On Jun 27, 1:52 pm, mike_l_rossREM
...@REMOVEcomcast.net wrote:
> It's a qualified "Thumbs Down".
> After using the LED lights for about a week, I've decided to consolidate all
> into a single bed as supplemental lighting only.
> The basic problem with these 50W 12"x12" LED panels is they basically light
> one sq ft of plant area. The light is a tight beam, and no matter how much
> light they put out, you can't practically replace an HPS light with a 50W
> panel (unless your garden is 1 sq ft).
You are absolutely correct. There is no spread at all.
> Now 8 of these on an 8 sq ft bed would probably kick butt, but the costs are
> too high and the wattage is the same as the 400W HPS they replace. Then
> the only advantages are lower heat generation and better spectrum.
They have to be applied differently. They would be replacing 400whps
by square footage, but 1600w by energy.
So, until yields are compared I am not prepared to write them off.
For scrog it might just be so good...
> I'll move the 3 panels I got to the small veg bed, where the small light
> area is not such a problem, and augment with HPS to cover the fringe area.
> Right now those 50W panels
> http://www.htgsupply.com/viewproduct.asp?productID=53194
> are about $130US apiece (with tax), so they are too high right now. When
> they drop to about $50 each, I think they'd be worth it, but not until
> then. They could also change to an LED with a better spread angle, say 30
> deg or so. I'll keep watching, because I still have hopes for this
> technology, but I can't recommend it yet.
> -mikey
You are right about the price being a little high, but they last 3-5
times longer and heat is enough of a reason alone for many growers.
(incidentally, same guys are on ebay for about 14% less -- 148$ vs
128$ per panel shipping/tax -- on ebay) and another 14 dollars and 10%
off that if you count their auctions for 99$ per panel.
I think they are going to serve my perverted requirements
exceptionally well, but that they do need to be about 1/2 the cost
before the mainstream can justify.
I am about to undertake a little experiment with one of the 50w
panels. Two of the other three being added to an existing grow have
already show a nice response.
I will continue to report.
Please let me know your ongoing impressions if they change any.
Love and Light
