The old method of growing cannabis in a 4’ x 4’ square is outdated and should be reconsidered due to advances in bulb technology.
March 24, 2016
The old method of growing cannabis in a 4’ x 4’ square is outdated and should be reconsidered due to advances in bulb technology.
A 4’ x 4’ light footprint is great when growing with single-ended HPS bulbs. But the fact-of-the-matter is, there are better bulbs available that can save you money and increase your light footprint.
Double-ended (DE) bulbs have been shown to increase light output within PAR by up to 30%. This increase means that the light footprint of a DE bulb can be increased up to 5’ x 5’ without loss of light within PAR per square foot.
To illustrate this purpose, let’s calculate the micromoles per square foot of each bulb type. For reference:
- A single-ended HPS bulb from Philips produces 1550 micromoles
- A double-ended HPS bulb from Philips produces 2100 micromoles
- Typical ballasts have the option of running a 1000 watt bulb at 1150 watts, this would increase the micromoles of the DE bulb to 2415 micromoles (estimated).
4’ x 4’ equals 16 square feet. Using a single-ended bulb at 1000 watts results in about 97 micromoles per square feet.
4’ x 5’ equals 20 square feet. Using a double-ended bulb at 1000 watts, results in 105 micromoles per square feet.
5’ x 5’ equals 25 square feet. Using a double-ended bulb at 1150 watts, results in about 97 micromoles per square feet.
As you can see, by switching to DE bulbs, it is possible to get the same amount of micromoles per square foot when growing on a 4’ x 4’ light footprint as a 5’ x 5’ light footprint.
By increasing the light footprint in this manner, it is also possible to decrease the amount of equipment – ballasts, bulbs and reflectors – needed in the grow room. In a room with 1600 square feet of canopy, 100 reflectors would be needed if using a 4’ x 4’ configuration, while only 64 reflectors would be needed if using a 5’ x 5’ configuration.
This equals a 36% decrease in the amount of lighting equipment needed, which can result in huge up-front savings. Additionally, the 100 reflectors with single-ended bulbs needed for a 4’ x 4’ configuration would require a total of 100,000 watts. Whereas the 64 reflectors with double-ended bulbs needed for a 5’ x 5’ configuration would only require a total of 73,600 watts. The wattage difference alone will save you 26% of your lighting electricity costs each month.
As you can see, the larger a cultivation facility is, the more of an impact switching to 5’ x 5’ light footprint will have on equipment costs, installation costs and monthly electricity costs.
Contact Us
Ready to get started or learn more about how we can help your facility succeed? Fill out the form and a company representative will be in touch.
PrevPreviousTop Tips to Reduce Costs for Indoor Cannabis Cultivation
NextGrowing in Aisles: Reduce Costs and Increase YieldsNext
Share:
Featured Articles
Hydroponic Systems – 5 Different Types & How They Work
Discover how hydroponic systems revolutionize farming, offering precise nutrient control, space efficiency, and sustainability for a greener future.
March 7th, 2024
CHP and HVAC in Cultivation Facilities
CHP offers cost-saving, eco-friendly power solutions, particularly important in an industry facing downward pricing pressure. Discover how your cultivation facility can leverage CHP.
December 14th, 2023
Reasons you aren’t meeting setpoints (HVAC/D)
Cultivators often face challenges in maintaining HVAC/D setpoints, with issues ranging from humidity to equipment failures. Both commercial and home growers recognize the importance of a reliable system for optimal cannabis and greens production. Identifying common failures and implementing best practices ensures consistent climate control in grow spaces.
October 12th, 2023
CHP for Indoor Food and Cannabis Growers
As markets evolve, CHP offers cost-saving, eco-friendly power solutions for growers. Learn more about how you can reduce your grow room costs by leveraging combined heat and power.
September 29th, 2023
Challenges of Indoor Cannabis Grows vs. Sun-Grown Cannabis
Cannabis has a long history, once frowned upon and illegal, but now widely accepted. Indoor cultivation is prevalent, despite support for legalization and outdoor cultivation in 21 US states.
July 25th, 2023
Is Indoor Cultivation Difficult?
Indoor cultivation requires precise control of artificial environments for successful leafy greens and cannabis growth. Facilities, lighting, and automation play crucial roles. Discover the pitfalls many growers find out too late.
July 6th, 2023