Efficiency & Efficacy

PPE listed by a manufacturer for a grow light does not account for fixture arrangement, type of fixture, or the mounting height and distance from crops. Therefore, while PPE is an important metric for determining how your grow facility is/should be operating, it does not reflect how many fixtures a facility requires to reach a target PPFD.

DLC Listed Grow Lights

The Design Lights Consortium (DLC) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to promoting the adoption of high-performance lighting products. They test horticulture lighting products and add them to their Qualified Products List (QPL) if they meet the guidelines for energy efficiency and build quality. One of the main advantages of purchasing a DLC-approved grow light is that most utility companies and local governments offer rebates for cultivators who implement fixtures that are on the QPL. Cultivators apply for these rebates prior to purchasing and installing DLC approved grow lights. Rebates can reduce the final cost of the lights anywhere from 20% to 60%, depending on your local guidelines. In addition, rebates are offered to promote the reduction of power consumption through the use of energy-efficient horticulture lighting and reduce the strain on the electrical grid. Energy savings has the added benefit of reducing the cultivators’ environmental impact and the demand this power-hungry industry adds to their power grids.

Know Your Facts

Knowing the efficacy of LED grow lights is important as it is the best way to compare the energy efficiency of grow lights when deciding which one to purchase. Grow lights with a high efficacy will be able to produce more light while using less electricity, saving cultivators money on their energy bills. Although efficacy is an extremely important characteristic when comparing indoor grow lights, other facts should also be considered before purchasing a grow light. Some other factors to consider include: light output, spectrum, installation costs, operation and maintenance costs, fixture durability and warranties, utility rebates, and customer support structure. Find out how GROW3™ can save you money and increase your production.