Today, more and more growers are using LEC or (Light Emitting Ceramic) lighting systems to grow plants indoors and outdoors. When undertaking any cultivation, the first thing to choose is the type of lighting to be used, in order to guarantee the plants adequate light and heat for their growth and flowering.
Light Emitting Ceramic (LEC) technology is receiving a lot of attention from growers, and We think it would be great for our readers to know a little more about these innovative lighting systems..
What is LEC lighting
Illumination (LEC) is used to provide a broader spectrum of light than conventional fluorescent bulbs.s. At the same time, they reduce energy costs. Also called ceramic metal halide (CMH) lights, light-emitting ceramic halide bulbs provide a full spectrum of light for plants, resulting in healthier and stronger growth.
The square wave technology used in these lamps also ensures that plants receive more light overall throughout their lifespan than with conventional lighting options. They also reduce electricity consumption, helping growers use less energy, lower utility bills and be a little 'greener'.
LEC equipment and available powers
If we talk about LEC equipment (or CMH equipment), the most common today are those with 315W of power, although the development of this technology is very fast and we already find 630W LEC equipment models on the market. The differences between the models, beyond the power, are in the format in which they are presented and in the characteristics that each one offers:
- LEC 315w : One 315w SE lamp (single end or single plug).
- LEC 630w: Two 315w SE lamps.
- LEC 630w DE: A 630w DE lamp (Double Ended or with double connection).
LEC 315w
These machines offer a better crop yield per watt used (another way to get a bigger harvest with less light, which is a very good option for producers who want to improve the efficiency of their electricity consumption (reduce their bill by improving their harvest). These teams benefit from the widest range of lamps. in 315W, among which the Philips CDM lamp stands out.
LEC 630W
This equipment follows the model used by the 315w models but using two lamps of that power, which increases the performance per square meter by doubling the amount of light. Being two 315w lamps placed in the same reflector, they improve the production of light and by derivation the final production. The greatest benefit of this equipment is the possibility of using a wide variety of lamps available on the market, which can mix two spectra of light in a single reflector. This is indicated for growers who pay special attention to the color of the light, who want to increase their harvest but who do not have a great boom in their cultivation.
630W LEC DE
Unlike the rest of LEC equipment, These use DE (Double Ended or Double Socket) technology in their lamp, which is 630w. This technology offers a more efficient distribution of lamp light, in addition to offering a increased light penetration into plantsa more lumens per watt used and an increase in total production per square meter. They are teams that compete with the most powerful 1000w HPS teams, with 30% less consumption.
LEC lighting for cultivation VS other types
When it comes to growing with LEC lights versus other types of lighting, there are many differences to consider, so we'll go over them and see which ones are the most useful.
Temperature
LEC lighting systems create around 3-6ºC less than HPS lights and approximately 3-6º more than LED lights, resulting in the ideal temperature for your plants under the lights, maximizing resin production while keeping the terpenes cool. In this sense, LEC lights are only better than HPS; LED lights produce the least heat of all, but they also consume considerably more energy, since you must use heaters or air conditioners in your crop to raise the temperature during the winter. LEC or CMH lights are ideal for year-round cultivation without the need for additional heating equipment.
Consumer goods
When outside temperatures rise in the summer, you should have an air conditioning or refrigeration unit to keep your growing area cool and free of excess humidity if you operate with HPS lights. If you use an LED system, you will not have any problem in summer; In winter, you will need a heating system to prevent your plants from wilting in the cold. Both approaches mean that you will have to pay a bit more money to have an ideal setup. The temperature inside your grow room will be more consistent and easier to manage if you use an LEC system instead of heaters or refrigerators.
Advantages of LEC lighting for cultivation
To begin with, the color of the light it emits is much more natural. The result is that it is much easier to cultivate. It may not sound like a big deal, but it can be vital when inspecting your plant growth and if there are any problems that can be quickly detected through an unexpected color change. As a point of reference, HPS lamps emit a very yellowish light, while LEDs produce a violet tint.
Another point of difference is the spectrum of light emitted by LEC devices. LEC lights emit UV-B rays , whose evidence anecdotal has been shown to improve crop production. The result is a visible increase in returns, however the verdict on the actual performance improvement remains the subject of much speculation.
The lifespan of LEC lamps and their ease of use (plug and play) are two distinct advantages. They include built-in ballasts, so setup becomes very simple. Some manufacturers also claim that LEC bulbs will last up to two years, which is significantly longer than all other options (aside from LEDs).
Disadvantages of LEC grow lighting
No LEC grow lighting is perfect and they have certain drawbacks. The UV-B rays issued are harmful to humans. Proper safety equipment is necessary to reduce risk to skin or eyes. The high installation costs of LEC can be unpleasant at this time. Because the technology is newer, they cost a lot more than traditional bulbs like CFLs, although that attribute and argument is something of a double-edged sword. The initial cost is higher, but the long-term operating cost falls between HPS and LED bulbs.
They also give off a lot of heat. This is less than HPS or MH lamps, but enough to ensure sufficient airflow and cooling options, which can further add to your start-up costs if you don't already have ventilation equipment. Another consideration would be the positioning of the LEC lamps relative to an HPS lamp. The LECs do not exactly match the same light intensity as HPS, so you will need to place the device closer to your crop. Finally, glass blocks UV-B rays emitted by LEC bulbs. The producers should reconsider any obstruction between emitted lights and plants.