Replacing 250W-400W HPS/MH? Discover Round LED Grow Lights

HPS and MH lighting systems have long been the backbone of commercial horticulture around the world. However, the industry is now reaching a turning point. Rising energy costs and the growing demand for sustainable cultivation practices are making it increasingly important to transition to more efficient lighting solutions.

If you are considering replacing your 250W–400W HPS or MH lights, this article is for you. Our Horti E-Star, a round UFO-style LED grow light, is designed as a direct and efficient replacement for traditional 250W and 400W HPS/MH fixtures. It is the ideal high bay grow light for greenhouses, grow tents, and indoor farms.

Round LED Grow Lights Save 40–50% Energy

The Horti E-Star round LED grow light is available in 150W and 200W models. The 150W version is designed to replace traditional 250W HPS/MH lights, while the 200W version replaces 400W HPS/MH fixtures.

To clearly illustrate the advantages of round LED grow lights, the table below compares key technical specifications between traditional HPS lights and the Horti E-Star LED grow lights.

The Horti E-Star delivers an efficacy of up to 2.8 μmol/J, which is significantly higher than that of traditional HPS and MH lighting. While providing nearly the same light output, the Horti E-Star uses 40–50% less energy.

These savings apply to each individual fixture. In large commercial greenhouses or indoor farms with hundreds or thousands of lights, the total energy savings can be substantial, leading to lower operating costs and improved sustainability.

Round LED Grow Lights with 0-10V Dimming

One of the key advantages of the Horti E-Star round LED grow light is its integrated 0–10V dimming capability. Unlike traditional HPS and MH lights, which typically operate in an “all-on or all-off” mode, 0–10V dimming allows you to precisely adjust light intensity. This creates a more flexible, efficient, and cost-effective growing environment.

During the seedling and early vegetative stages, light intensity can be reduced to 40–60% to prevent light stress while also lowering energy consumption. As plants develop, the light output can be gradually increased to meet higher requirements during flowering and fruiting. Dimming also enables automated lighting control, such as scheduling based on Daily Light Integral (DLI) targets or dynamically adjusting output in response to available sunlight in greenhouse applications.

In addition to optimizing plant growth, dimming helps extend fixture lifespan and improve overall operational efficiency. For example, reducing light output by 50% can cut lighting energy use by nearly half, delivering meaningful cost savings during non-peak growth periods.

Lower power consumption also means less heat generation. By dimming lights during the hottest parts of the day, facility managers can significantly reduce the load on cooling systems, further improving energy efficiency and reducing operating costs.

Round LED Grow Lights with Full-Spectrum Output

Traditional HPS lights produce a spectrum dominated by yellow and orange wavelengths, while MH lights are heavily weighted toward blue light. Neither option provides the full range of wavelengths plants need throughout all growth stages. In contrast, LED grow lights can deliver a true full-spectrum output that more closely matches natural sunlight.

Research shows that sunlight-mimicking LED spectra, including red, blue, and far-red wavelengths, can significantly improve plant performance. For example, studies have found that these LED spectra increased dry weight by 21% in cucumbers and 15% in tomatoes compared to standard HPS lighting [1].

The Horti E-Star round LED grow light features a balanced full-spectrum design that offers clear advantages over traditional lighting technologies. This optimized spectrum supports healthier plant development, including stronger stems, more compact growth, and enhanced production of beneficial secondary metabolites.

In addition to our standard full-spectrum solution, we also offer customized spectrum options. These tailored lighting solutions are designed to match the specific needs of different crops, helping growers achieve maximum yield and quality.

Case Study: Sunlike Round LED Grow Lights for an Indoor Botanical Landscape

While our round LED grow lights are widely used in commercial greenhouses and indoor farms, they are also an effective solution for botanical landscapes within architectural spaces.

In this project, the client was developing an indoor botanical landscape that featured a diverse mix of trees, shrubs, and grass. Their primary concern was finding a lighting solution that could support the different growth requirements of all plant types while maintaining a natural, visually appealing environment. From the beginning, the client emphasized the need for a full-spectrum light that would promote healthy growth and preserve the plants’ natural colors.

After evaluating the project requirements, we recommended the Horti E-Star round LED grow light with a sunlike spectrum. This spectrum closely mimics natural daylight, ensuring that all plants receive balanced light for photosynthesis, structure development, and long-term vitality.

A total of 80 units of the 200W Horti E-Star were installed throughout the space to provide uniform coverage. The plants appeared vibrant, healthy, and full of life, seamlessly integrating into the architectural design and enhancing the overall aesthetic of the environment.

Interested in the round grow light - Horti E-Star? Contact us for more information.

References:

[1] Hogewoning, S. W., Trouwborst, G., Meinen, E., & van Ieperen, W. (2012). Finding the optimal growth-light spectrum for greenhouse crops. In S. Hemming, & E. Heuvelink (Eds.), Proceedins of the VII International Symposium on Light in Horticultural Systems, 15-18 October 2012, Wageningen, the Netherlands (Vol. 956, pp. 357-363). ISHS. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2012.956.41