{"id":256,"date":"2022-08-08T10:26:24","date_gmt":"2022-08-08T10:26:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ledask.com\/?p=256"},"modified":"2022-08-30T02:56:55","modified_gmt":"2022-08-30T02:56:55","slug":"led-grow-light-vs-hps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ledask.com\/led-grow-light-vs-hps\/","title":{"rendered":"LED Grow Light vs. HPS: Which Lighting Application is Better?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

About LED grow light vs. HPS, Are you an experienced indoor grower? Or are you new to the indoor growing hobby? Chances are you’re aware of the raging battle about which grow light is more effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grow lights are like indoor suns that help facilitate plant growth. Interestingly, there are two options: light emitting diode<\/a> or HPS grow lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, which one is excellent for high yields, healthy flowers, plant shape, and energy efficiency? Read on to find out. Plus, we’ll show you when you can use these grow lights.<\/p>\n\n\n

What are LED Grow Lights?<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"LED<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

LED Grow Lights<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

LED growth lights use specialized LEDs to assist the photosynthesis<\/a> process and help plants grow, even without sunlight. Unlike regular lights, LEDs don’t need gas to emit light. And they last longer than HPS lamps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, there’s a low chance of having burnt-out LEDs because they lack filaments<\/a>. In addition, LED growth lights are energy-efficient and can stand the test of time.<\/p>\n\n\n

What is HPS Lighting<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"HPS<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

HPS Lighting<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

HPS (High-Pressure Sodium) lights belong to the high-intensity discharge (HID) lights family. And it generates light intensity from the yellow to red parts of the visible spectrum in large quantities. Hence, these lights are quite popular among farmers. For instance, a 400W HPS bulb can cover at least 15 square feet, and a 1000W covers a 7×7 feet growing area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, HPS lights stimulate plant growth by using the electromagnetic spectrum that controls photosynthesis. Also, HPS grow lights create environments similar to outdoor conditions, especially in color and temperature. And it helps to prevent plant over-growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though HPS growth lighting has some tough competition, it still stands strong as an excellent indoor farming lighting option. Plus, you can get double-ended technology with HPS, which lasts longer and is more effective than the single LED grow light.<\/p>\n\n\n

LED Grow Light vs. HPS Grow Lights<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"Plants<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Plants under Grow Lights<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

HPS and LED grow lights are fantastic options for an indoor garden, but let’s find out which offers more benefits. Here are a few comparisons:<\/p>\n\n\n

LED vs. HPS Yield Comparison<\/h3>\n\n\n
\"Plant<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Plant Yield<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many believe that yield depends on the grower’s knowledge and abilities, not the kind of artificial light used. But the truth is the type of light the plants receive plays a significant role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The minimum yield rate for the HPS industry is approximately 0.5(half a gram) per watt. In other words, 1000W HPS fixtures would produce up to 500g or over a pound per harvest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LED technology can produce orchids at 1.55lbs per plant, an estimated 695 grams, and an average of 1.16 grams per watt. However, the minimum yield rate for the light-emitting diode is one gram per watt. Hence, LED growth lights<\/a> have a higher yield rate.<\/p>\n\n\n

LED vs. HPS: Energy Efficiency<\/h3>\n\n\n

LEDs don’t need a lot of energy to generate the same light intensity you get with HPS lights. Plus, LEDs save over 40% energy when used as grow lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contrarily, HPS needs more energy to generate high-intensity lights. Furthermore, LED fixtures are also eco-friendly, thanks to their impressive energy efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n

LED vs. HPS: Temperature<\/h3>\n\n\n

LEDs don’t produce as much heat as HPS bulbs. The radiant heat of LEDs caps at around 11%, while HID generates as much as 55% radiant heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, there are situations where you’d want your lights to produce enough heat, especially if your plants flourish at greater leaf surface temperatures. In this case, HPS is your go-to.<\/p>\n\n\n

LED vs. HPS: Easy to Use and Customize<\/h3>\n\n\n

You’ll need several pieces of equipment if you want to enjoy HPS lighting, making it more complex to use. And there are limited options for customization as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, LEDs don’t require extra equipment and are easy to use. Also, it’s easy to customize LEDs to meet specific plant requirements. And you can target the diodes to a particular wavelength on the lighting spectrum. Hence, you’ll have more red or blue diodes.<\/p>\n\n\n

LED vs. HPS: Cost Comparison<\/h3>\n\n\n

LEDs have a higher upfront cost than HPS lights. Although HPS lamps are not expensive, their heat generation features may require extra ventilation. Hence, you’ll need other equipment like HVAC systems<\/a>, lamp hoods, ventilation, or separate bulbs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

All these factors contribute to increasing the overall cost of HPS lighting. And this lighting consumes a lot of energy, increasing maintenance costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although LED growth lights are more expensive, they offer overall cost savings. And they use considerable energy, making them cheaper to maintain in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n

LED vs. HPS: Durability and Duration<\/h3>\n\n\n

LEDs have impressive durability and an extended lifespan. They usually last about 50,000 hours and may survive for more than ten years (depending on how long each light stays on daily). On the other hand, HPS lasts for an average of 16,000 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, LEDs maintain their brightness throughout their period of operation. HPS is more susceptible to dimming and will need replacements over time.<\/p>\n\n\n

LED vs. HPS: Light Penetration<\/h3>\n\n\n

For light penetration, older versions of HPS seem to have better performance. However, newer versions of LEDs can either match or surpass them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LEDs can generate more light, but HIDs produce more steady, quality light with better canopy<\/a> penetration. In other words, HPS light can go below plant canopies and reach the lowest stems and leaves for better growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since LEDs generate low heat, you can take them closer to your plants to compensate for the lower light penetration.<\/p>\n\n\n

Pros and Cons<\/h2>\n\n\n
\"Indoor<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Indoor Growing<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

LED Grow Lights <\/h3>\n\n

Pros<\/h4>\n\n\n