LED Vs. HID

Benefits of Led Grow Lights compared to HID (High Pressure Sodium or Metal Halide)

LED Grow Lights have been steadily increasing market share in the Grow Light sector. Growers are starting to appreciate the advantages of LED lighting as the price/performance ratio continues to improve. There are many benefits to using LED lighting in horticultural applications. The list below provides a general description of the benefits. (Of course, the benefits will vary depending on your specific application.)

Energy Efficiency: Typically LED grow lights can replace HID grow lights that consume twice as much power. The 50% direct energy savings is one of the major reasons that growers are switching to LED. In some cases, additional savings come from reduced AC usage as well.

Example:

(Based on 4,000 hours year, $ 0.10 per KwH)

Spectrum: LED grow lights have spectrums that provide the energy that plants need. By providing blue and red light, the light is efficiently absorbed by the plants to power the Chlorophyll reactions. Many grow lights also include additional colors, full spectrum white or broad spectrum LED for complete and healthy plant growth.

Longevity: LED grow lights are designed to operate for 50,000 hours. Since the output of the LED remains relatively consistent during their life, it saves money. In the first 10,000 hours of operation, HID lamps can lose 10% to 30% of their output.

Heat Output: LED lights put out significantly less heat than HID lights. For new installations this can result in a cleaner layout and reduce capital for HVAC systems and Electrical service as well.

Flexibility: Because of the lower heat output, LED lighting can give more options for layout and positioning. SimuLight has a wide variety of LED grow lights which help tailor the Controls: LED Grow Light controls range from simple on/off switches, dimming or fully programmable, controls. Programs allow the grower to vary the spectrum and intensity to match the needs of the plant through all stages of development.

Cycling: LED lights tolerate cycling on and off much better than HID lights. In supplemental lighting applications and photoperiodic lighting, this can save a lot of maintenance and replacement expense.