Understanding the RX-G80 Series Modular Design

One of the most common questions commercial growers ask when evaluating LED grow lights is whether they can start with a lower wattage and scale up as their operation grows. The Koray Lighting RX-G80 series was designed with exactly this kind of flexibility in mind. Available in five wattage options — 500W, 650W, 800W, 1000W, and 1500W — the G80 lineup gives cultivators a clear upgrade path without having to replace their entire lighting infrastructure.

Koray Lighting, founded in 2009 in Zhongshan, Guangdong, has spent over 17 years refining secondary optics technology for horticultural lighting. The G80 series represents the culmination of that expertise, combining the Koray secondary optics system with Samsung LM301H EVO LEDs and a Meanwell driver to deliver industry-leading efficacy. Every model in the G80 family shares the same physical form factor (1160x1088x70mm) and uses the same G24B low-green full-spectrum recipe, which means upgrading between wattages does not require changes to your growing environment, racking, or light distance.

How the G80 Wattage Options Work

Multi-point PPFD distribution map for Koray G80 grow light

The G80 series is not a single fixture that you “upgrade” by swapping components. Rather, it is a family of fixtures that share the same platform dimensions, mounting geometry, and optical design. When a grower asks whether they can go from 650W to 1000W, the answer is straightforward: you would purchase the G80-1000W unit as a separate fixture. The physical size remains identical, so your rack spacing, light hangers, and reflector setup stay the same. You simply swap the fixture and immediately benefit from higher PPFD output.

Here is how the wattage tiers break down in practical terms:

  • G80-500W — Ideal for small-scale or entry-level commercial setups. Lower power consumption while maintaining the same uniform coverage pattern.
  • G80-650W — A popular mid-range option for 1.2×1.2m tents or 4x4ft grow spaces. Delivers strong PPFD for vegetative and flowering stages.
  • G80-800W — The flagship model. PPF of 2160 μmol/s with PPFD reaching 1500 μmol/m²/s at 0.2m and 1250 μmol/m²/s at 0.3m. Outperforms many competitors’ 1000W fixtures.
  • G80-1000W — For growers who need maximum light intensity in a 1.2×1.2m footprint. Suitable for high-light crops like cannabis, tomatoes, and peppers.
  • G80-1500W — The top-tier option for demanding commercial operations that require the highest possible PPFD.

Why Start at 650W and Upgrade Later?

Many commercial growers begin with the G80-650W because it offers an excellent balance of light intensity and energy cost during the vegetative stage. As plants transition to flowering and their light demand increases (often to 800-1200 μmol/m²/s PPFD), growers may find they need more intensity. The G80-1000W provides that additional output while fitting the exact same space.

The economic logic is sound. Starting with a 650W fixture means lower upfront investment and lower electricity costs during early growth phases. When the crop enters flowering, upgrading to 1000W (or even 1500W) ensures the plants receive the photon density they need for dense flower development. The Koray secondary optics system ensures that even at 1000W, there is no center hotspot — the light distribution remains uniform across the entire 1.2×1.2m canopy, which is critical for even canopy development.

Dimming and Smart Control Across All Wattages

Every G80 model supports three dimming methods: PWM (pulse-width modulation), RX resistor dimming, and 0-10V analog dimming. This means you can precisely control the light output regardless of which wattage you choose. Additionally, all G80 fixtures are compatible with the HortiGuru APP, which allows remote monitoring and scheduling. If you start with a G80-650W and later add a G80-1000W to the same room, both fixtures can be controlled through the same system.

The ability to dim also means that a G80-1000W can be run at 650W equivalent output during vegetative stages and then ramped up to full power for flowering. This gives growers who purchase the higher-wattage fixture an alternative path: buy the 1000W upfront and simply dim it during early growth, rather than buying two separate fixtures.

Energy Efficiency Comparison

The G80-800W model is particularly noteworthy when discussing efficiency. It delivers a PPF of 2160 μmol/s with a efficacy that outperforms the Lumatek Zeus 1000W while consuming 200W less power. Over a year of continuous operation (18 hours/day), this translates to approximately 876 kWh in electricity savings per fixture. For a commercial facility running 50 fixtures, that is 43,800 kWh saved annually — a significant reduction in operating costs.

The G24B spectrum used across all G80 models is a low-green full-spectrum recipe optimized for photosynthetic efficiency. It delivers strong output in the blue (400-500nm) and red (600-700nm) regions where chlorophyll absorption peaks, while minimizing green light waste. This spectrum has been validated through Koray’s 2800m² testing facility and is backed by over 200 patents in secondary optics design.

Practical Upgrade Scenario

Consider a typical commercial grower transitioning from HPS to LED. They might start with G80-650W fixtures to replace 600W HPS units. The G80-650W delivers comparable or better PPFD while using less energy and producing less heat. After a successful first cycle, the grower decides to push yields higher during flowering. They purchase G80-1000W fixtures, which drop right into the same mounting positions. The old 650W units can be redeployed to a nursery or vegetative room where lower light intensity is acceptable.

This approach minimizes waste and maximizes the return on the initial investment. The standardized form factor and consistent spectrum across the G80 family make this kind of phased upgrade practical and cost-effective.

FAQ

Can I swap internal components to upgrade my G80-650W to 1000W?

No. The G80 series uses different LED configurations and driver specifications for each wattage tier. The upgrade involves replacing the entire fixture, not individual components. However, the physical dimensions remain the same, so no structural changes to your grow room are needed.

Is it more cost-effective to buy the G80-1000W upfront and dim it?

It depends on your budget and timeline. Buying the 1000W upfront and running it at reduced power during vegetative stages gives you flexibility, but the initial investment is higher. Buying the 650W first and upgrading later spreads the cost over time. Both approaches are valid — the G80 platform supports either strategy.

Does the spectrum change between different G80 wattages?

No. All G80 models use the same G24B low-green full-spectrum recipe. Whether you choose 500W or 1500W, the spectral quality remains identical. Only the photon output (PPFD) changes with wattage.

What is the warranty on the G80 series?

All G80 models come with a 3-year warranty and a rated lifespan of 50,000 hours. Koray Lighting provides CE, RoHS, FCC, and ETL certifications across the entire G80 lineup.