Welcome to our Grow Light Electricity Cost Calculator! This tool makes it easy to figure out your grow light costs. Just pick your state for an instant electricity rate or type in your own rate.
Then, enter your grow light wattage, how long you keep them on each day, and for how many days.
If you want a monthly estimate, enter 30 for "number of days".
Hit "Calculate" and you’ll see your estimated electricity expense. It's a breeze to use and a great way to keep your budget in check!
Disclaimer: This calculator is intended for estimation purposes and should not be relied upon for commercial use.
Grow Light Electricity Cost Calculator
Total Cost: $
Version 1.0 - Created 2/12/24
Do Grow Lights Use a Lot of Electricity?
The electricity consumption of grow lights largely depends on their wattage and how long they're used each day. Let's take a look at some examples:
LED Grow Lights : For a popular model like the Spider Farmer SF4000, which consumes 404 watts, the daily cost of running this light for 12 hours at the US average electricity rate of 12.83 cents per kilowatt-hour would be about $0.622. This translates to approximately $18.66 per month. In comparison, an 800 watt High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) light, which is often used equivalently to the SF4000, would cost about $36.95 per month. This suggests significant savings when opting for LED over HPS lights, not to mention additional savings from reduced heat output and a longer lifespan .
Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) : A 14-watt CFL running for 12 hours a day at an electricity rate of $0.10/kWh would cost about $6.13 per month. For a larger setup, like a 1200w LED grow light, the cost can go up significantly, to around $525.66 per month for 12 hours daily usage. These figures highlight that while individual small lights may not consume much, larger or multiple light setups can add up to substantial costs .
General Observation : A powerful 600-watt LED grow light running for 16 hours a day can cost about $40 per month in the US. However, smaller setups with around 10 small indoor plants might need only up to 300 watts, which would reduce the cost significantly. LED grow lights, while having a higher initial cost, tend to be more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan compared to other types like HPS, thereby saving money in the long run .
In summary, while grow lights do use a considerable amount of electricity, especially in larger setups, opting for energy-efficient options like LEDs and managing usage time can help in keeping the costs down. Also, it's important to remember that the actual cost will vary depending on the type and number of lights used, their wattage, and the local electricity rates.
Support & Resources:
Need further assistance or have questions about using the calculator? Feel free to contact our support team. From beginner guides to advanced cultivation techniques, Happy Hydro is your go-to destination for all things gardening.
