http://www.thesimpledollar.com/the-light-bulb-showdown-leds-vs-cfls-vs-incandescent-bulbs-whats-the-best-deal-now-and-in-the-future/
Is food for thought regardless as are the comments after the article. This is just bulbs. So I feel it is a lot of information to cipher about these lighting systems. I search the boards for specific words, and finding answers and spotty. This almost 420 page thread is difficult to parse..
I am considering switching to an LED system, of course I am looking at my bottom line, and time, just wonder if we have a page compiled from this monster thread yet? Ive read the basics and understand that 1200w marketed is really 600w and that shitty brands abounds and you get what you pay for. But with all the major and off brand manufactures I am finding it hard to make a purchase with confidence.
I also have an interest in the DIY systems but first need to understand why spending almost 400 bucks for a 200w DIY cree system or what have you is a better value than purchasing a 1200W "diamond" factory built LED from china for 300 and change? What is cob led vs. regular led? Does the quality compensate somehow, does it upgrade easier or cheaper? I do not mind some labor if its practical.
What are the real options for getting into LED's that replace 1000W HID's w/o spending a thousand plus dollars? Its just my utility bill. I am getting letters that I am using more electricity than my neighbors. If I buy a 1500 dollar 800w known name brand light is it going to be that much more efficient than the 1200w 300 dollar Chinese knockoff? Will it lower my bill 70% instead of 50%?