Kenny,

TBO, I was not impressed. The Red/Blue mixture produced decent results but the plants were still leggy with a perceptible internodal distance. If you are only growing plants in a 1.5' square area, I think they can be very good lights. But I intend on using about 80 sq. ft. and the cost of the panels would have been far beyond my budget.

As an alternative, I am trying a 105 watt CFL bulb. About half the price of a 14 watt panel ($26 or so) and it covers about 6 sq. ft. So far, have been very impressed.

Mikw

I kind of think that roughly a CFL watt is worth about 4 watts incandescent and 2 watts Led. VERY roughly.. I wondered about the fact that the LEDs were pointed down and might tend to give an advantage. This subject has been over talked so much I wanted to see actual, real life test, so thanks so much.
OH, I asume those were 14 watt panels. I have one now over a foot square started seedlings. Just bought a 50 watt one E-bay..won a bid on one. All I want is to grow one tomato in the house this winter. Way to much money..think CFL would be the way.
Kenny

Kenny,

I would think a 50 watt LED would grow a tomato although I didn't have any luck using a couple of 14 watt. However, the CFL bulb at least works well for foliage. I have a two green sausage 'maters in one hydroponics container and two cucumbers in another and they are doing great. Here's some pictures over the last month or so: http://www.thehotpepper.com/showthread.php?t=8491

Mike

If you visit http://www.valleycat.net/garden/1224tomflowers.jpg you can see how the Green Sausage is doing. The plant itself is at http://www.valleycat.net/garden/1224toms.jpg

Mike

Thanks wordwiz..I still here.
Kennyp