temperatures help conserve water and reduce the evaporation of expensive nutrients that typically occurs in high-temperature settings. The cooler root zones promote the development of larger and healthier root systems, leading to higher yields. Furthermore, lower temperatures have no adverse effects on oil production in plants, unlike the high temperatures produced by HPS lighting, which can degrade and even strip oils from fruits and flowers. Preserving the natural oils in plants enhances the flavor and aroma of the harvested fruits and flowers.
Better Yields
By utilizing LED grow lights, you have the opportunity to enhance the quality of your plant yield without necessarily increasing the light intensity. LED grow lights typically offer a full light spectrum, allowing your plants to receive the precise lighting they require at every stage of growth. Moreover, when equipped with a variable controller for the spectrum, you can reap the benefits of enhanced flavors and potency.
Easy to Setup
LED lights offer convenient features such as built-in drivers and plug-and-play operations. Unlike HPS grow lights, there is no need to handle ballasts and bulbs. Simply hang the LED grow lights, plug them in, and your crops can begin to bask in their artificial sunshine. Even if you decide to incorporate an external controller, it can be easily integrated into the setup.
Due to the lower heat emissions of LED grow lights, you can confidently hang them in smaller grow tents without concerns. Many LED grow lights can hang at clearances as low as 12 inches, offering a tight and space-efficient solution. Moreover, LEDs have an impressive lifespan, eliminating the need for frequent replacements. Even if the need arises to replace them, the operation is quite straightforward.
Switch to LED Grow Lights At MokoLight
Are you considering a switch from HPS to LED lights? We suggest exploring the MokoLight LED grow lights line. Our LED lights offer a full spectrum that caters to the needs of your plant, and they can be customized to suit various grow environments such as indoor, vertical, or greenhouse setups. We provide a diverse range of adaptable fixtures that can be easily adjusted to meet your specific requirements. Additionally, our lights are powered by remote ballasts, allowing for flexible positioning based on the layout of your facility. If you have any inquiries or need assistance regarding LED lighting, our team is eager to help. Contact us here, and we will respond promptly to provide the support you need.
