Choosing LED Grow Lights

In the realm of indoor gardening, LED lights have firmly established themselves as the top choice for growers. They’ve shifted from being the future to the present standard. However, with numerous options available, selecting the right LED grow light can be a daunting task. Every grower’s needs are unique, and finding the perfect match requires careful consideration. Before making a decision, it’s essential to ask yourself several key questions to ensure you choose a light that aligns with your specific requirements and goals. From understanding the needs of your plants to considering factors like budget, space, and energy usage, this guide will walk you through the essential considerations for selecting the ideal LED grow light for your indoor garden.

Why LED Grow Lights Outshine HPS?

LEDs have emerged as the optimal choice for indoor growing operations for several reasons. Firstly, LEDs offer significantly greater energy efficiency, resulting in larger yields with the same wattage. This is made possible by their higher light intensity. Additionally, LEDs emit light in specific wavelengths tailored to plants’ needs, resulting in higher-quality yields. More advanced LED grow lights, such as the SMART 880 fixture or the Berry 265 vertical farming light from NOKOTECH, offer functions to select a specific spectrum for each growth stage. Moreover, unlike HPS lights, which generate substantial heat, LEDs produce less heat, reducing the need for additional cooling systems and minimizing the risk of heat damage to plants. Furthermore, quality LED lights maintain peak performance for extended periods and boast a longer lifespan.

What is the full-spectrum light?

Full spectrum light spans the entire range of wavelengths essential for plant growth, also called PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation). This encompasses visible light, as well as segments of ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) light. Each color within this spectrum holds a pivotal role in plant development: blue light, spanning 400 to 500 nanometers, fosters vegetative growth by bolstering sturdy stems and vibrant foliage. Although less utilized, green light aids overall plant development and is vital for photosynthesis. Red light found between 600 to 700 nanometers, is indispensable for flowering and fruiting stages, spurring chlorophyll production and carbohydrate synthesis. Furthermore, far-red light, surpassing 700 nanometers, regulates light cycle responses, impacting flowering and dormancy. By offering a harmonious blend of these wavelengths, full-spectrum lights optimize plant growth, ensuring robust development from seedling to harvest in indoor growing environments.

Premium LED grow light fixtures now offer the flexibility of incorporating UV and IR bars for enhanced versatility. UV (Ultraviolet) and IR (Infrared) light also wield significant influence on plant growth under full-spectrum illumination. UV light, especially UVB (280-315 nanometers) and UVA (315-400 nanometers), spur the production of compounds like flavonoids and anthocyanins, fortifying the plant’s defense mechanisms against pests and diseases. Moreover, UV light can impact plant morphology and elevate essential oil production, contributing to flavor and aroma in select herbs and crops. Conversely, IR light, notably near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths (700-1100 nanometers), aids photosynthesis by penetrating deeper into plant tissues, stimulating growth, and augmenting overall plant metabolism. Together, UV and IR light bolster the health, resilience, and productivity of indoor-grown plants under full-spectrum lighting..

Before investing in LED grow lights for your indoor cultivation endeavors, it’s imperative to weigh various factors: power, size/shape, brand, and other pertinent specifications.

How much power of LED grow light do I need?

Choosing the right power for LED grow lights hinges on various factors: plant type, growing area size, and desired results. Typically, higher-powered lights cover larger areas; for instance, 600-700W lights efficiently illuminate spaces of 1.2×1.2m, while 1000W LEDs cover 1.5×1.5m. Smaller setups, like a 90×90 cm grow tent, may suffice with 100W to 300W lights, suitable for herbs, small vegetables, or ornamentals with lower light demands.

However, light-hungry plants like fruits or cannabis may require 500W to 1000W LEDs for adequate intensity and coverage. Increased power often translates to higher yields, given proper environmental conditions. Yet, each plant type has its PPFD limits under normal circumstances, usually not requiring CO2 supplementation. In many cases, a 600W-700W fixture with PPF around 1500 umol/s can deliver maximum yields without CO2.

Do LED grow lights exceeding 700W, like 800W or 1000W, necessitate additional equipment like CO2 generators? Not necessarily. Many lights offer dimming options, allowing growers to adjust wattage levels. Dimming or increasing distance reduces PPFD levels, offering flexibility. For instance, a dimmed 1000W light emits less heat than a full-powered 600W, extending the LED chip lifespan. Alternatively, dimming while increasing distance may maintain similar PPFD levels to a 600W light, with expanded coverage and airflow. A powerful fixture offers versatility for potential CO2 integration and other operational upgrades in the future.

