LED grow lights are quickly gaining popularity among beginners and experienced growers alike. The technology offers plenty of benefits in terms of energy efficiency, durability and yield. In this article we cover everything you need to know about LED grow lights: how they work, why they're an excellent choice for indoor growing and what to look for when buying one. We also answer common questions and share handy tips to get the most out of your grow light.
Browse the LED grow lights at GrowDealz and find the light that suits your grow space best.
What are LED grow lights?
LED grow lights are designed to give indoor plants the light they need to grow and flower. LED stands for "light-emitting diode", a technology that converts electricity directly into light. By selecting the wavelengths of the LEDs, these lights deliver exactly the spectrum plants use for photosynthesis, which supports strong, healthy growth.
One example is full-spectrum LED grow lights with multiple light bars, which deliver the complete spectrum for optimal plant growth.
Benefits of LED grow lights
LED grow lights have plenty of advantages over traditional grow lights such as HPS and MH lamps. These are the most important ones:
1. Energy efficiency
LED grow lights use considerably less energy than traditional grow lights. They convert electricity more efficiently into light that plants can actually use, and less into heat. That means lower energy bills without compromising on the quality of your harvest.
The Platinum Quantumboard LED 120W is an energy-efficient option that's ideal for smaller grow spaces.
2. Long lifespan
LEDs last longer than other lamps: an LED grow light can reach around 50,000 burning hours. You'll replace your lights far less often, which is not only convenient but also saves money in the long run.
The Platinum King LED PRO 1000W is known for its sturdy build and long lifespan.
3. Less heat
Unlike HPS lamps, which give off a lot of heat, LEDs produce relatively little. That makes it easier to keep temperatures under control and greatly reduces the risk of your plants overheating.
The Platinum King LED ECO 720W is designed with efficient cooling to keep heat output down.
4. Full spectrum
Full-spectrum LED grow lights are suitable for both the vegetative and flowering stages. You can use the same light throughout the whole grow cycle, with no need to swap lamps.
The Fortis BYD LED 720W Full Spectrum delivers a full spectrum that suits every growth stage.
What to look for when buying LED grow lights
There are several things to weigh up when buying an LED grow light. These are the most important:
1. Wattage and power consumption
Wattage matters, but it doesn't tell the whole story about a grow light's performance. Look mainly at the PPF and PPFD values (Photosynthetic Photon Flux and Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density) and the efficiency in µmol/J. They show how much usable light (PAR light) the fixture delivers for plant growth.
The Platinum Quantumboard LED 240W offers an excellent balance between power use and light output.
2. Light spectrum
Full-spectrum LED grow lights support your plants through every growth stage. A good grow light has a broad spectrum with both blue light for veg and red light for flower.
Check out our full-spectrum LED grow lights for fixtures that handle both veg and flower.
3. Size and coverage
Depending on the size of your grow room or tent, choose a light that gives enough coverage. Larger spaces need multiple lights or fixtures with a wider footprint. Our article on the right wattage for each grow tent size tells you exactly what you need.
The Platinum King LED ECO 720W offers wide coverage and suits medium to large grow spaces.
4. Cooling
LED grow lights give off less heat than HPS lamps, but the LEDs and driver still get warm. That's why they have a cooling system, usually passive via aluminium heat sinks. Keep this in mind when buying: good cooling keeps the LEDs cool, extends their lifespan and keeps the light performing well in summer too.
Multi-bar fixtures have a large cooling surface, so they shed heat effectively.
LED grow lights FAQ
How much power does an LED grow light use?
LED grow lights are a lot more efficient than traditional lamps. A modern LED of around 400–480 watts can replace a 600-watt HPS lamp, delivering a comparable amount of usable light at a much lower consumption.
Can I use LED grow lights for all types of plants?
Yes, LED grow lights suit almost every kind of plant, from herbs and vegetables to flowers and houseplants. With a full-spectrum light (or one with an adjustable spectrum) you can use LEDs throughout every growth stage.
How long do LED grow lights last?
Quality LED grow lights last up to around 50,000 burning hours. That means many years of use, even when you run them every day.
Conclusion
LED grow lights are an excellent choice if you want to grow sustainably and efficiently. Thanks to their efficiency, long lifespan and full spectrum, they're ideal for small and large grows alike. On top of that, you get more control over the light spectrum and a lower energy bill.
