LED's seem very costly. I understand they use less in electricity, but money aside, LED vs standard HPS lights, does anybody have experience with both lights and know the difference in efficiency? Which leads to another question, I know Metal Halide lights are preferable during vegetation but what would the difference be when using a HPS light instead? I've noticed a more woody texture to my stalks under the HPS.
The advantages for using LED is less in elctricity like you said, you usually dont have to worry about the heat from the light and you dont have to worry about changing bulbs, LED's last a long time
I have a new grow under LED's and I can tell you: 1. An equivalent LED will probably not decrease your electric consumption. I went from a 600w to an "800w" LED and it draws the same amount of power. (the 800w puts out about the same amount of light) 2. The LED will give better uniform light over the entire canopy, so that is a big plus. (no "hot spot" like an HID has) My LED assembly needed to be vented as without it my temps went up to over 100 deg F. Also, the weight required me to replace the "yo yo's" as they could not handle it.
Led lights still Are not there yet like he said the 800 w which is 2000 bucks is still only as strong as 600 hid which is only 200 to 250 the total yield will not be as great Ether for now they are a supplemental light IMO
I disagree. LED's work. If I didn't think so, I would not have converted my rig over. As for the price, they are expensive, but do a cost effective comparison over a 5 year life. Also, your $250 price does not include a reflector. A 600w LUMATEK ballast is about $175, bulbs(2) about another $125, and a reflector (a good one) is about $150 for a total of around $350. Replacing both bulbs once a year = total cost over 5 years of $850. I am not quoting yield from the LED's but I was getting about 18 oz's from my 600w HID. Expect LED prices to drop over the next couple of years also. (I got my CLW LED for half price on a promotion) Calif. Lightworks started a forum just about led growing and results. Check it out. http://www.ledgrowlightforum.com/california-lightworks-f22.html
You are correct led prices will drop and the tech will get better that's what I'm waiting for the concept is perfect one light that will last 80,000 hours did you get the solar storm 800w I went to my loc store and had a look at them I'm just not convinced yet I'm very interested to see what your totals will be
You and me both, although I am not gonna make any decision until I grow at least two or three crops. I haven't got rid of my 600w HID yet. I am convinced LED's are the way to go, (but I have been wrong before). I did suggest: 1. CLW get rid of fans and put 6" duct connectors on the fixture (for venting). 2. Shed the weight! Stick all electronics in a remote "ballast like" box.
LEDs are the way of the future I was brought up on hid and soon all will change and "we fear change" Wayne's world quote but for now ill just read results and wait till prices fall I like the California lights and there made in America that's something you don't see every day my 600 is perfect for me only 8 flower at a time and I'm DWC bubble tubs