Light-Emitting Diode vs High Intensity Discharge lighting

[DGL]

Okay, so let’s break this down:

High-end LED lights can achieve up to 220 lumens per watt, though not all models reach this level. Some advanced LEDs even exceed 3.5 µmol/J in efficiency, meaning they are more efficient at producing photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) for plant growth.

A high-end Double-Ended High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) light can produce up to 160 lumens per watt, with an efficiency of around 1.9 µmol/J. In comparison, Double-Ended Metal Halide (MH) typically maxes out at around 120 lumens per watt, with a similar efficiency of 1.9 µmol/J.

Ceramic Metal Halide (CMH) is generally more efficient than standard Metal Halide and can exceed 2.1 µmol/J in some cases. However, it maxes out at around 130 lumens per watt, depending on the wattage and model. So, while the lumen efficiency is typically lower than high-end HPS lights, it is still higher than that of standard MH bulbs.

Many growers report that High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lights penetrate deeper into the canopy than LEDs. This is likely due to the single-point intensity of HID bulbs, which focus light more intensely on a small area. In contrast, most LEDs distribute light more evenly across the canopy, which can reduce canopy penetration but provides more uniform coverage.

So, on paper, LEDs is KING of the fucking hill ladies and gentleman —they produce more visible light and emit more photons per second than traditional HID lights. However, the penetration depth of HID lights can still offer advantages in certain grow setups, particularly when lighting large areas or deep canopies.