Wednesday, February 25, 2009

An LED investment pays back over time

By Kenny Powers

When you are ready to make the commitment to indoor growing, an investment in Led grow lights and LED growing systems gives back over time. Granted, the initial costs are considerable compared to traditional HPS lighting systems, but the advantages are well worth the investment if your commitment is serious enough.

Keep in mind that LED lights last 10 times longer than HPS lighting systems. Most fluorescent lights need to be replaced continually every season or two, depending on how often you run them. Even after a year of use, a traditional HPS light only has 90 percent of its original power. LED lights perform optimally for up to 20 years, which make that initial investment worthwhile as you'll only have to do it once.

There are also considerable savings in electricity with LED lights. LED is 85 more efficient than traditional fluorescent lights, and all it takes is as little as 14-watts to sufficiently light a 1.5 square foot area. The lights take as much energy as a small household appliance and are virtually undetectable.

That's good news for the environment. As gardeners, global warming is something we should be concerned about, and the usage of LED technology is one way we can do our part. Using hardly any energy means a minimal use of fossil fuels, so you can grow a healthy food supply without taxing the environment.

Since LEDs contain no mercury, they don't release poisons into the environment. Traditional HPS lights can poison water supplies if not disposed of properly. LED technology poses no such risk.

LEDs also produce low heat, which is good news for the health of your plants. Traditional lighting systems can dry out and tax plants if placed too close. LEDs can be place near the plants with no damage as the heat that's produced is minimal.

The potential risks of fire that fluorescents pose make LEDs a more safer option. HPS lights require heavy ballasts and can be difficult to mount, and electrical installation may require professional help. LED lights are installed simply, as easy as hanging the light and plugging it in.

It's only a question of investment. Are your indoor gardening needs worth the $60 to $500 investment? If you have a simple operation, HPS bulbs might suffice much more cheaply. If you plan on using the lights for several years, however, LED may be the more cost effective route, as they won't need replaced and will use a minimal amount of electricity. Do your indoor growing needs warrant the starting costs of LED technology? - 15266

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