The Top Five Benefits of Switching to LED Grow Lights

Historically, high-pressure sodium (HPS) grow lights have been the industry standard for cannabis cultivation, but as technology has advanced, LED grow lights have emerged as a more efficient and effective option. 

Cannabis cultivation is a complex process that requires careful attention to detail in order to produce high-quality, potent plants. One of the most important aspects of cultivation is lighting, as plants rely on light for photosynthesis and growth. 

Here are our top 5 benefits of switching from traditional HPS grow lights to modern LED grow lights:

1. Cut Your Energy Bills In Half

First and foremost, LED grow lights are significantly more energy efficient than HPS grow lights. HPS lights require a lot of energy to operate, and as a result, they can be incredibly expensive to run. LED grow lights, on the other hand, are much more energy efficient, using up to 50% less energy than HPS lights. This means that switching to LED lights can significantly reduce energy costs for cannabis cultivators, which can have a major impact on their bottom line.

2. Cooler Grow Rooms

In addition to being more energy efficient, LED grow lights also produce less heat than HPS lights. This may not seem like a big deal, but when it comes to indoor cultivation, managing temperature and humidity levels is essential to the success of a crop. HPS lights can produce a lot of heat, which can be difficult to manage and can even damage plants if not properly controlled. LED lights, on the other hand, produce very little heat, which makes it easier to control temperature and humidity levels in the cultivation facility. This can lead to healthier plants and a higher yield.

3. Customize Your Grows

Another major advantage of LED grow lights is that they can be customized to meet the specific needs of the plants being cultivated. Different strains of cannabis have different light requirements, and LED grow lights can be adjusted to provide the optimal spectrum of light for each strain. You can also dial in custom settings to optimize growth at every stage of vegetation. For example, the powerful Gavita 2400e is dimmable down to 10% for maximum control. This can result in healthier plants, a higher yield, and a better end product. HPS lights, on the other hand, provide a fixed spectrum of light that cannot be customized.

4. They Last 4x Longer

LED grow lights also have a longer lifespan than HPS grow lights. HPS lights typically last for around 24,000 hours, while LED lights can last up to 100,000 hours. This means that switching to LED lights can significantly reduce maintenance costs for cannabis cultivators, as they will need to replace their lights less frequently.

5. Energy Rebates Can Offset Purchase Costs 

As more and more cannabis cultivators switch from traditional high-pressure sodium (HPS) grow lights to energy-efficient LED grow lights, it is important to be aware of the various rebates available to offset the cost of upgrading. 

Purchases of new LED grow lights can qualify for thousands of dollars in energy rebates from the federal government, state governments, local governments and local utility companies. 

Greenlight Distribution team can help you find every rebate for which you qualify. Contact us first before purchasing lights. Some rebates can even top off at 100% of the purchase price.

Fill out our Rebate Estimate Form for a free no-obligation estimate

Federal Energy Rebates for LED Grow Lights
The federal government offers energy rebates through the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) provides rebates for energy-efficient equipment, including LED grow lights. The EPA also provides rebates for energy-efficient equipment through their Energy Star program.

The federal government’s energy rebates for LED grow lights vary depending on the size and scope of the project. Rebates can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. In addition, there may be tax incentives available for businesses that make energy-efficient upgrades.

State Energy Rebates for LED Grow Lights
Many states offer energy rebates for businesses that switch to energy-efficient equipment, including LED grow lights. These rebates are typically offered through state energy efficiency programs and vary from state to state. Some states offer rebates based on the amount of energy saved, while others offer a set amount per fixture.

California, for example, offers rebates through the California Energy Commission’s Energy Efficiency Financing Program. The program provides rebates for businesses that invest in energy-efficient equipment, including LED grow lights. The amount of the rebate varies depending on the size of the project and the amount of energy saved.

Local Energy Rebates for LED Grow Lights
In addition to federal and state energy rebates, many local utilities offer energy rebates for businesses that switch to energy-efficient equipment. These rebates are typically offered through local utility companies and vary depending on the location and utility company.

For example, Xcel Energy in Colorado offers rebates for businesses that make energy-efficient upgrades, including switching to LED grow lights. The rebates vary depending on the size of the project and the amount of energy saved.

There are many compelling reasons for cannabis cultivators to retrofit their cultivation facilities and replace HPS grow lights with LED grow lights.LED lights are more energy efficient, produce less heat, can be customized to meet the specific needs of different strains of cannabis, and have a longer lifespan.  

And it is easier than you might think. Innovative fixtures like the Gavita CT1930e LED have a footprint designed to fit seamlessly in existing HPS layouts for fast and easy retrofits. Switching to LED lights can lead to significant cost savings and better crop yields, making it a smart investment for any cannabis cultivator looking to improve their operation.

Contact us for more information about LED grow lights, energy rebates and more cannabis cultivation solutions.

• Shop LED Grow Lights
• Join our Free Greenlight Cultivator Club
• Rebate Estimate Form

In-Depth: What cannabis cultivators need to know about selecting LED lights, PPF and PPFD