Light-emitting diodes (or “LEDs”) are the future in modern, environmentally-efficient, and productive horticulture operations. LEDs offer several superior qualities over traditional high-pressure sodium (or “HPS”) lamps, including increased photon efficacy operating and installation cost savings, increased yields, ability to achieve higher PPFD , and more control over the lighting spectrum that is not possible with HPS lamps.
LED Grow Lights vs. HPS Grow Lights: Effect on Plants
HPS lamps emit around 80% of their energy as radiated heat, reaching surface temperatures of 750 degrees. The excess heat harms plants in several ways, including:
- Stunted plants
- Drying of the medium
- Root mass loss
- Wispy flowers
- Crop failure
HPS Grow Light higher temperatures also more quickly evaporate nutrients and degrade oils – even stripping them from the tops of flowers and fruits. The effects of that excess heat can be mitigated by adding in nutrients and water and installing robust HVAC systems. However, these additional support systems create more potential points of failure. Conversely, LED Grow Lights operate at much lower heat values than HPS lamps. Due to their increased efficacy, LEDs emit between 30% and 50% less heat. This means less heat in the grow room. Additionally, heat from an LED fixture is conducted away from the LED, so the heat that is generated is not radiated at the plant. These cooler temperatures save on HVAC costs, while the reduction in radiated heat, saves costs by saving water and additive nutrients. This can also result in healthier root balls that increase yield and don’t affect oil production, improving taste and smell and terpene production. Also, as discussed in greater detail below, LED Grow Lights more precisely target the broad wavelength of light that improves plant growth.
States are Phasing Out HPS Grow Lights
In 2007, President Bush signed the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) to improve energy efficiency across the country. Based on that law, several states enacted phaseouts of various lamps. States across the country are beginning to include HPS Grow Lights in their efficiency targets and are looking to phase them out. Massachusetts was the first state to restrict the amount of power that can be utilized per sq.-ft. of canopy, effectively targeting HPS Lights. California and other states are adding their own restrictions. Each of these restrictions or bans is different, but the collective effect results in less-friendly HPS lamp regulation.
Re-Imagining the Light Spectrum with LED
LED grow lights can more precisely recreate any color on the spectrum enabling scientific study into the effects of particular light wavelengths on plants. Seven colors compose visible light. Modern LEDs can emit the entire spectrum, which allows for targeted lighting at specific points in the growth cycle of the plant - from seedling, to cloning to vegetative to flowering – improving the quality and quantity of plants. Indeed, TSRgrow LED Lighting solutions is pioneering LED systems in horticulture, enabling companies to precisely calibrate their light and power and environment.
Lighting as a Platform (LaaP)
TSRgrow is leading the industry with its Lighting as a Platform™ (LaaP). LaaP integrates data analytics, LED Lights, and real-time command and control systems, enabling companies to optimize growth factors. Featuring remote power servers, state-of-the-art LED lighting fixtures and integrated monitoring and control, LaaP empowers companies by collecting and analyzing growth data which assists growers in optimizing their operations. LaaP is environmentally friendly, reduces costs, and increases quality and yield. To learn more about how LaaP can help you grow better, contact TSRgrow today.
