The Cost of Light
Energy Cost Comparison (excluding maintenance costs and benefits from AC cooling costs)
For a more detailed cost comparison calculator download this excel spreadsheet.
Deciding what lamp to purchase should be based on the Total Cost.
Comparison of a MHL lamp that costs $100u> vs. a LVD lamp that costs $300 (including ballast).
A 200W LVD Lamp provides as much quality light as a typical 400W metal halide lamp.
Two Simple Formulas
Cost of Energy = Watts Used x Energy Rate x Hours of Operation / 1000
Energy Savings = Watts Saved x Energy Rate x Hours of Operation / 1000
Relative Cost Example
Elec. Cost of 400W MHL = 400 Watt x $0.10/KWh x 4000 hours / 1000 = $160
Elec. Cost of 200W LVD = 200 Watts x $0.10/KWh x 4000 hours / 1000 = $80
(Assuming average $0.10/KWh electricity costs)
Would you pay $300 for a lamp that saves you $80/year. in energy costs alone?
ROI = $100 / $300 = 33%
Payback = $300 / $100 = 3 Years
In about three years, the extra cost of an LVD lamp will have been offset through energy savings. That still leaves 7 years of warranted life to save even more on energy and relamping costs, plus the benefits of better quality light.
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