Indoor horticultural systems provide a safe and effective alternative to growing food and plants outdoors, where the world’s increasingly volatile climate can quickly take its toll and decimate crops. Those who choose to embrace the future of indoor growing use LED Grow Lights to mimic the light of the sun, with the primary difference being that the growers themselves have the ultimate say as to how much light their plants get, controlling their plants’ grow cycles and improving their operations’ efficiency. Learn more about LED grow light fixtures below to get started.
Passive Thermal Control
LED lights operate at lower temperatures than other types of lighting fixtures. However, heat can still build up in a fixture’s control circuitry, which can lead to decreased effectiveness and longevity. Modern LED light systems should include built-in thermal control technology to draw heat away from this circuitry to prevent equipment damage. Systems that include this type of passive heatsink technology can be expected to run for as long as 100,000 hours without the need for maintenance or repairs.
Unified Fixture Engineering
When it comes to indoor growing, efficiency is key. That’s why it’s important to purchase LED systems that offer maximum flexibility over light distribution. Unified fixture engineering does just that while simultaneously lowering the number of fixtures required to provide plants with adequate light.
Spectral Accuracy Control
Maximizing plant yields isn’t just a matter of ensuring that they get adequate light. Most plants actually achieve maximum growth when they are exposed to light concentrated around certain spectral peaks, which tend to differ based on what point the plants are at in their growth cycle. The ability to control spectral peaks throughout the growth cycle can significantly improve both crop yield and quality.
Use in Damp Locations
Plants don’t just require light to grow; they also need plenty of water and nutrients. LED lighting systems that are intended for indoor growing operations should be certified for use in damp, or even wet, areas to ensure that they will be suitable for facilities that use overhead watering systems. This certification will only ensure safety, though, not the ability to resist corrosion, so make sure to purchase fixtures that are made of aluminum, copper, or another corrosion-resistant material.
Modular Design
Modular fixtures are ideal for indoor growing systems, as they allow damaged fixtures to be repaired or replaced without the need for interference with other, functioning fixtures. This allows minimal interruption of the plants’ lighting schedule.