As commercial cannabis enterprises begin implementing newer and better technologies in their cultivation operations, using commercial grow lights has triggered a lengthy and heated debate in the cannabis cultivation industry. Answering the question of LED vs HPS varies on the grower, the grow, and the medium. Delve into the debate with Solaris Farms.

When LED grow lights were first on the market, their cost was between five and ten times as much as their fluorescent and HID alternatives. Fortunately, LED technology has developed at lightning speed, and greenhouse grow lights are now considered by many as the best way, dollar for dollar, to light a successful grow with consistent yields. Nevertheless, HPS lighting has been used for decades in the cannabis industry and are a staple for most commercial cannabis greenhouses and grows for a number of reasons.
Benefits of using HPS lighting in commercial grow:
They cost less than LEDs, at least initially
HPS lighting technology is well-documented, widely-standardized, and predictable
HPS lights are easier to work with when growing to scale
HPS cannabis grow lights are effective at producing “photosynthetically active radiation” (PAR), which is simply the amount of light that’s usable to cannabis plants
Benefits of LED grow lights
Current powerful led grow light rival the production of HPS lights that use nearly two times the wattage.
LED grow light units generally come as all-in-one fixtures that are easier to work with in smaller spaces. Because of their lower-temperatures, hydroponics led grow lights can also be placed closer to cannabis plants without risking heath damage.
LED grow lights temperatures also make it easier for growers to maintain ideal heat levels, especially in extreme or desert climates.
Negatives of LED grow lights
LED grow lights still cost more upfront than comparable HID options on the market. Nevertheless, data has shown that the long-term savings in energy and operational costs may mitigate this.
LED grow lights aren’t standardized between manufacturers, making it difficult to compare and contrast bulbs or lighting systems.
While the limited heat produced by LED grow lights is considered by many an advantage, growing cannabis with LED’s in cold, indoor areas may require that the grower supplement heat with an HID light.
Why choose between LED and HPS lights?
As LED lighting technology continues to develop, the longterm savings of incorporating LEDs into the grow process have become impossible to ignore. In fact, according to some reports, using a combination of LED and HPS lighting can not only increase your yields, it can also significantly decrease your energy use by as much as 80%.