Well, I'm About to Take the LED Plunge; One Last Question...

I'm setting up a 3x3 veg-only tent. I've decided to buy two 200-watt Solar Flare systems (VegMaster models) from California Light Works. But before I do, I have one last question.

Assuming 24-hour-per-day operation, how long do the LEDs last before they begin to degrade in intensity and effectiveness?

Under similar operation, I've read that MH and T5 bulbs degrade significantly in under one year. If LEDs last significantly longer than that, then they would pay for themselves over time, I would think.

Thanks.

LED' have about 10,000 hrs of use in their lifetime, and they don't degrade over time. The driver's are another matter. They won't last as near as long, and they are a pain in the ass to change. Get a good warranty on your fixture, and make sure it is made in the US. China produces mostly pieces of shit. That said, you will save money on those fixtures over the long run.

Jimdamick said:

LED' have about 10,000 hrs of use in their lifetime, and they don't degrade over time. The driver's are another matter. They won't last as near as long, and they are a pain in the ass to change. Get a good warranty on your fixture, and make sure it is made in the US. China produces mostly pieces of shit. That said, you will save money on those fixtures over the long run.

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How often do drivers need to be changed? Is this expensive?

California Light Works gives a 2 year warranty (used to be 3 years). Is this a good warranty for LED fixtures?

LEDs do degrade like any other type of light. 24/7 use I would replace them every 3 years or so. 12/12 use I would replace them every 5-6 years (and with technology advancing so quickly, I would want to replace them in that time anyway just to get the best offering of the day). Heat and quality of LEDs is a big factor with degradation.



Drivers, it depends on Mfg/quality. I have never had a meanwell die, degrade, need replacement, and have been using them for almost a decade now, but the dozen or so 'China' drivers I have tried never lasted more than a couple months.