The PPF meter serves as a valuable tool for measuring PPF levels at various points over your canopy. With this information, you can adjust both height and dimming levels to ensure the plant receives optimal PPF levels. Given that PPFD maps are approximations, they may not precisely reflect conditions in your personal growing area. Therefore, using a PPF meter provides accurate measurements tailored to your specific environment.

Lastly, consider the facility’s electricity capabilities and associated costs.

What size/shape light to choose?

In today’s market, LED grow lights come in various shapes and sizes. Selecting the right one largely hinges on the dimensions of your growing area. If you’re using a tent, it’s essential to ensure that the light’s dimensions align with those of the tent. Ideally, the light should cover the entire area designated for your growing operations, maximizing efficiency and ensuring all plants receive sufficient light. Moreover, consider the height of your growing space and the light’s coverage area to prevent shadows or uneven light distribution, which could affect plant growth.

Before making a purchase, it’s crucial to review the manufacturer’s PPFD maps. These provide valuable insights into the Photosynthetic Photon Flux (PPF) your plants will receive at various points and heights within the light’s coverage area. This ensures you choose a light that offers the optimal light intensity tailored to your plant’s growth needs. Additionally, when using a powerful fixture such as an 800W or even 1000W and adjusting dimming options and height from the plants, a PPF meter becomes indispensable, as mentioned before.

 What is Efficacy (PPE), and Why is it Important?

Understanding efficacy (PPE), or Photosynthetic Photon Efficacy, is crucial, especially when considering the cost of fixtures. PPE measures a grow light’s efficiency in converting electrical energy into usable light for plant photosynthesis. It calculates as the ratio between the fixture’s total wattage and the total PPF it produces.

For example, if a fixture is rated at 1000W and produces a total of 2700 umol/s of PPF, the PPE is calculated as follows: 2700/1000 = 2.7 umol/j.

While PPE values are increasing due to advancements in LED chip and driver technology, higher PPE doesn’t necessarily guarantee better yields. Fixtures with the highest PPE on the market may produce larger harvests at the same wattage, but the difference in yield often doesn’t justify the significant price difference. For example, in 2024, opting for fixtures with PPE levels between 2.7 and 2.9, which offer more budget-friendly prices (compared to 3.1 or 3.2) while still delivering excellent results, is often a wiser choice.

It’s crucial to be cautious when encountering LED grow lights claiming very high PPE values but are significantly cheaper than others. These fixtures may use low-quality LED chips that degrade quickly, leading to poor long-term results. When considering purchasing an extremely overpriced fixture with a very high PPE (3.0 and higher), at least ensure that it features reputable LED chip brands, such as Osram, Samsung, San’an, or Seoul, to avoid sacrificing quality for cost savings.

 Choosing a Brand

Almost all of LED grow lights are manufactured in China. Brands that claim their lights are made elsewhere, such as Europe, typically only assemble them, with critical components like the LED driver and chips sourced from Asia. Despite marketing claims, no LED grow light manufacturer produces their LED chips. Thus, “made in China” lights can vary in quality, depending on the brand and price. While the lower prices of lights directly from Chinese companies may seem attractive, there are potential pitfalls to consider. Firstly, the end price may significantly increase due to customs taxes and expensive shipping fees. Secondly, these lights often use cheap components, compromising performance and longevity. Thirdly, obtaining warranty service may be challenging compared to local brands. Dealing with warranty issues from overseas companies can be cumbersome and time-consuming. Therefore, while initial cost savings may seem appealing, the risks and potential complications of purchasing LED grow lights directly from Chinese companies should not be overlooked.

Each brand has its strategy for reaching its target customers. Some produce low-quality LED lights at the lowest possible price, attracting customers who prioritize price over quality and longevity, potentially leading to poor yields. It is advisable to avoid such brands, as low quality can result in various problems, including fire hazards, especially with high-wattage fixtures.

For those prioritizing quality, it’s crucial to choose reputable brands that offer reliability, warranty, and high-quality customer support. While it’s easy to find such brands, the challenge lies in avoiding overpaying for high-quality products. Always check the specifications and compare them with similar ones from other brands. Beware of brands that do not disclose the type of LED chips they use, as this may indicate the use of cheaper LEDs, resulting in overpaying for inferior quality.

