LED Vs. LEC Grow Lights: Which One Is Better For Growing Cannabis?

The cannabis industry has grown way too much in the past decade, especially in the area of cultivation. Growers are constantly searching for new ways to increase yields and since it all depends on the light you provide, growers use various types of lighting technologies to enhance plant growth.

Out of these, HID and LED systems are pretty common; however, growers are also exploring other types of lighting systems, including LEC. So much so that some growers have even replaced their usual equipment with new sophisticated LEC systems. 

But, some growers hesitate with LEC systems because they don’t understand how they work. And, that’s where this article can help. By comparing LED — the most popular lighting system — with LEC, you will get a comprehensive understanding of how LEC works. We will explore their features, benefits, drawbacks, and practical aspects to help you make better decisions regarding LED and LEC lighting technologies based on your requirements, budget limitations, and cultivation objectives. 

Keep reading, especially if you’re planning to buy a new lighting system or are planning to switch. 

Understanding LED and LEC Lighting Technologies

Lighting is vital to cultivating any plant, not just cannabis, as it directly impacts the growth, development, and overall quality and quantity of the harvest. Cannabis plants have requirements at different stages of their life cycle for various functions like photosynthesis, flowering, and resin production.

Inadequate or incorrect lighting can result in slowed growth, lower yields, and poor-quality buds. Conversely, providing good lighting conditions can improve plant health, strength, and cannabinoid potency and also offer an abundant harvest.

LED lighting makes use of semiconductor diodes that emit light when a current passes through them. These diodes emit light in ideal spectrums to cater to the needs of cannabis plants during various growth phases. LED lighting systems are popular due to their energy efficiency, lifespan, and ability to offer a spectrum tailored to plant requirements.

On the other hand, LEC lighting (Ceramic Metal Halide) uses an arc tube filled with gas and metal halide salts to produce light. LEC lights emit a spectrum of light similar to sunlight which helps enhance the growth and resin production in cannabis plants. But, although LEC lighting systems provide light and quality spectrum, they can present challenges with managing heat and the initial costs involved.

What are LED lights?

LED lights work based on semiconductor physics principles. At the core of an LED is a semiconductor material that allows it to produce light when a current passes through.

An LED's fundamental structure comprises three elements: a substrate, a semiconductor chip, and electrical connections. The semiconductor chip serves as the area where light emission takes place — the place where all the action happens. It has an area with more electrons (n-type) and another area with fewer electrons known as "holes" (p-type).

When a voltage is applied to the LED, electrons from the n-type region and holes from the p-type region move toward each other and energy is released in the form of photons. This phenomenon is called recombination and the color of the emitted light from the LED is determined by the energy of these photons.

One notable advantage of LED technology is that it easily transforms energy into light. Unlike lighting sources such as incandescent bulbs or fluorescent tubes that rely on heating filaments or gas to emit light where there’s energy lost in the form of heat, LEDs produce light as the electrons move, thereby reducing energy wastage. 

Moreover, LED lights boast a longer lifespan compared to other traditional lighting systems. They can last for tens of thousands of hours without experiencing lumen reduction due to their components. Plus, they don’t rely on gases or filaments that can degrade with time. Thus, you not only save money but it also helps the environment by reducing the need for frequent bulb replacements.

Benefits of LED Grow Lights for Cultivating Cannabis

• Energy Efficiency: LED lights are highly regarded for their energy consumption compared to other lighting sources. This decreased electricity usage not only cuts costs but also reduces carbon emissions, benefiting the environment.
• Reduced heat output: Unlike other lighting sources, LEDs generate very little heat, which is particularly useful for growing cannabis as it helps maintain the temperature and reduces the risk of heat-related issues.
• Customizable Light Spectrum: A major advantage of using LED lighting in cultivation is its ability to tailor the light spectrum. Growers can adjust the spectrum to meet the needs of cannabis plants at different growth stages promoting photosynthesis, flower growth, and cannabinoid production.
• Longevity: LED lights have longevity often lasting for tens of thousands of hours before requiring replacement. This extended lifespan reduces the frequency of bulb changes, which, in turn, lowers maintenance expenses and minimizes downtime for growers.

