Over several years there has been a strong debate between LED grow light vs HPS grow light. However, the arguments between the two have become less apparent with the new advancements made with LED grow light technology. They are becoming more powerful, still extremely efficient than standard HPS or MH grow lights, and, believe it or not, are producing massive yields in the flowering stages of plants. Continue on as we discuss the basics of indoor grow lights and how you can utilize both grow light systems towards your benefit.

LED Grow Light

A grow light is an artificial light source, used to stimulate plant growth by emitting an electromagnetic ray of light (or spectrum) that helps the process of photosynthesis in plants. Photosynthesis is a process by which the plants convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy that can be used to fuel the organism.

Some growers use both LED and HPS grow lights together to combine the added benefits from both light sources.Some growers use both LED and HPS grow lights together to combine the added benefits from both light sources.
What’s an HPS Grow Light?

High-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps contain additional elements such as mercury, and produce a dark pink glow when first struck, and an intense pinkish orange light when warmed. HPS Lamps are favored by indoor gardeners for traditional growing because of the wide color-temperature spectrum produced and the relatively efficient cost of running the lights. Not only that, but it has been the standard grow light with impressive years for decades.

hps grow light

HPS lights produce red visible light as well as small portions of all other visible light. They are used for the reproductive or flowering phase of the growth. If high-pressure sodium lights are used for the vegetative phase, plants will usually grow taller more quickly which doesn’t benefit smaller grow areas. High-pressure sodium lights enhance the fruiting and flowering process in plants. We have a more in-depth article on the HPS light that explains more on the topic of this popular grow light setup.

So Why Use LED Grow Light?

We mentioned about the future of LED Grow Light before and feel that there still isn’t enough credit due to the technology behind it. Many experienced growers mumble and grumble about the prospects of LEDs used for indoor gardening because they believe the product is not as powerful than HID grow lights. There was reason to believe that 5 years ago, however times are changing and many growers has stepped up and utilized LED grow light to their benefit. We’ll discuss further in a later article on how advances in LED grow light technology is not from the factory but from growers.

In the indoor gardening area, LED grow light systems are becoming popular and becoming the preferred choice by more hobbyist and commercial gardeners. We listed 4 main reasons why LEDs are making a big impact:

1. Saving energy is one of the most important things for anyone who is using grow light. LED Grow lights are preferred because they consume less electricity than HPS lights. According to market research, LED lights consume 90 percent less power than HPS grow lights. You have less load on your amperage and electric breakers at home because LED grow lights enhance the energy efficiency of your indoor garden.

2. In comparison to HPS lights, LED lights have a longer bulb life. With time, HPS bulbs may become dimmer and lose efficiency. Even the actual operating cost over the lifetime of a HPS bulb increases with usage. On the other hand, LED bulbs offer a bit more power during the end of its life.

3. When it comes to HPS lights they emanate more heat than LED lights, which often possess integrated heat sinks. Heat emanated from HPS lights requires ventilation which may cause additional costs. Whereas in case of LED lights, the heat released is less than half than that of its counterpart, HPS.

LED lights need less electricity to operate than that required by HPS lights. This helps you reduce a major part of your indoor gardening expenses.

A comparison of LED and HPS lights clearly shows that LED bulb is the winner in a lot of factors. It saves you lot of operating expenses due to built in heat sinks. It also promises more energy efficiency than a HPS bulb. As they don’t lose efficiency quickly, they will only help you increase your savings over time.