LED vs. HPS Grow Lights: What do you need to know?

If you want to grow plants indoors, you need good lamps. The two most popular types are LED and HPS. But which one suits you best? Here's a quick comparison.

What are LED Grow Lights?

LED lights are the newer, energy efficient lights that are starting to take over in indoor growing. They are good for you and your plants because:

• They use little power (so you save a LOT! on your energy bill).
• They have a long service life.
• They do not get hot, so less risk of burnt plants.
• They are more fireproof than conventional grow lights.
• Many LED lights give you the option to adjust the light for different growth/flowering stages.

Disadvantages of LED Grow Lights:

• Purchase price: LED lamps are often more expensive to purchase than HPS lamps.
• Intensity: Many LED lamps do not have the same light intensity as HPS lamps. Because of this, you need to make sure you choose an LED grow light that suits your grow space, which compensates for this difference. Choosing an LED grow light that is too bright can result in a lower yield.
• Market Variety : There are many different makes and models, which can make it difficult to make the right choice.
• Technology : Being a relatively new technology, there are still many developments going on, which means that newer and better models are coming out regularly.

And what are HPS Grow Lights?

HPS lamps have been on the market for some time and have a warm, yellow light. They are popular because:

• They give off a lot of light, which is good for plant growth.
• They have proven themselves over the years.
• Starting price is often lower, but they use much more power.

Disadvantages of HPS Grow Lights:

• Energy consumption : HPS lamps consume (much) more power than LED lamps, which leads to higher energy bills.
• Heat : They produce a lot of heat, which can lead to an increased risk of plant burns and may require additional cooling, which is detrimental to your grow. Even if you don't grow weed/cannabis, chances are you'll get a visit from the police if there isn't snow on your part of the roof in the winter if it has snowed. A waste of your and their time. So keep this in mind.
• Lifespan : HPS lamps have a significantly shorter lifespan than LED lamps.
• Maintenance : They require regular lamp replacement to provide and maintain optimum light intensity.
• Safety : Electronics .. things often go wrong here. For HPS grow lighting you need much more than a fitting into which you screw a lamp. For example, it needs a ballast, which consists of an arsenal of electronic components. When the ballast gets too hot, there is a risk of fire.

Conclusion: Which is better?

Both lamps have their advantages. LED lamps are more economical and last longer, while HPS lamps are powerful and often cheaper to purchase. It really depends on what you're looking for and what your budget is. Consider the pros and cons and choose the lamp that best suits your situation!