Actual Cost on HPS Lights

[Mud_Hunter]

Im considering ordering a 400w hps. The simple math suggests that my cost per hour is 3 cents at .075 cost per kw. Has anyone here ever took a amp reading & voltage reading? If so can you share that information?

[tiedye0420]

no not really,
but my 430 watt hps costs around 20 a mnonth on 18/6.
go to www.hydroponics.net/learn/hid_lamp_op_cost.asp
to calculate your monthly cost

[Mud_Hunter]

no not really,
but my 430 watt hps costs around 20 a mnonth on 18/6.
go to www.hydroponics.net/learn/hid_lamp_op_cost.asp (http://www.hydroponics.net/learn/hid_lamp_op_cost.asp)
to calculate your monthly costWhats your cost per kw?

[tiedye0420]

i use .08 and my results seem to match my bill increases exactly. im in a trailer park and do not get a bill from pg&e, just a recipt from the landlord without the actual amount per KWH.
i was averaging 90 a month, before adding the two 600 watters on jan 9.
I have yet to get that one but i'll let you know when i find out.
we are cutting back in other areas so im hoping less than 140.

[Mud_Hunter]

Thanks Tie ... this helps out alot.

[b1v2w3]

I am running 4x250W, that's a thousand, right. A KWH costs around 9 cents around here. So if I run 2 of my 250s 24hrs (veg room) that's half of 24KWHs, like 12 and times 9 pennies, that's a $1.08 a day. Additional cost comes from fans, ac, you know all the other stuff! Tell us MudHunter why you would want voltage and amp readings. The wattage alone should be able to tell you the cost, once you know the charge for a KWH? Right? b1

[Mud_Hunter]

well i didnt know if the bulb wattage was the actual run wattage. Seeing how theres a tranformer! So if i had actual amps & voltage then i would have wattage

volts x amps = wattage.

220v x 1.8 amps = 396 watts

[Mud_Hunter]

hey b1,

do you prefer to run 4 250's rather than 1 1000. better coverage?

[b1v2w3]

Yes MH, you're right with the transformer: all devices consume some as well and your net wattage is more accurately computed by your method.
I have 2x250 in the veg room(MH) and 2x250 in the flower room(HPS) and feel that it gives you 30% more coverage using two versus one. b1