Florawave G630FS2.6 vs. Gavita Pro 1000W HPS

Here's a head to head comparison between the Florawave G630FS2.6 and the Gavita Pro 1000 watt double ended, high pressure sodium bulb (HPS DE) for a large sized grow tent application.  In this application, HPS has long been the gold standard for efficiency and productivity and this Gavita unit is likely the most popular in the industry because of its high performance and reasonable cost.  Here's the assumptions for the comparison:

• PPF output within 4.8% (1720 µmol s⁻¹ Phillips HPS vs 1638 µmol s⁻¹ Florawave G630FS2.6).
• PPE of 1.72 for the HPS (Radetsky, 2018), 2.6 for the G630FS2.6
• Average of a 14 hour photoperiod (12 hours winter, 16 hours summer, 14 hours spring/fall)
• Electric cost of $.15/KW.  (average cost in the USA.  Can be 2x or more in Europe)
• Air conditioning removes heat generated from the lights.
• HPS bulb is replaced every year.

RESULTS: The HPS setup is significantly cheaper up front.  This continue to be the trend until around the end of year 2, when the units are roughly the same cost of ownership.  By the end of year 5, the G630FS2.6 saves 34% in overall cost which translates into around $1500.  Furthermore, the grow environment would be a cooler overall local environment with the lower heat output of the high efficiency LEDs. (see Thermal Considerations for more discussion on this).