Bharat SainiLast Updated on May 10, 2017 by Bharat Saini
Growing indoor cannabis can be an expensive hobby, especially when it comes to power costs. Often, it’s not the seeds, fertilizers, or soil but the electricity bill at the end of the month that makes a dent in your wallet. For many, cannabis growing is done on a small scale, typically in a home-based environment, especially for medical marijuana. After all, it can be useful to grow a small amount yourself as a top to the edibles you are purchasing here! In states like Arizona, where it’s legal for adults to grow their marijuana at home, growing your own can be a cost-effective way to supplement what you purchase.
As the global climate continues to warm, outdoor growing faces challenges like rising temperatures, fluctuating water availability, and other environmental factors. However, indoor growers are not immune to environmental concerns, making energy efficiency a significant issue. High power costs are a common problem for home growers. This article will provide insight into how you can reduce energy consumption when growing cannabis indoors, specifically by using Dorm Grow LED grow lights.
Give a Second Thought to Your Lighting Solution
One of the most significant contributors to high energy costs in cannabis cultivation is the lighting system. Traditional lighting solutions, such as High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) lamps, consume significant energy—often around 1,000 watts. While more energy can lead to better yields, the relationship between energy usage and yield depends on how efficiently you use that energy.
LED grow lights have emerged as a more efficient alternative. Studies have shown that LED grow lights use up to 60% less energy than traditional HPS lamps while producing excellent yields. Unlike HPS lamps, which make a lot of excess heat, LEDs emit less heat, reducing the need for cooling systems and thus saving even more energy. This is especially useful for growers in warmer climates, but even in colder regions, such as Alaska, where heating may be needed, the efficiency of LEDs is still an advantage.
Understanding the Gram-to-Watt Ratio
A standard metric among growers is the Gram-to-Watt ratio, which measures how much cannabis you can grow per watt of energy. However, this ratio is only sometimes ideal for assessing efficiency, as it doesn’t account for the quality or intensity of light. Cannabis plants with extended flowering periods require more hours of sunlight to achieve desired yields. For example, using HPS lamps for these extended periods can drastically increase power consumption. In contrast, LED grow lights are designed to deliver precise light spectrums that promote optimal growth without wasted energy.
Research has shown that LEDs can outperform HPS lamps regarding energy use and yield. A study by the Department of Energy on horticultural lighting revealed that LEDs can provide up to 3.5 times more yield per watt compared to traditional lighting systems.
Benefits of LED Grow Lights for Cannabis Cultivation
Here are some key advantages of using LED grow lights:
- Energy Efficiency: LEDs consume far less power than traditional lighting systems, leading to significant savings on energy bills. They also have a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
- Less Heat: LEDs emit less heat, which means there’s less risk of heat damage to your plants. This also reduces the need for cooling systems, further reducing energy consumption.
- Targeted Light Spectrum: LEDs are designed to provide the exact spectrum of light that cannabis plants need for optimal growth, leading to healthier plants and better yields.
- Pest Reduction: The lower heat output from LEDs can help reduce the number of pests that thrive in warmer environments.
Know the Amount You Wish to Grow
Another effective way to reduce energy costs is to plan the size of your grow operation carefully. The length of your grow room should match the amount of cannabis you want to produce. For example, if you need about 30 grams of cannabis per month, a single flowering plant can make that amount in an 8-week cycle. With just four plants, you can harvest around 120 grams every two months, lasting approximately four months.
Matching the energy input to your consumption needs is crucial. If you’re growing small amounts for personal use, you don’t need a large, energy-draining grow room. Consider your yield goals and adjust your grow space and lighting accordingly.
Light Cycle Considerations
Cannabis plants, especially auto-flowering varieties, require specific light cycles to thrive. Standard light cycles for these plants include 18/6, 20/0, or 20/4, meaning 18 to 20 hours of light followed by periods of darkness. Matching your light cycle to your plant’s needs is essential for maximizing yield and energy efficiency.
LED grow lights are handy here because they can provide the same amount of light as traditional bulbs but with less energy, making them ideal for extended light cycles without increasing your electricity bill.
Quick Checklist to Reduce Energy Costs
To optimize energy use when growing cannabis indoors, consider the following:
- Choose the ideal grow room size based on your cannabis consumption needs.
- Use high-quality LED grow lights designed specifically for indoor cannabis cultivation.
- Combine daylight CFLs (compact fluorescent lights) with LEDs for energy savings during the vegetation stage.
- Opt for LED grow lights with 3-watt chips for better energy efficiency and coverage.
- Regularly monitor and adjust light cycles to match plant growth stages without overusing energy.
Conclusion: LEDs Are a Smart Investment for Indoor Growers
Cutting down on energy consumption is not only good for your wallet but also better for the environment. LED grow lights provide an innovative, efficient solution for indoor cannabis cultivation. Not only do they lower power costs, but they also promote healthier plant growth, reduce excess heat, and help manage pests. By switching to LED grow lights and optimizing your grow room size and light cycles, you can enjoy the benefits of home-grown cannabis without the burden of high energy bills.