At NOKOTECH, we position ourselves as a company delivering high-quality products at reasonable prices. We believe there’s no need to overpay for high-spec LED grow lights, and we always strive to maintain this ethos.

When You need answers Now, try looking below…

Are LED grow lights worth it?

For several reasons, LED grow lights are generally considered worth the investment for indoor gardening and plant cultivation.

• They are highly energy-efficient, producing more light per watt of electricity consumed than traditional lighting sources. This means larger yields with less wattage compared to HPS lights.
• Additionally, LED lights have a longer lifespan and require less frequent replacement, reducing maintenance costs.
• They also emit less heat, allowing for better temperature control in grow spaces and reducing the risk of plant heat damage.
• Furthermore, LED grow lights can be tailored to emit specific wavelengths of light optimized for plant growth, potentially leading to better produce yields and quality.

While the upfront cost of LED grow lights may be higher than other lighting options, their long-term benefits often make them a worthwhile investment for serious indoor gardeners and commercial growers.

Do LED grow lights use a lot of electricity?

LED grow lights are available in various wattages. While a 1000W LED grow light may consume the same power as 1000 HPS lights, LED lights boast much higher efficacy compared to HPS. Consequently, the yield from a 1000W LED light significantly surpasses that of equivalent wattage HPS lights. This suggests that achieving comparable results to a 1000W HPS setup can be accomplished with a lower wattage LED light, such as a 700-800W model, thereby saving electricity without compromising on performance.

Do LED grow lights produce heat?

Yes, LED grow lights do produce some heat, but they generate considerably less heat compared to traditional lighting sources such as incandescent or high-pressure sodium (HPS) lights. LEDs are more energy-efficient because they convert a higher percentage of electrical energy into light rather than heat.

However, some heat is still generated by the LED chips and the electronic components within the light fixture, especially when the fixture operates at full power. LED bars can heat up to 40-70 degrees Celsius, and during the summer months, this heat can become a significant factor in the grow room. The only viable option (without using AC) is to dim the light, reducing it to around 60-70 percent of its full capacity. However, if you have a 600W LED light, dimming it to such levels can result in significantly lower yields. A better choice would be to invest in a more powerful light, such as an 800-100W. When dimmed to similar levels, it maintains the same light intensity as a 600W LED running at full capacity, but with minimal heat output and extended longevity.

Do LED grow lights emit the same wavelengths of radiation as the sun?

No, LED grow lights are designed to be more efficient and do not emit the parts of light that are not usable for photosynthesis. The sun emits a broad spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, including both short-wave and long-wave radiation ranging from 280nm to 2800nm. The portion of light usable for photosynthesis is known as PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation), which falls between 400 and 700nm.

It was until recent research has provided strong evidence that UV and Far-red light play a significant role in plant development and photosynthesis. Consequently, the range of photosynthetically usable short-wave radiation now extends to longer waves from 300 to 800nm.

What's the difference between PAR, PPF, and PPFD?

PAR, or Photosynthetically Active Radiation, refers to the total energy of watts per meter squared (w/m2) within the range of wavelengths typically used by plants for photosynthesis, which is generally considered to be between 400 to 700 nanometers (nm).

However, recent research has indeed shown that plants can utilize light outside of this traditional range. UV light, for example, has been found to have some benefits for plant growth and development, such as influencing the production of secondary metabolites and defense mechanisms. Additionally, far-red light has been shown to play a role in various aspects of plant growth, including germination, stem elongation, and flowering.

As a result, the range of PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) can now be extended from 300 to 800nm. It’s essential to note that while these wavelengths contribute to plant growth, their effects may vary depending on factors such as intensity, duration, and the specific needs of different plant species.

PPF, or Photosynthetic Photon Flux, is a more precise measurement for PAR than w/m2, as it considers only photons emitted within the specific range of usable short-wave radiation and is calculated in micromoles per second (μmol/s). It represents the total number of photons emitted by the light source.

PPFD, or Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density, measures the amount of photons actually reaching a specific area and is calculated in micromoles per meter squared per second (μmol/m2*s).

You may come across a newly refined term, PFD, online. It encompasses a broader spectrum, including UV and far-red light, which recent studies suggest are highly beneficial for plant development. This term spans the range of short-wave radiation to 300 – 800nm, offering a more comprehensive understanding of light’s impact on plants.

What is the best full spectrum to use?

