If you are a new grower or gardener, you need clarification on whether to use LED or fluorescent grow lights. This article will be a one-stop shop for every possible comparison. To increase production, gardeners have devised alternatives to sunlight that provide the same effect.
Grow lights simulate the effect of natural sunlight, making it possible to grow plants indoors year-round, even during winters or days with low sunlight.
We have two types of sunlight: LED and Fluorescent. While both are effective in growing plants indoors, they have pros and cons. The first thing anyone would want to know is which is more efficient in growing plants faster and better.
The answer would be LED. But if the question is which one costs less to buy and install, then the answer would be fluorescent lighting for growing.
While this gives us an overview of the situation, the details will make your choice easier. Do note that deciding which option is better depends on your circumstances.
What are LED Lights?
This modern LED produces bright light once electricity passes through it. The process is simple: Light is released when electrons hit electron holes in the device. You can see the light intensity and have an idea of how much energy is released through it. To produce white light, you can use various semiconductors. These energy sources are relatively cheaper than fluorescent lights.
What are Fluorescent Lights?
This light-emitting device is famously known for its unique duties. It also uses electricity as a energy source to produce mercury vapor glow, which later produces a covering inside the lamp glow to emit light. This device has more unique features than a regular LED bulb, so it is more expensive.
Fluorescent Grow Lights vs LED: Key Comparison
Here is how we compare fluorescent and LED lights:
Effectiveness
Fluorescent lights can produce more heat than LEDs for growing, so they must be kept at a distance from the plants. This distance lowers the impact of light. LEDs do not dissipate as much heat and can be kept close to plants, making them more effective.
Durability
LEDs are more durable than fluorescent lighting for plants, meaning they last much longer than fluorescent lights. If we talk numbers, LEDs have a 4-5 times higher life expectancy.
Energy Efficiency
This is a major concern for growers and probably the biggest deciding factor between fluorescent and LED lights. Which one uses less electricity and provides a better result? The answer is LED light.
LED’s electricity consumption is half that of fluorescent light for producing the same energy. That means your electricity bill will be reduced to half if you switch from fluorescent to LEDs.
Customizable
There are two kinds of lights, i.e., warm and cool. Plants require both for optimal growth. Excess or inadequate amounts of warm or cool light will result in poor plant growth.
If you choose to use fluorescent light, you will require installing a two-tube light, one providing warm light and the other providing cool light. However, LEDs offer both within the same bulb, not only increasing their effectiveness but also making them cost-effective in this regard.
Cost
While it does appear that LEDs are more cost-effective after they are installed, their price is considerably higher than fluorescent lights. LED panels cost an average of $150-$200, while fluorescent lights cost $10 to $30. The one-time payment of buying LED lights is higher, but in the long run, it saves money on electricity bills and increases production.
With their long life expectancy, LEDs have become more cost-effective than others. But starting with fluorescent would be a safe decision if you are a new grower and tasting everything. You can switch to LEDs when you become a more serious grower.
Smartphone Compatibility
LEDs offer the feature of being controlled through a smartphone application, which is absent in the other unless installed separately. This makes LEDs more convenient, especially in big farms. The intensity and time of exposure can be controlled via a smartphone.
Check out our soils for plant growth
Conclusion
Suppose we conclude the comparison in one paragraph. In that case, LED lights are more effective in ensuring optimal plant growth from seedling to harvest while saving money on electricity bills and lasting considerably longer than fluorescent light.
The higher initial cost is the only downside of LED lights. Still, in the long run, they make the farm more profitable and save money on electricity bills, eventually making them more cost-effective despite being expensive.
On the other hand, fluorescent lights are more affordable, making it easy to acquire them and a much more reliable UV light source.
Eventually, fluorescent lights foster healthy plant roots and promote photosynthesis. So, by no means is fluorescent lighting for plants any lesser option than LED. As stated earlier, the optimal choice between these two depends on the circumstances of the farm and the farmer.
If you are a new grower and this is your first time setting up your indoor garden, fluorescent lights will be the way to go. However, switching to LED will be more effective and profitable as the number of plants increases and you grow your farm.