Drawbacks of LED Grow Lights for Cultivating Cannabis

There are some drawbacks to using LED lights, as with anything else. Here are a few of them:

• Expensive: The upfront cost can be higher compared to other options. However, many growers see it as a smart investment due to energy efficiency and long lifespan benefits.
• Can create hotspots: Another issue with LED lights is that it can sometimes lead to hotspots and uneven light distribution, especially if there isn't much distance between the plants and the light. Therefore, proper positioning and spacing of fixtures are crucial to ensure lighting coverage and encourage plant growth.
• Intensity: Cannabis plants love intense light and growers do everything possible to provide just that. However, modern LEDs are so intense that they can burn the plants if you're not careful. To avoid this, measure your growing space or tent and purchase lights accordingly. The light shouldn't be less or too intense, so you must strike a balance. 

What are LEC Lights?

LEC lights or Ceramic Metal Halide (CMH) lights utilize a combination of ceramic arc tubes, gas, and metal halide salts to emit light. This technology leverages gas discharge and phosphor conversion principles to create a full spectrum output that's ideal for supporting plant growth.

At the heart of an LEC fixture lies the ceramic arc tube—a component for emitting light. Crafted from material that's capable of withstanding high temperatures and electrical currents, this arc tube houses a blend of gas and metal halide salts sealed within to facilitate optimal light production.

When electricity flows through the LEC fixture, it passes through a tube filled with gas causing the gas molecules to become highly energized and emit UV radiation. This UV radiation acts as the source of power for the LEC light.

The UV radiation excites the atoms when it interacts with them, causing them to transition to states of high energy, but when they return to their original states, they emit photons of light. Also termed as phosphor conversion, it is the process where UV is transformed to visible light across various light spectrums.

As you can understand by now, LEC lights produce a blend containing visible light and UV, which results in light that’s very similar to or close to sunlight. This extensive spectrum includes blue, green, red, and far red light wavelengths that create the best conditions for photosynthesis and plant growth. 

LEC lights are great for growing cannabis because they replicate natural light in a fantastic manner and also help plants grow like they are growing outdoors, even if you're growing them indoors. Not to mention that it also contains UV rays that are especially good for boosting resin production and cannabinoid synthesis in cannabis. 

Benefits of LEC Grow Lights for Growing Cannabis

• Illumination: LEC lights act as great sources of light for your marijuana plants. They emit light with the right intensity that fills the growing area, promoting healthy growth and abundant buds. Moreover, this intense light is ideal to penetrate the canopy, ensuring every part receives enough light to grow well. Thus, you can use LEC light for the entire lifecycle of the plant without having to switch to other lights. 
• Full Spectrum: Cannabis plants prefer a bluish and white spectrum during the vegetative stage whereas a red or orange spectrum works well during the flowering stage. Rather than trying to switch lights for different spectrums, it's best to go with lights that offer a full spectrum like LEC lights. 

Also, as you already know, LEC provides a spectrum that replicates sunlight to promote growth and improve the overall health and vigor of your cannabis plants. Using LEC lights ensures your plants get a mix of wavelengths required for optimal development at every growth phase. 

Whether your plants are in the growing, blooming, or maturing stage, LEC lights offer a blend of wavelengths tailored to their specific requirements. From aiding in photosynthesis to enhancing resin production and cannabinoid synthesis, LEC systems can help the plant produce ample foliage, improve resin quality, and maximize cannabinoid strength. 

Talking about resin, LEC lights are better than LEDs because they contain a combination of UV and a balanced spectrum that's ideal for trichome development. With LEC lights you can anticipate huge yields and top-notch buds.

Energy Efficiency: Like LEDs, LEC lights are also energy efficient — much better than HIDs. They consume less energy to provide the same brightness produced by other lights, so you'll end up saving money on utility bills while being more environmentally friendly.

• Durability: Bid farewell to frequent bulb changes! LEC bulbs boast a lifespan that lasts for thousands of hours before requiring replacement. This longevity not only saves you time and effort but also cuts down on maintenance expenses in the long term. Thus, with LEC lighting you can expect years of performance and steady yields without the hassle of swapping bulbs. 
• Initial Cost Investment: They are more affordable than LEDs, making them perfect for those who are looking to experiment with just a few plants to understand how to grow cannabis. They are slightly more expensive than other lighting sources, though, but it’s important to think about the long-term advantages and potential return on investment that LEC lighting can offer in terms of enhancing plant growth, yield, and quality over time.

