With the rapid advancement of LED technology, a growing number of cannabis cultivators are transitioning to indoor growing setups. LED lights provide a multitude of benefits compared to traditional indoor lighting options like HID (High-Intensity Discharge) lights. Notably, LEDs boast a longer lifespan and significantly lower energy consumption, making them an affordable choice for both novice and experienced growers.
Let's take a look at different types of cannabis growing lights and the advantages of LED lights.
Types of cannabis growing lights
There are three different types of Cannabis growing lights called:
HID or High Intensity Discharge lights
CFL or Compact Fluorescent lights
LED or Light Emitting Diode lights
Even though hid lights offer the right number of lumens to grow Cannabis but they are quite expensive and may not be a suitable option for beginners. CFL lights are a great alternative of HID lights but they do not work properly for the flowering phase.
This is where LED light comes to the rescue as they are affordable and equally effective for the vegetative and flowering phase.
Benefits of using LED lights
LED light offer numerous benefits and some of them are the following.
Affordability
Compared to the costly HID setups, LED lights are much more affordable. This is especially beneficial for small-scale farmers aiming to grow a limited number of cannabis plants. For less than $200, you can easily install a set of LED lights, making it an economical choice for beginners and small operations.
Energy Saving
LED lights are the most environmentally friendly option, significantly reducing your energy bills. While HID lights are effective, they consume a lot of electricity, leading to high costs. High electricity bills can also attract unwanted attention from landlords or authorities, even in areas where marijuana is legal. LED lights, on the other hand, save energy, keeping your costs low and reducing the risk of drawing attention.
Durability
LED lights outlast both CFL and HID lights by a substantial margin. While other types of lights typically last around 20,000 hours, LED lights can last up to 100,000 hours—five times longer. This longevity makes LED lights a one-time investment that pays off over the long term, reducing the need for frequent replacements and maintenance.
Reduced water usage
HID lights generate a significant amount of heat due to their high energy consumption, which raises the temperature of the growing area. This increase in temperature causes plants to require more water. Since cannabis plants already have a high water demand, using HID lights can further escalate water consumption. In contrast, LED lights produce minimal heat, maintaining a stable temperature and thereby reducing the plants' water needs.