There isn’t a definitive “best” spectrum; it varies based on the grower’s needs. LED grow light manufacturers strive to provide a balanced full-spectrum, but ratios between colours like blue and red may differ. Some brands allow growers to customize these ratios for each growth stage. Understanding the impact of each colour on plants is crucial before selecting an LED grow light.

Blue photons do indeed play a significant role in plant growth. It is associated with vegetative growth and is important for controlling plant height and leaf development. Blue light typically inhibits elongation of stems and leaves, resulting in more compact and bushy plants. However, it’s not solely responsible for inhibiting cell expansion.

Green photons do aid human vision and can be helpful in diagnosing plant health issues, it also plays a role in photosynthesis, although it’s not as efficiently absorbed by plants as red and blue light. Green light can penetrate deeper into the plant canopy.

Red photons are crucial drivers for photosynthesis, particularly for flowering and fruiting stages. It’s absorbed by chlorophyll and other pigments in plants to fuel photosynthesis (surpassing blue light by over 15%).

Far-red photons promote cell expansion, opposing the effects of blue light and promoting plant height. Unlike blue and red light, far-red light penetrates deeper into leaves. Recent studies suggest that far-red light enhances photosynthesis, especially when integrated into a full spectrum, showcasing the Emerson effect.

The Emerson effect is a phenomenon in photosynthesis discovered by the scientist Robert Emerson in the 1950s. It describes the enhancement of photosynthesis when two different wavelengths of light are absorbed simultaneously by a photosynthetic system. Specifically, when light of a longer wavelength (such as far-red light) is absorbed in addition to light of a shorter wavelength (such as red or blue light), there is an increase in the rate of photosynthesis compared to when either wavelength is absorbed alone. This effect demonstrates the cooperative interaction between different pigments in the photosynthetic process, leading to greater efficiency in converting light energy into chemical energy.

Combining all these lights in varying ratios results in a balanced full-spectrum light output that supports both vegetative and flowering growth. There is no definitive answer regarding the best ratios, but LED grow lights that allow adjustment throughout all growth stages offer the most precise control to provide a balanced spectrum tailored for each stage. However, such lights typically come at a higher price point due to the need for additional drivers and other components.

Are undercanopy lights useful?

Undercanopy lights supplement illumination in areas where standard lighting struggles to reach fully. This boosts photosynthesis, resulting in increased yield quantity and improved quality in the lower sections of the plants. 

It is a mistake to believe that low-wattage lights, such as propagation lights, suffice as undercanopy fixtures. Achieving substantial yields requires higher wattage, especially for fruits and cannabis. Typically, these lights range from 120 to 180 watts per meter-long strip. For optimal results in an area up to 1.5×1.5m, two of these strips are needed to make a noticeable difference in yield.

How much does it cost to run a 1000W LED grow light in the UK?

The average price of electricity in the UK is 28p per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Let’s consider a scenario where you’re using a 1000W LED light for growing plants. During the vegetative stage, from clones to the switch to flowering, most plants need around 6 weeks. If the light is kept at least 150cm away from the plants (which is sufficient at this stage), it should be dimmed to 25% and run for 18 hours per day.

In this case, the cost for the 6-week (42 days) vegetative stage will be calculated as:
((18×0.25 kW) × 42 days) × 0.28 = £52.92

After switching to the flowering stage, the light will run at 100% for 12 hours per day for approximately 9 weeks (63 days). The cost for the flowering stage will be:
((12×1 kW) × 63) × 0.28 = £211.68

So, in total, running the 1000W LED grow light for the full growth cycle of around 15 weeks will cost you £264.60.

Are LED grow lights bad for your eyes?

LED grow lights emit powerful light that can potentially harm the eyes. Additionally, spending extended periods in a grow room illuminated by LED grow lights may cause dizziness and disrupt sleep quality. It’s strongly advised to wear specialized glasses and dim the lights to lower levels when working in such environments.

Does the efficacy (PPE) of LED grow light impact yield quality?

If the LED lights have equal or similar total PPF (photosynthetic photon flux) output, then the efficacy difference only affects power consumption. This means running lights with lower efficacy will slightly increase electricity bills. This difference becomes significant when operating facilities with hundreds of lights.

What impacts yield quality?

Of course, it’s largely influenced by the grower’s abilities and knowledge of the growing conditions needed to fully exploit the potential of high-quality LED grow lights. From the light’s perspective, yield quality is determined by the spectrum of the light, which is critical for the plant’s growth and development.