When choosing an LED grow light, you should consider several factors. These factors include wattage, lenses, energy efficiency, and illuminance. Keep in mind that LED lights are generally less expensive than incandescent or fluorescent lights. You can expect a bulb to last ten years and not consume as much electricity. You should also consider how much space you have for your LED grow light and your budget. By following these tips, you’ll be able to choose an LED grow light that meets your needs.
Energy efficiency
There are a few factors that you should consider when choosing an LED grow light. The first is PPFD. PPFD stands for photon flux density, and it indicates the amount of light that can be absorbed by plants. In most cases, plants need approximately 400 to 700nm for photosynthesis. A plant’s leaf needs about two inches of distance from the light fixture to prevent burning, discoloration, bleaching, or stunted growth. LED grow lights are compatible with light controls that adjust the intensity and avoid overheating.
Lenses
When choosing an LED grow light, there are a few factors to consider. Optical density, or OD, is a measurement of how much light can be transmitted by a lens. An OD of six means 0.000001% of light can pass through the lens. The higher the OD, the more light is blocked. High-quality safety glasses should have an ANSI Z87 rating. The color spectrum of LEDs can be distorted, making it difficult to see plant details.
Wattage
When purchasing a LED grow light, you need to keep in mind that the wattage and lumens of each LED light will vary. The more lumens a light produces, the higher its wattage. Although wattage and lumens may seem like the most important factors, you should know that these two metrics are not directly related. Oftentimes, manufacturers use the equivalent wattage to differentiate between LEDs and HPS grow lights.
Illuminance
The PAR or photon flux density (PPFD) of an LED grow light is the amount of PAR produced per square meter of space. While this is a critical metric to consider, it’s not the only metric to consider. Other metrics, such as PAR/PPF ratio, are equally important. These metrics reflect how well the light nurtures photosynthesis in plants. To make your selection based on PAR/PPFD ratio, check the manufacturer’s website.
Plant growth stages
There are a few tips to follow to choose the right LED grow light for a plant’s stage of growth. First, keep the distance between the lights and the plant canopy at a reasonable distance. The plants may suffer from overexposure to light, so keep this in mind when choosing an LED grow light. Another tip to keep in mind is to hang the LED lights at an appropriate height. Keep in mind that the higher the light is, the longer the plant will be exposed to it.
Durability
When choosing an LED grow light, durability is a major factor. LEDs are extremely durable compared to other types of grow lights, lasting up to 10 years with normal use. Look for a 10 year warranty, if possible. Also, make sure the LED grow light is manufactured by a company that uses the highest quality materials. LEDs require good thermal conductivity and well-thought-out design solutions to keep their light at a consistent temperature.