Drawbacks of LEC Grow Lights for Cannabis Cultivation

• Heat Emission: LEC lights emit a fair amount of heat that can raise temperatures in the cultivation area and cause heat-related stress for your plants if not properly controlled. Therefore, you need to increase ventilation and do everything possible to prevent hot spots and heat stress. 
• Replacements: We mentioned that LECs are durable, but they don’t last as long as LEDs so you may lose some money here as you’ll have to change the bulbs a bit more frequently. 
• Customization: Unlike LED lights that offer customizable spectra, LEC lights have a fixed spectrum that’s determined by gas properties and metal halide salts in the arc tube. While the spectrum output of LEC lights is advantageous for plant growth, it may not offer the flexibility of LED systems for tailoring light spectra based on specific cultivation goals or plant needs. This limitation could impact growers seeking control over wavelengths to enhance their plants’ performance.
• UV Radiation Exposure: While UV radiation can help boost resin production and improve plant defense mechanisms, excessive exposure to UV rays can also harm plants. LEC lights emit UV radiation as part of their light spectrum. If not managed properly, this could damage the foliage and compromise plant health. Growers need to monitor UV levels and adjust lighting conditions accordingly to prevent any bad outcomes.
• Compatibility with Ballasts: LEC lights need specific ballasts to function correctly. If you use other types of ballasts that are not compatible, you may face problems. For some growers, this can be a turn-off as it adds another layer of complexity. 

LED Lights Vs. LEC Grow Lights

When growers are selecting lighting options for growing cannabis, they often take into account different performance measures to decide which option suits them best. 

Let's explore the criteria used to compare LED and LEC lighting systems:

1. Light Intensity

Light intensity is an important factor in cultivation as it directly impacts photosynthesis, plant growth and ultimately yield.

LED lights provide distribution with high intensity ensuring that every part of the plant receives sufficient light for optimal growth. This uniformity helps prevent wastage, giving you more value for every dime you spend. 

LEC lights also offer high-intensity light that penetrates the canopy providing light energy for photosynthesis. The strong light output of LEC fixtures supports growth and flowering contributing to the yield potential of cannabis crops.

Winner: LED Lights

2. Spectrum

The spectrum of light emitted by a lighting system influences processes in plants like photosynthesis, flowering, and resin production.

LED lights offer customizable spectrum options enabling growers to adjust the wavelengths according to their plant's specific requirements at various growth stages. Thus, you can fine-tune the spectrum according to the level of resin and cannabinoids you want. 

On the other hand, LEC lights emit a spectrum that closely resembles sunlight covering a wide range of wavelengths from ultraviolet (UV) to far red. This extensive spectrum guarantees that plants receive all the essential light wavelengths for great growth and progress. The balanced spectrum of LEC fixtures boosts activity, resin production, and overall yield potential.

Winner: LEDs for overall yields, LECs for more terpenes and trichomes

3. Environmental Factors

Elements like temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and airflow also significantly influence the yield.

Compared to other lighting sources, LED lights don’t generate as much heat so you can maintain optimal temperatures and humidity levels in the cultivation area. The low heat emission from LEDs reduces the risk of heat-induced stress on plants and fosters growth, leading to good yields. 

LEC lights produce more heat than LEDs and require heat regulation to prevent overheating and maintain ideal environmental conditions. You should pay particular attention to ventilation and make sure that the air is circulating well inside the grow room. In short, it’s crucial to remove the heat that collects inside the grow room to get good yields or the plants may get stressed with too much heat. 

LEC lights are known to keep temperatures cooler in the grow room. Indeed, they are cooler by at least 5 to 6 degrees than HID lamps. However, LEDs are better in this aspect as they are known to keep the room cooler than LECs can manage. Thus, if you live in hot climates, you should go for LEDs rather than LECs or HIDs as it becomes easier to manage the temps. 

Winner: LEDs

4. Energy Efficiency

LED lighting systems play a role in enhancing energy efficiency as they efficiently convert energy into light while minimizing heat production. One notable advantage of LEDs lies in their ability to effectively transform electricity into light rather than dissipating it as heat. This efficiency leads to decreased electricity usage when compared to other lighting systems.

