LED grow lights are the newest addition to the spectrum of supplementary lights available to hobby growers and commercial growers alike. Growers are considering a switch to using LED lighting systems in their greenhouses, since they have a lower energy consumption and longer lifetime than most other lights.

Other advantages of LEDs are their efficiency, since they produce more light per watt than incandescent lights, and emit much less heat. Because of this they can be placed much closer to plants than incandescent or High Density lights.

Depending on the material within the diode, LED lights can be made to emit a certain color of light. Growers can make use, therefore, of blue light, which increased foliar growth or red light that encourages budding and reproduction in plants. Alternatively, by using diodes that emit all three primary colors of light, white light can be produced.

Another advantage is the long life of LEDs. Because they are solid state, they are much less fragile than either fluorescent or incandescent light systems. Their hours of useful light are estimated to be between 35000 to 50000 hours, more than 3 times that of fluorescent tubes, and over 40 times longer than incandescent light bulbs.

The diodes are designed to focus their light, while other types of lights for use with plants require bulky reflectors to direct the light. They, therefore, are easier to install, less heavy, and much less space consuming.

Currently, LED grow lights are more expensive that other grow lights on a capital cost basis. This is partly because they require more complex technology, including heat sinks and current regulators. They are sensitive to high temperatures, which may cause failure. However, with their longer lifetime and lower power consumption, it is estimated that their initial cost will be recovered within two years.

In considering buying LED grow lights, be sure to look for ones from a reputable supplier, and who offers a reliable guarantee. At this time, several manufacturers of these lights can be found, and it would be best to choose one that is located in your own country, so any possible servicing is simpler and less expensive.