LED grow lights have revolutionized the way indoor cultivation is carried out. The emergence of LED grow lights has made it possible to provide plants with the right spectrum of light needed for their growth and development, while at the same time reducing energy consumption and lowering heat emissions. And one of the most critical decisions that growers face when choosing LED grow lights is whether to go for bar-style or board-style LED grow lights.
In this article, we will discuss the differences between these two types of LED grow lights, including their features, advantages, disadvantages, and how to choose between them.
What Are Bar-Style LED and Board-Style LED?
Bar-style LED grow lights and board-style LED grow lights are two distinct types of LED lighting solutions used for indoor plant cultivation.
The Bar-Style LED Grow Lights:
Bar-style LED grow lights are characterized by their long and narrow shape. They consist of a slim, rectangular bar with a series of LED diodes mounted on it. These bars can be connected together to create longer fixtures or arranged uniformly to form square fixtures known as Multi-Bar-Style lights.
Bar-style LED grow lights are versatile and suitable for various cultivation setups. They are commonly used in smaller grow spaces for individual plants, as well as in large-scale commercial cultivation (in the case of multi-bar-style lights). The advantage of bar-style lights is that they offer precise or uniform light distribution, making them suitable for different types of indoor gardens.
The Board-Style LED Grow Lights:
Board-style LED grow lights, on the other hand, are the more traditional type of LED grow lights. They consist of a flat board or panel with multiple LED diodes mounted on it. The Quantum Board light is one popular example of board-style LED grow lights. And these lights are named after their flat and rectangular shape and come in various sizes and configurations.
Board-style LED grow lights are also flexible and can be used in smaller cultivation setups and for individual plants. They provide a different lighting arrangement compared to bar-style lights.
What Are the Differences?
Despite both using LED technology to provide the necessary light spectrum for plant growth, bar-style and board-style LED grow lights have significant distinctions.
Light Design
Bar-style LED grow lights are typically slim, narrow rectangular bars containing a series of LED diodes. Another type, the multi-bar design, has gained popularity recently. It features multiple bars of LED chips arranged in a linear pattern, allowing for various configurations to achieve optimal light coverage based on the shape and size of the grow space.
Board-style LED grow lights, in contrast, are flat panels with multiple LED diodes mounted on them. Quantum Board design, a relatively new type, has become popular. It utilizes a large flat circuit board with a grid pattern of LED chips. The chips are evenly distributed, resulting in relatively uniform light distribution and coverage compared to other board-style LEDs.
Light Distribution
One key distinction between bar-style and board-style LED grow lights is their light distribution. Bar-style LED grow lights offer precise and even light distribution as they can be positioned to ensure each plant receives the necessary light for optimal growth and yield.
Board-style LED grow lights, on the other hand, have a more centralized light distribution, leading to higher central light intensity. However, their light distribution is not as precise as that of bar-style LED grow lights.
Energy Efficiency
Both bar-style and board-style LED grow lights are energy-efficient alternatives, consuming less electricity than traditional HID lights.
However, in terms of energy efficiency, bar-style LED grow lights are generally considered more efficient. They provide greater precision in light distribution and spectrum, effectively delivering the required light to each plant. Additionally, the bar-style design aids in dissipating less junction heat, resulting in lower operating temperatures and less energy wastage.
It is important to note that the energy efficiency of LED grow lights can vary depending on the specific model and brand.
Cost
Board-style LED grow lights are generally less expensive than bar-style LED grow lights due to differences in their design and manufacturing processes.
Board-style LED grow lights are constructed using printed circuit boards (PCBs), which are flat boards with electronic components mounted on them. The PCB design enables efficient production of numerous LED chips in a small area, reducing manufacturing costs. Additionally, the design of board-style LED grow lights is simpler, with fewer components and attachment points compared to bar-style LED grow lights, resulting in lower material costs and a simpler manufacturing process.
Heat Emission
Bar-style LED grow lights generally emit less heat than board-style LED grow lights due to their design and construction.
In bar-style LED grow lights, the LED chips are arranged linearly along the length of the bar, allowing for better heat dissipation as the generated heat is spread over a larger surface area. Additionally, bar-style LED grow lights typically incorporate larger heat sinks to assist in dissipating the heat produced by the LED chips.
On the other hand, board-style LED grow lights are constructed using smaller and more compact flat PCBs, which may result in less efficient heat dissipation and higher operating temperatures.
What Are the Similarities?
Despite their differences, bar-style and board-style LED grow lights also share some similarities.
Spectrum Design
Both bar-style and board-style LED grow lights can be designed to offer various spectra to fulfill the specific requirements of different plants at different stages of growth. These include options such as full spectrum (white light), targeted spectrum, broad spectrum, and narrow spectrum.
Longevity
Both bar-style and board-style LED grow lights have longer lifespans compared to traditional HID lights. They require less maintenance and replacement over time, resulting in greater cost-effectiveness in the long term. The lifespan of the two types of lights does not significantly differ from each other. However, LED grow lights equipped with active cooling fans may have a shorter lifespan.
Environmental Sustainability
Both bar-style and board-style LED grow lights contribute to environmental sustainability. They consume less energy and produce less heat compared to traditional HID lights. This not only benefits indoor plant cultivation but also minimizes the environmental impact.
Choosing Between Bar-Style and Board-Style LED Grow Lights
Choosing between bar-style and board-style LED grow lights involves considering several factors. For bar-style LEDs, they can be further categorized into single-bar and multi-bar lights.
For small-scale indoor cultivation, single-bar LED grow lights are often more suitable due to their flexibility in installation angles and versatile placement options. They allow for precise and flexible lighting adjustments.
For larger indoor growing setups, multi-bar style LED grow lights are generally more suitable. They cover a larger area, provide higher energy efficiency, and yield better results. Board-style LED grow lights are another option, as they are often more cost-effective due to their mature craftsmanship.
Greenhouses can benefit from both single-bar and multi-bar style LED grow lights. Their narrow design minimizes shading from natural sunlight, ensuring plants receive the necessary light for optimal growth.
Both bar-style and board-style LED grow lights can be suitable for individual grow tent setups, depending on specific plant needs. However, for higher output, bar-style LED grow lights are generally preferred due to their superior heat dissipation. On the other hand, board LED grow lights are a more budget-friendly option.
Heat management is crucial in grow tent setups. Bar-style LED grow lights dissipate less heat compared to board-style LED grow lights due to their compact and efficient design. Therefore, if heat is a concern in the grow tent, bar-style LED grow lights are the better choice.
In conclusion, both bar-style and board-style LED grow lights have advantages and disadvantages. Growers should carefully evaluate their specific needs before making a decision. As LED technology continues to advance, new types of LED grow lights may emerge, providing additional options and flexibility for indoor cultivators.
