CULTILIGHT PLANNING TOOL
Estimate annual electricity use and operating-cost savings for two grow-lighting systems designed to meet the same crop-level lighting target.
HOW THE CALCULATION WORKS
Each system's connected load is calculated from fixture quantity and actual input power. The calculator applies the same operating schedule to both systems, then multiplies annual electricity use by your effective electricity rate.
When an additional LED investment is entered, simple payback is calculated by dividing that incremental cost by the estimated annual operating-cost savings.
Use LED and HPS layouts intended to deliver the same crop-level lighting target.
Include driver or ballast consumption and the planned LED operating setting.
Apply your production schedule and effective electricity rate for a useful estimate.
IMPORTANT COMPARISON CONSIDERATIONS
Fixture count alone does not establish equivalence. Compare designs at the same canopy-level PPFD, DLI and uniformity target.
Rated lamp wattage may exclude ballast losses. Use measured or manufacturer-confirmed total system input power.
Utility bills may include demand charges, time-of-use rates and seasonal pricing that a simple energy rate cannot capture.
Cooling, heating, dehumidification, maintenance and lamp replacement can materially affect total project economics.
RELATED RESOURCE
Review light output, efficiency, heat, maintenance and project-planning considerations.
The calculator provides an initial operating-cost comparison. Our team can help evaluate your existing HPS system and develop a practical LED lighting solution based on your crop, facility and production objectives.