According to the Sunshine Systems website, their UFO LED light is the top selling LED UFO currently on the market. This Sunshine Systems UFO LED grow light review will attempt to explain why this is. It is not, after all, the only UFO-style LED light on the market. In fact, most major grow light companies manufacture this style of light. While the name is a reference to the light’s distinctive round shape, dotted with multi-colored LED bulbs, it also brings to mind images of crop circles growing mysteriously in midnight fields. This is an image well-suited to the device’s function, as it is also intended to grow plants, mysteriously, in a darkened room.
Technical Specs
The Sunshine Systems UFO LED uses a series of LED bulbs. These bulbs are permanently affixed to the light and do not need to be replaced. They produce 90 watts of power at an operating temperature of -4F~+104F. This temperature is suitable for all types of plants at all stages of growth. The light uses a 120-260v AC power source, and can be plugged into North American, European and Asian outlets. At 270mm by 60mm, and weighing only 7 lbs, it is relatively small compared to many other types of grow lights. When hung at the recommended 1-2 feet above your plants, it reaches 12 square feet of coverage. The photoperiods should be adjusted as needed, but are recommended at 14-16 hours when your plants are in a vegetative state, and 10-12 hours when your plants are in a flowering state. The light comes with the hanging kit included.
Cost
Depending on where you buy it, the Sunshine Systems UFO LED light costs between $250 and $300. This is on the expensive side, when compared to similar models made by different companies. Most UFO-style grow lights sell for less than $200. What you are paying extra for, however, is quality. The Sunshine Systems model provides even, steady light coverage and can guarantee that you plants grow large and fast. Additionally, this model is environmentally friendly, and does not contain any dangerous substances, such as mercury. This cannot be said for some of the cheaper models on the market. This is also an incredibly efficient grow light. It uses up to 80% less energy than many types of lights, meaning that while you may pay more now, you will save money on energy costs in the long run.
Pros
As far as grow lights go, this one is very efficient. Besides the 80% energy savings, it emits almost no heat and has a minimum 50 000 hour lifecycle. It is a potent light, growing large flowers, buds and blooms at a fast rate, but is gentle enough to be used during all stages of growth. This is particularly useful if you want to use it on more than one type of plant at a time, because you do not have to match up their individual growth cycles. It is also an incredibly versatile light. It can be used with hydroponics, aeroponics and soil, and can be used in all indoor gardens and greenhouses. Because you do not have to replace the bulbs, you can cut down on waste, while avoiding maintenance costs.
Cons
The one downside to the Sunshine Systems UFO LED is its high initial cost, which makes it impractical for many people who are trying to set up their indoor gardens on a budget. If you can pull together the extra hundred dollars, however, you will find that the positives far outweigh the negative. The high price is offset by the light’s extreme energy efficiency and, over time, may save you more money than you spent on it. It is no wonder that this is the number on UFO-style LED light on the market.
