Throughout the years, numerous individuals the horticulture industry chose to use high-intensity discharge lighting, referred to as HIDs. These kinds of lamps were a major improvement when compared to the less efficient incandescent lights. The next type of light to take the market by storm was the LED grow light. LEDs were used on children’s toys, as well as at social gatherings such as parties or receptions. In recent years, such lights have found additional uses in the daily lives of many people, including unusual uses such as indoor hydroponics. Those who grow vegetables can use the same kind of lights that are featured on their children’s toys. Of course, the new variations of LEDs use a wattage that is a bit different than the wattage used in toys, and in addition, they work more efficiently than those used in older models. The advances in LED technology over the past decade has lead to a surge in the popularity LEDs for the aforementioned purposes such as the growing of indoor plants.
Being Energy Efficient
The LED grow light emits certain wavelengths that coincide well with the process of photosynthesis. Plants primarily respond to blue, red and orange in the light spectrum. Yellow and green are not absorbed. Unlike traditional lights, LEDs eliminate the unneeded hues, focusing only on those that are useful in photosynthesis. 95% of the LED light is absorbed by plants, making them highly efficient for this purpose. In addition, LED lights can last up to eleven years as opposed to the 2 year life span of HID lights.
Heat Issues
Heat is also a primary consideration with HIDs as well as with incandescent lights which is a concern to those using such lights on vegetable crops. Fluorescent grow lights and LED grow lights what are referred to as “cool” lights. This is due to the fact that they essentially have no heat signature, and it is for this reason they are cheaper and more energy efficient, making them more attractive option for most consumers. This is especially true for those who are purchasing such lights for the purpose of indoor hydroponics. However, there is one area where the LED outshines it’s fluorescent counterpart.
Grow Light Accessories
The need for less accessories makes LEDs a great option as they as they function properly in the absence of many of the accessories needed by HIDs. This results in the maintenance costs of LEDs being 40% to 75% less than the maintenance costs associated with HIDs. It is for this reason such lights are a wise investment.