Moreover, advanced LED fixtures often integrate features such as high-efficiency diodes, optimized thermal management mechanisms, and precision optics to further boost energy efficiency and light quality.

The enhanced energy efficiency of LED lighting systems not only results in cost savings for growers through reduced electricity bills but also contributes to a smaller carbon footprint and lesser environmental impact over time. By investing in LEDs, you can cut down on costs, increase profitability, and promote sustainability while cultivating cannabis. 

Coming to LECs, even they offer improved energy efficiency compared to other sources like HIDs including HPS and MH lights. However, they aren't as efficient as LEDs as they generate more heat when they operate. This means that ventilation systems need to work harder to reduce the heat. For this reason, you have to focus more on maximizing energy efficiency when utilizing LEC lighting systems. 

Winner: LEDs

5. Cost Analysis

When choosing between LED and LEC lighting systems for cultivating cannabis, it's crucial to strike a balance between the costs and the potential savings in the long run. Let’s delve into the aspects associated with each option:

• Upfront Costs

LED lighting systems typically come with a bigger price tag compared to LEC fixtures. This is due to the technology and quality materials used in LEDs, which contribute to their premium cost at the beginning.

LEC lights are budget-friendly if you consider the initial investment, making them an appealing choice for growers on a tight budget or those looking for cost-effective lighting solutions.

• Long-term Savings with LED Lighting

Despite the initial expense, LED lighting systems offer substantial long-term savings through various avenues. For example, you can save more with their energy efficiency which consumes less power than traditional light sources. Meaning, your electricity bills will be lower. 

In addition, LED bulbs have a longer lifespan compared to LEC and HID systems. They last for tens of thousands of hours before needing replacement and you won't be changing the bulb frequently, so you'll save on maintenance expenses.

As a grower, you should make informed decisions as it's crucial to balance costs with energy efficiency, reduced maintenance costs, and overall operational effectiveness throughout the lighting system's lifespan.

Winner: LECs for initial costs and LEDs for long-term savings 

6. Space Considerations

When choosing grow lights, always consider the space available. LED fixtures are typically small and lightweight, making them ideal for setups with less space or vertical growing configurations. In addition, installing LED fixtures is typically simple as they can be easily mounted above the canopy using hangers or mounting hardware.

Comparatively, LEC fixtures are slightly heavier and bulkier because of the ceramic arc tubes and ballast components they contain. Growers need to consider the size of LEC fixtures when planning their layout. Also, you need to be cautious when installing them as they are heavier. Wiring and ballast installation are necessary for safe operation.

Winner: LEDs

7. Maintenance

To maintain performance, regular upkeep is essential for both LED and LEC lighting systems. While LEDs don’t need constant maintenance, you need to pay some attention to LECs as the bulbs need to be replaced. You should also clean the ceramic arc tubes to ensure they work effectively.

Also, you must adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations regarding when to replace bulbs and how to clean LEC fixtures to extend their lifespan and maintain performance. 

Winner: LEDs

This comparison table outlines the variations, between LED and LEC lighting systems, helping you to make good choices based on your specific cultivation needs and priorities.

Also, remember that no matter what light you use, the genetics of the plant have a great impact on the yield. It is crucial to choose high-quality cannabis genetics that is predisposed to producing great yields, display resistance to diseases, and also produce high cannabinoid content regardless of the lighting system in use to achieve outcomes. 

Moreover, you should implement good cultivation practices that begin with providing good nutrition. You should also ensure you water the plants in the right manner, meaning the soil should never be too dry or wet. Last but not least, train the plants well. You should start pruning the plants at an early age to set the stage for proper flowering. This way, your chances of boosting yield potential and maximizing productivity increase regardless of whether you’re growing the plants under LEC or LEDs. 

Summary: LED Vs. LEC Grow Lights: Which One Is Better For Growing Cannabis?

To sum up, both LED and LEC lighting systems offer opportunities for achieving great cannabis yields when managed effectively. Elements like light intensity spectrum, environmental conditions, plant genetics, and cultivation techniques all play roles in determining yield potential. 

As you can understand, LEDs beat LECs in almost every aspect; however, if you don’t want to spend too much on LEDs initially as you just want to experiment with a few plants, you can go for LECs. On the other hand, if you plan to grow cannabis for a long time, it’s best to save up some money, plan everything carefully, and simply choose LEDs.