S01E05.1 – HPS
HPS Lighting Explained
High Pressure Sodium (HPS) lighting has been at the heart of indoor growing for decades. While LED technology has become increasingly popular, HPS still offers several advantages and remains a great option for many growers.
What Is HPS?
HPS lights produce a powerful spectrum that’s proven to grow healthy plants, but they also generate considerably more heat than modern LED fixtures. For some growers, that’s actually an advantage.
Advantages
Additional Heat
HPS fixtures naturally warm the grow room, making them ideal for colder environments where extra heating would otherwise be required.
Proven Technology
HPS has been producing excellent harvests for years and remains a trusted choice among experienced growers.
Budget Friendly
For growers working with tighter budgets, HPS can still offer fantastic results without the premium price tag of high-end LED systems.
Things To Consider
Less Efficient
HPS fixtures require more electricity to produce the same level of usable light as modern LED systems.
More Environmental Control
The additional heat means you’ll often need larger extraction fans, filters and environmental controls to keep temperatures under control.
Great In Hybrid Setups
Some growers even combine HPS with LED lighting to introduce additional warmth while benefiting from the efficiency of LEDs.
Ian’s Verdict
If you’re growing in a colder environment, working with a tighter budget, or simply prefer traditional growing methods, HPS can still be an excellent choice. The best advice? Speak to your local grow shop, explain your setup and your goals, and they’ll help you choose the right lighting for your grow.
