Wow, I thought this would be a good thread to read, because everyone I talk to that is a legit large scale grower is using the 1000W DE. Can we get back on topic here?
It is a pretty simple equation of spectrum and cost. I do think buying most any off the shelf LED is going to be to expensive to replace the 1000W DE for large scale grows, maybe for small grows where there are different limitations. I also think the idea of people designing LED grow lights with more then 2-3 year life spans is waste of money because the technology is progressing to quickly. Better to design a less expensive light with a shorter intended life span, or ability to replace out the COBs as they improve year over year.
Cost wise, building replacements for 1000W DE could be cost effective if done in house for a large grow. There are also ways that you could build custom LED systems for large warehouse grows that integrate into existing HVAC systems, in theory greatly reducing costs by eliminating system redundancy.
Also, lets not forget liebig's law. I would be willing to bit that in 75% of grows light is not the actual limiting factor, human error and lack of skill are.
If people would just try straying from popular efficiency belief, more actually grew pot rather then argue over growing pot, then they would easily have made a 1000w DE replacement w/ the COBs they have now.
Crank up your COB.
Why not?
1) you'll yield allot more then you save on your punk ass electric bill
2) COBs will actually have penetration, even if you spread them a mile apart. (W/lens)
3) Who gives a shit If the efficacy is dropped to 1-3 years, your replacing it in 6 months anyways due to technology up-grade. Wouldn't you rather get the most out of your cob now, before its rendered (old, out of style)
I agree about why make these lights to last 5-10 years. Instead, why not make these lights actual 600-1000watt HPS replacements that can actually grow mad pot.
Orrrrrr, you can keep being sooooo efficient, in the mean time bitching & moaning about how your new LED light you bought or built can't grow like your friends HPS.
So many here never even used HPS, DE or any of the big hitters but all want to replace them. I don't get it. I know what these lamps can do, that is why I have much higher standards for my LED then so many i see that just want a 600-800 PPFD on the top of their canopy but absolutely nothing 6"-1' below said canopy.
Then they post of bunch of pictures of bud tops only saying: whatchu mean Willis?, look at my bud tops! LMFAO! Get real.
Math is great until it costs you $10,000 less on your harvest cuz you thought efficiency on your bill is all that mattered. Ha! It's all good, after all, you did save $20 on your bill trying to replace 1000DE with 1/2 powered cobs spread 1' apart.
It's all good though. You do you n I'll do me.
