What is an HPS grow light?
An HPS (High Pressure Sodium) grow light is a powerful gas-discharge lamp that has been used for years for professional and hobbyist plant cultivation. HPS stands for High Pressure Sodium and is known for its high light intensity and warm light spectrum with plenty of yellow, orange, and red light. Especially during the flowering phase, this spectrum aligns well with the light requirements of many plants.
An HPS lamp works in combination with a suitable ballast or electronic ballast (e-ballast). In addition, a reflector is usually used to efficiently distribute the light over the growing area. You can choose individual HPS lamps or a complete HPS grow kit in which the most important components are matched to one another.
Which HPS grow light do you need?
The correct wattage depends primarily on the growing area, the desired light intensity, and the available height and ventilation. In our assortment, you will find HPS grow lighting from 250W to 1000W.
250W HPS grow lights
A 250W HPS lamp is suitable for smaller growing areas and situations where more limited heat development is desired. Due to the lower wattage, this version is easier to use in compact grow spaces.
400W HPS grow lights
A 400W HPS lamp offers a good middle ground between light output, energy consumption, and heat development. Within this power class, we offer HPS lamps from Philips and OSRAM, among others, as well as versions with an integrated reflector.
600W HPS grow lights
600W is a frequently used power class for HPS grow lighting. The high light intensity makes these lamps suitable for larger growing areas and light-intensive crops. In addition to individual lamps, you will also find complete 600W HPS grow kits with reflector and electronic ballast in our range.
1000W HPS grow lighting
For larger areas and applications where a very high light intensity is desired, there are professional 1000W HPS systems. Due to the high wattage, sufficient space, ventilation, and temperature control are extra important here.
Different types of HPS grow lights
Not every HPS lamp is the same. There are differences in spectrum, light output, construction, and the way in which the light is distributed.
OSRAM Plantastar and Philips Green Power
OSRAM Plantastar and Philips Green Power have been developed for use in horticulture. These HPS lamps combine high light output with reliable performance and a spectrum that is tuned to plant cultivation. In our assortment, you will find various wattages and versions.
HPS lamps with internal reflector
In addition to conventional HPS lamps, we offer models with an integrated reflector. Here, the light is directed within the lamp itself, resulting in a different light distribution than that of a standard HPS lamp in combination with an external reflector.
Complete HPS grow kits
With a complete HPS grow kit, you do not have to assemble the lamp, reflector, and ballast separately. With a dimmable electronic ballast, the power can also be adjusted to the desired light intensity and conditions in the grow room.
Advantages of HPS grow lights
HPS is a proven form of grow lighting that can still be interesting when high light intensity and relatively low purchase costs are important.
High light intensity
HPS lamps deliver a lot of light from a single powerful light source. Especially 400W, 600W, and 1000W systems can therefore be used for larger areas and light-intensive crops.
Proven technology
HPS has been applied for decades in professional horticulture. The technology is reliable, widely available, and there is a great deal of practical experience with various wattages and applications.
Suitable for growth and flowering
HPS is primarily known for its warm spectrum with relatively high amounts of yellow, orange, and red light and is therefore widely used during the flowering phase. Special horticultural lamps can offer a broader spectrum, allowing them to also be used during other phases of cultivation.
Relatively low purchase costs
An HPS installation is generally cheaper to purchase than a high-end LED installation. On the other hand, modern LED grow lights are more energy-efficient and produce significantly less excess heat.
HPS or LED grow light?
The choice between HPS and LED depends on your budget, grow space, and application. Modern LED grow lights generally achieve a higher efficiency in µmol/J. As a result, less electricity is needed for the same amount of usable plant light, and less excess heat is created.
The advantages of HPS include a relatively low entry threshold for purchase, high light intensity, and proven technology. Furthermore, the heat from an HPS lamp can be partially useful in a cold grow space, while in warm conditions, it makes extra ventilation or cooling necessary.
Check out our LED grow lightswhen energy efficiency, lower heat production, and modern light technology are your most important priorities.
What should you look for when buying an HPS grow light?
Wattage and growing area
Choose the wattage based on the surface area to be illuminated, the light requirements of the plants, and the available height. A lamp that is too powerful causes unnecessary energy consumption and heat, while a lamp that is too weak may not provide enough light.
Ballast or control gear
An HPS lamp requires a suitable ballast. With some models, electronic ballasts offer the possibility to adjust the power. Always check whether the ballast is suitable for the type and wattage of the HPS lamp.
Reflector and light distribution
A reflector helps to distribute the light over the crop. The shape and dimensions influence the illuminated area and the light intensity. Some HPS lamps have an integrated reflector and therefore require a different setup.
Heat and ventilation
HPS produces a relatively large amount of heat. Therefore, ensure sufficient distance between the lamp and the crop and good air circulation. As the wattage increases, temperature control becomes more important.
Spectrum and light maintenance
Not every HPS lamp has the same spectrum. Special horticultural lamps may have a different spectral composition than standard HPS lighting. Also, keep in mind that the light output gradually decreases during use, even when the lamp is still functioning.
Frequently asked questions about HPS grow lights
What does HPS mean?
HPS stands for High Pressure Sodium. It is a type of gas-discharge lamp that is widely used as grow lighting and in professional horticulture.
Which HPS lamp do I need?
That depends on the growing area, the desired light intensity, available height, and ventilation. For smaller areas, 250W may be suitable, while 400W and 600W provide more light for larger areas. 1000W systems are primarily intended for large and light-intensive applications.
Do I need a ballast for an HPS lamp?
Yes. An HPS lamp requires a suitable ballast or electronic ballast. Always use a ballast that is suitable for the type and wattage of the lamp.
How high should an HPS lamp hang above the plants?
The correct hanging height depends on the wattage, the reflector, air circulation, temperature, and the light requirements of the crop. A 600W or 1000W HPS lamp generally requires more distance due to the higher light intensity and heat than a 250W lamp.
Is HPS better than LED?
That depends on the application. LED is generally more energy-efficient and produces less excess heat. HPS, on the other hand, offers high light intensity, proven technology, and a relatively low purchase price.
Help with choosing an HPS grow light
Are you in doubt between 250W, 400W, 600W, or 1000W, or do you not know which lamp, ballast, and reflector you can combine? Please feel free to contact us. We are happy to help you choose HPS grow lighting that fits your growing area, plants, and application.
📞 Call: +31 (0)58-2890653
📧 Email: info@kweekverlichting.nl
