Compare LED vs HPS Lighting

Growing with LED lighting offers a world of possibilities, and thanks to rapid innovations, there are countless options available. However, this can also make it confusing due to the abundance of information you encounter. In this article, we will clarify the basics of LED vs. HPS lighting and their impact on the growing process.

LED vs. HPS – Which technology is best?

If you’ve ever looked into grow lighting, you’ve probably come across terms like HPS (High Pressure Sodium). HPS lighting has been used in indoor growing for years, but with the advent of LED technology, the choice has become simpler. Compared to HPS, LED is much more efficient, lasts longer, and requires less maintenance. As a result, LED is becoming more and more popular among growers.

HPS lights were originally developed for industrial applications such as street lighting and are therefore not optimized for indoor growing. The result is high energy consumption and significant heat production. LED lights, on the other hand, can achieve the same results as HPS lights with less energy, lower temperatures, and a longer lifespan – making LED the winner on all fronts.

LED (Light Emitting Diode)

An LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp produces light with minimal energy consumption. LEDs work by sending an electrical current through a microchip, which causes the light to emit without generating much heat. This efficiency means that LEDs can do their job without wasting much energy on heat, which in turn benefits the lifespan of the lamp and the climate in the grow room.

An LED has an average lifespan of around 50,000 burning hours, or more than five years with daily use. Unlike HPS lamps, which need to be replaced regularly, LEDs last a long time without losing intensity. This makes LEDs a sustainable and cost-effective choice for the long term.

HPS (High Pressure Sodium)

HPS lamps work with high-pressure gas such as xenon, mercury and sodium, which lights up by means of an electrical charge. This process produces heat and requires additional cooling to keep the indoor climate stable, which also contributes to higher power consumption.

In practice, this means that growers using HPS lamps usually need additional ventilation and cooling systems to regulate the growing climate. In addition, an HPS lamp has a shorter lifespan and the lamps need to be replaced regularly, which increases maintenance costs.

Advantages of LED over HPS

1. Efficient energy consumption – LED lighting provides the same light output as HPS, but uses significantly less power, resulting in lower energy costs.
2. Lower heat generation – LEDs produce less heat, often eliminating the need for additional cooling and reducing the risk of overheating.
3. Long life – LED bulbs last longer and retain their light intensity better, meaning they need to be replaced less often.
4. Safer and Easy to Use – LEDs contain no harmful substances and provide a stable and safe growing environment, without the risk of breakage.

LED as the Future of Indoor Growing

LED lighting has made great strides in growing applications in recent years, and its benefits of low energy, long life, and reduced maintenance make it the ideal solution for hobby growers and professionals alike. With LED, you can create a stable and efficient environment that provides optimal results without the complications of traditional lighting.

Conclusion
LED has proven to be the optimal choice for grow lighting due to its benefits of efficiency, durability, and safety. While HPS lighting was once the standard, LED now has a clear advantage due to its lower long-term costs and consistent performance. For both beginners and experienced growers, LED is the future.

Please note: The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice.