The grow light electricity effectiveness is a major factor in selecting the grow light and the final profit. The chosen grow light has to provide maximum output with minimal electricity consumption. These types of grow lights are said to be the most efficient. Grow lights are used in indoor grow systems using hydroponics systems. For each growth stage, the suitable lights are different. When using different types of grow lights in a single cycle will make it difficult to track the overall electricity effectiveness. Here we will see how each type of grow light performs in comparison with each other and how to calculate the electricity consumed by the grow lights.
Grow Lights output in comparison
The light output is the total brightness from a light when it is at its best. Each type of grow light supplies different values of light output. HPS lights are considered to be providing the highest output. In order to obtain the same value, other grow lights may be needed in more quantity. For a single 400W HID grow light more number of smaller quantity lamps may be required by other grow lights. But the electricity consumption when compared might be lesser in the case of non-HID lights as there is lesser need for additional accessories like the ballast, reflector, cooling system etc.
Which grow light is the most electricity efficient?
LED grow lights and the fluorescent lamps are the most energy efficient. They consume less power and can provide higher output which is almost equal to the HID lights. The modern day fluorescent and LED lamps have become more efficient and can provide high light output. These lights do not need ballast and other accessories that take up more electricity in addition. These lights do not emit much heat energy so the use of a cooling system is also avoided.
Electricity consumption and the light period
The electricity is used for as long as the lights are on. The usage also depends on the type of plant growing and their light requirements. Some plants need lengthier light and others will need it in moderate duration. The life span of the light comes into play at this time. For longer running light periods, the efficiency of the grow light is reduced after a while, faster than those used for lesser time. In which case the grow lights will draw more electricity and may not provide enough light output. Here the grow light electricity effectiveness is reduced but the electricity bill may soar.
How to calculate the electricity cost for a grow light system
To calculate the total electricity cost, divide the wattage output of the value light by 1000 and then multiply that value with the cost applied by the power provider for per watt. The resultant value will be the operating cost per hour. This value when multiplied by the total number of hours used in a month gives the total usage cost for the month.
(Wattage output / 1000) X Electric cost per kilowatt per hour = Usage cost per month
Usage cost per hour X number of hours used per month = Usage cost per month.
How to increase the electricity effectiveness
- In order to increase the electricity effectiveness and the light efficiency, switch on the light at the same time every day.
- Provide at least 8 hours of dark period for the plants.