Materials:
- 10x 2.4m ( 8ft ) 2x4s
- 1x OSB sheet 240x120cm ( 8x4 ft )
- 12x two led light fixtures for 120cm (4ft) LEDs, 24 cool daylight 18W led lights
- 3x double light switches - one per shelf, half of each switch controlling every other light fixture
- Some screws, wiring, wagos
- Bonus: tapo p110 or other smart plug to turn the lights on/off on schedule
Total cost under $200
I certainly don't have "grow lights" which is why I think I'm having the heat issue. I am certainly in the camp of getting 80% there for a fraction of the price!
Thanks for the reply!
LEDs might emit much more energy as light compared to incandescent lights, but that light will get absorbed by plants and surrounding and will eventually end up mostly as heat, no matter what light you have. This rack has 24x18W = 432W worth of lights, which is equivalent of a small space heater running on low.
2 of those racks in a small room in the basement is enough for me to have 24C (75F) in that room while the rest of the basement is closer to 12C (45F). The fanciest of growlights may have saved me 1-2C, or not.