Using Multiple LED panels VS a single higher wattage panel

Why 2 small LED panels should yield more then 1 large panel

I've been studying LED grow light technology for some time now and have been watching every grow journal I can and have noticed a clear trend that seems to be reoccurring regarding multiple small panels out yielding a single larger panel. LED light is extremely limited in being able to spread and is highly angle of diode directional. Even the big name company's that sink tons of money in R&D such as GE have a long way to go when it comes to spreading the light on a LED for use in home lighting.

Attached is a quick sketch that demonstrates how 2 smaller wattage LED panels should be able to significantly out perform a single higher wattage panel using 40 watts less. A LED panel produces a tight band of optimum light which I will call the "sweet zone". About 4" beyond this zone (give or take) the light is still good but half as intense (seen in the shaded areas on the attachment) but when you layer 2 lights slightly spaced apart from each other you end up doubling the half intense light zone turning it back into a sweet zone. If spaced correctly apart you should end up with a significantly larger sweet zone then the higher wattage LED light.

Now there are plenty of other factors to consider that can make the larger wattage LED light more appealing but there are sacrifices that bring the efficacy down. Take penetration for instance, The higher wattage light has better penetration but since it has to be raised higher then the lower wattage panels it sacrifices overall coverage intensity for higher penetration.

There are many other factors to consider I know and don't claim this to be the science in every situation but from what data we do have from grow journals, this certainly seems to be the case in many situations. Any thoughts or ideas?

Your drawing is very similar to the reasoning given in Jorge's Bible for three 600W vs. two 1000 W. I think an additional image for the sake of LED would be a bird's eye view showing how multiple light sources could hit a plant from more angles than fewer sources and help to limit shading. Good info given on the Unite! thread, btw.

meharmon said:

Your drawing is very similar to the reasoning given in Jorge's Bible for three 600W vs. two 1000 W. I think an additional image for the sake of LED would be a bird's eye view showing how multiple light sources could hit a plant from more angles than fewer sources and help to limit shading. Good info given on the Unite! thread, btw.

Click to expand...

Thanks! I see your a fellow modder and have modded out your Blackstar. I did some work with a friend to find out what best coverage zone for the 240w panels (both direct coverage and non-direct) and will test some more theories when time and money permits me. Just off grow journals alone it was easy to gather that yield of each light would increase at a decent amount per panel when using more then one, it's just a matter of finding out the unlisted details regarding the balance of coverage zones vs intensity. I will be working towards figuring it all out and have already documented a decent amount of data with more to come.

After a year of researching LED grow lights I built my own. I just finished it today and hope to have complete results of how it works out after a couple of cycles. I have a bit of the "Home Improvement" mentality so I did get a little overboard with the finished light measuring approx. 22" X 23" with the total actual draw of 338.67 Watts. If my calculations are correct it is the will put out a little more light 1000 Watt bulb. The 240 Watt BlackStar Grow light is only approx. 130 Watts and currently lists for $278.95 on ebay. My total cost for the build including the materials to build the casing, etc. is about $290. I will be pairing my light with a DWC (Bubbleponics) and special layout to see how it compairs to my traditional grow. I will be keeping precise notes for future use in tweeking/improving results.