Switching from Hps to Quantum Board: How Long Does It Take to Pay Back? 

As a revolutionary product in indoor growing, Quantum Board LED plant lights are gradually replacing traditional high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps with higher energy efficiency, better spectrum and lower maintenance costs. But many growers are still skeptical: Is the switchover cost worth it? How long will it take to recoup the investment? As the sales manager of Lightmyleaf's Quantum Board Light brand, I will use data to reveal the answer for you.

The “hidden Costs” of Hps: More Than Just the Electricity Bill

Traditional HPS fixtures attract users with “low entry price”, but their long-term costs are far beyond imagination:

High energy consumption: the actual power consumption of 1000W HPS is about 1100W (including ballast loss), while the Quantum Board with the same coverage area only needs 600-700W.

Short life: HPS lamp life of about 10,000 hours, need to be replaced every year; Quantum Board life of more than 50,000 hours, maintenance costs close to zero.

Low light efficiency: HPS spectrum is dominated by yellow and red light, lacking key wavelengths for plant growth (e.g., UV, far-red), resulting in an obvious yield ceiling.

Calculation of Payback Cycle: 1000w Specification as an Example

Assuming that you operate a medium-sized plantation (10 lights), compare the total cost of HPS with Quantum Board over 5 years:

Comparison of Initial Equipment Investment

HPS Program:

If you choose the 1000W specification of High Pressure Sodium Lamps, the initial equipment investment for 10 lamps is assumed to be approximately $2,000.

Quantum Board scenario:

For Quantum Board LED plant lights with the same coverage area, assume an initial equipment investment of approximately $4,500 for 10 lights.

Difference:

The Quantum Board option has a $2,500 higher initial equipment investment compared to the HPS option.

Average Annual Electricity Cost Comparison

HPS Scenario:

The actual power consumption of a 1000W HPS luminaire is approximately 1100W (including ballast losses). If it is used 12 hours per day, the electricity cost per year (based on 365 days) is about $7,227 (assuming the electricity cost is $0.15 per kWh).

Quantum Board Program:

The power consumption of a Quantum Board LED plant light with the same coverage area is approximately 600-700 W. If used 12 hours per day, the annual electricity cost is approximately $4,270.

Difference:

The Quantum Board solution saves $2,957 per year in electricity costs compared to the HPS solution.

Average Annual Maintenance Cost Comparison

HPS Solution:

HPS bulbs last approximately 10,000 hours and need to be replaced annually. Combined with ballast maintenance costs, the average annual maintenance cost for 10 lamps is approximately $500.

Quantum Board Solution:

Quantum Board LED plant lights have a lifespan of over 50,000 hours and very low maintenance costs. the average annual maintenance cost for 10 lights is approximately $200.

Difference:

The Quantum Board option saves $300 per year in maintenance costs compared to the HPS option.

5 Year Total Cost Comparison

HPS Solution:

The 5-year total cost includes the initial equipment investment, 5 years of electricity, and 5 years of maintenance costs, totaling approximately $43,135.

Quantum Board Program:

The total cost over 5 years includes the initial equipment investment, 5 years of electricity and 5 years of maintenance costs, totaling approximately $26,100.

Difference:

The Quantum Board option provides a total cost savings of $17,035 over 5 years compared to the HPS option.

Payback Cycle

Year 1: Electricity savings of $2,957, offsetting 78% of the difference in initial investment.

Year 2: Cumulative savings of $5,914, fully covering the difference and starting to turn a profit.

Long Term Benefit: 5 year net savings of $17,035, over 270% return on investment!

Why Choose Lightmyleaf Quantum Board?

Lightmyleaf Series quantum board full specturm LED Grow Lights are some of the most popular lights for hobby growers, because they bring you the power you need without using a ton of energy. High-quality OSRAM and Samsung LM301b/LM301h diodes maximize PAR output and provide a long life. Our Lightmyleaf 240W quantum board LED lights provide perfect coverage for 4’x4′ plant growth areas and 3’x3′ flowering areas.

• Added deep Red, and IR.

• Save 50% on electricity costs when compared to HPS.

• Waterproof – ip65, safer for indoor growing.

• Dimmable Lightmyleaf brand driver, with 20% ～100% Easy Dimming knob to turn on/off the lights.

• Long lifespan up to L70>54,000 Hours according to the calculation of the LEDs LM80 testing report

• Made by 6063 Aluminium profile, makes the perfect heatsink.

• Less energy consumption with self-owned Lighmyleaf brand driver

• Two adjustable hanging kits are included.

• Dimmable power supply included.

• OEM Customization is available on request.

Switching Is Not a Cost, It's an Investment

The transition from HPS to Quantum Board is essentially an upgrade from a “consumable device” to a “productivity tool”.