Cultivation Lighting

HID Lighting

High-intensity discharge lamps (HID lamps) are a type of electrical gas-discharge lamp which produces light by means of an electric arc. High-pressure sodium (HPS) is the most popular, the soft orange glow is ubiquitous in the industry, and their installation cost is relatively low. These fixtures produce light by conducting electricity through a tube filled with sodium gas. Other names for HPS lighting include high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting or arc lights.

Since the creation of HPS lights in the early 20th century, they’ve enjoyed widespread popularity. Sodium-burning bulbs have been common features in public buildings and spaces for some time, with outdoor lighting (such as street lamps) making prolific use of the technology. The bulbs are more efficient than traditional incandescent options and they often last longer.

However, popularity doesn’t always equate to functionality. Though HPS lights burn brightly, that power comes with drawbacks. Some of their negative aspects include:

• High heat production is a direct result of their operation. This may necessitate expensive ventilation reworking to prevent excessive heat in your cultivation spaces.
• Older technologies tend to be less efficient; HPS is no exception. The high yields they produce are often accompanied by equally high energy consumption and electric bills.
• Over time, HPS lights will start to burn out. This means that you’ll have to replace them often to maintain the same yields; often, you’ll need to change them out once a year.
• Unlike LED lights, HPS fixtures often need to be given some time to “heat up”. Depending on which you use, it may take anywhere from five to ten minutes to properly start.

LED Lighting

Light-emitting diode (LED) lighting is an emerging technology in the cultivation industry. You’ve likely seen LED lighting elsewhere. They’re common fixtures on a wide array of products—from toys, remotes, and televisions to streetlights and industrial equipment. The versatility of LEDs is bolstered by low energy use and outstanding longevity. Both of these qualities have clear advantages.

Because LED lights consume far less energy than their HPS counterparts, they run much cooler. In terms of placement and logistics, this means that you can place them closer to the plants you’re growing. This is a fantastic benefit to smaller growers, where space constraints may make it difficult or impossible to install an HPS layout. (If you’re in a colder climate, however, it should be noted that you may need to supplement your lights with a heat source, such as HID.)

In terms of longevity and lifespan, LED setups are (once again) the clear winners. While they may be more expensive to set up, their lower maintenance costs will quickly pay for the price difference. A standard HPS light will run for about 10,000 hours; that’s a little over a year. In comparison, an LED setup will last around 50,000 hours or almost 6 years!

Some other benefits of LED lighting include:

• Unlike HPS lights, LED options are focused. The light will only be directed where you want it to be, meaning you waste less energy.
• LED lights lack the chemicals used in HPS bulbs, particularly mercury. If you drop and break an LED bulb, you don’t have to worry about moving away from it.
• The color and intensity of LED lighting can be programmed to fit your needs. Vulcan Construction Group produces LED solutions that can even be controlled remotely.