HPS dominated indoor growing for 30 years. LED has taken over. Here's exactly why, with real data on yield, cost, and heat.
High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) lights powered the indoor growing industry for three decades. Today, modern LED technology has surpassed HPS in nearly every measurable metric — efficiency, yield, spectrum, and lifespan. But HPS still has a role in some situations. Here's the full comparison with real numbers.
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comparable full-spectrum LED LED
full-spectrum LED
$599 / one-time
Shop comparable full-spectrum LED LED →LED winner: same yield as 1000W HPS, half the electricity, 90% less heat, no annual bulb cost.
1000W HPS Complete Kit
Eye Hortilux / Hoods
$249 / kit
Shop 1000W HPS Complete Kit →HPS advantage: very low upfront cost if you already have cooling infrastructure. Proven technology.
315W CMH / LEC Light
Various
$299 / kit
Shop 315W CMH / LEC Light →CMH sweet spot: more spectrum than HPS, lower heat than HPS, lower cost than LED. Good hybrid choice.
Side-by-side specs at a glance.
| Factor | LED (SE-5000) | HPS 1000W | CMH 315W |
|---|---|---|---|
| True Watts | 500W | 1000W | 315W |
| HPS Equivalent | 1000W HPS | 1000W HPS | 600W HPS |
| Efficiency | 2.9 μmol/J | 1.7 μmol/J | 2.0 μmol/J |
| Heat Output | Low | Very High | Medium |
| Bulb Replacement | None | $50-100/yr | $80-120/yr |
| Lifespan | 50,000 hrs | 10,000-20,000 hrs | 20,000 hrs |
| Spectrum | Full spectrum tunable | Mostly orange/red | Full + UV |
| Upfront Cost | $599 | $249 | $299 |
| Annual Electricity ($0.12/kWh, 12hrs/day) | ~$263/yr | ~$526/yr | ~$165/yr |
| 3-Year Total Cost (estimate) | ~$1,387 | ~$2,049 | ~$1,194 |
For any new setup in 2026, LED is the clear choice. The energy savings pay for the premium within 1-2 years, yields are equal or better, and the reduced heat means lower HVAC costs. Only switch to HPS if you already have a proven HPS setup with cooling infrastructure and your electricity is very cheap.
Do LEDs produce the same yields as HPS?
Yes — modern Samsung LM301H LEDs produce equivalent or superior yields to HPS when run at the same PPFD levels. Multiple commercial cultivators have reported 10-20% yield improvements after switching from HPS to premium LEDs like Gavita or full-spectrum LED SE series.
Is it worth switching from HPS to LED?
Almost always yes. Calculate your electricity savings: if your HPS setup costs $600/year in electricity, a comparable LED setup costs $300/year. With a $600 LED light, payback is under 2 years, then you're saving $300/year indefinitely. Plus no annual bulb costs.
Does HPS still have advantages over LED?
HPS still has three advantages: (1) very low upfront cost for a capable light, (2) proven 30-year track record, and (3) the heat output from HPS can help maintain winter tent temperatures in cold climates (where LED growers need a heater). If you're already running HPS profitably, there's no emergency to switch.
What about CMH/LEC lights?
CMH (Ceramic Metal Halide) is an excellent middle ground — more spectrum than HPS including UV, lower heat than HPS, lower cost than LED, and great for vegetative growth. CMH 315W is particularly good for growing spaces under 3x3 feet where LED economics are less compelling.