Watts better? Pun intended

[SommerVirelli]

When choosing a driver for your setup what’s better for yield, higher watts or higher umoles/joule?

In my example is a 2100 mA driver that will put 102w per quantum board with 2.63 umoles/joule better than a 2800 mA driver that will put 139w per board with 2.53 umoles/joule? I’m pretty much deciding between more watts and higher umoles.

 

[Old Salt]

µmoles/joule is a measure of the conversion efficiency from electricity to light. The 2100 mA driver putting 102w per quantum board at 2.63 µmoles/joule is more efficient, but you'll get less light. LEDs are more efficient running at less than their maximum power. They also tend to last longer at lower power, than when driven to their max.

If both drivers have adjustable constant current, go with the 2800mA driver. You'll be able to get the maximum light when needed, and maximum efficiency when you don't.

 

[SommerVirelli]

Good advice Old Salt. Thank you!

 

[Mars Hydro]

of course umol. that is the data shows how light will influence on the plants growing. Two lights, one with bigger wattage, one less, but the same umol, I will prefer the lower wattage one, to save more energy and get the same yield.