What Is the Energy Efficiency of the GE35? A Detailed Breakdown

Energy efficiency is the single most important factor in commercial indoor farming. Lighting can account for 50-70% of a vertical farm’s total electricity bill, so choosing a high-efficacy LED grow light directly impacts your profitability. The Koray GE35 series is engineered for maximum photosynthetic photon efficacy (PPE), and in this article, we break down exactly how efficient each model is and what that means for your bottom line.

GE35 Efficacy Ratings by Model

The GE35 lineup offers efficacy ratings from 2.5 to 3.5 µmol/J, depending on the spectrum and optical configuration. Here is the complete breakdown:

The GE35-120-V6 leads the series at 3.5 µmol/J, producing 180 µmol/s PPF from just 52W of power. This model uses the latest V6 spectrum with no lens, making it ideal for open-shelf growing where diffuse light is preferred. The GE35-120T-V6 (lensed version) achieves 3.2 µmol/J with focused light distribution for deeper canopy penetration.

The GE35-120T-F175 (60W) delivers 2.5 µmol/J with 150 µmol/s PPF. While this efficacy is lower than the V6 models, the F175 spectrum is optimized for broad-spectrum coverage that works across all crop types — strawberries, lettuce, herbs, and ornamentals. The GE35-120T-K6 (80W) provides 2.06 µmol/J but with extra red wavelengths that accelerate flowering and fruiting.

GE35 vs Fluorescent Tubes: The Efficiency Gap

To understand the GE35’s efficiency advantage, consider the traditional alternative: T5 fluorescent tubes. A standard 54W T5 HO tube produces about 75 µmol/s PPF, yielding an efficacy of roughly 1.4 µmol/J. The GE35-120T-F175 delivers twice the efficacy at 2.5 µmol/J, meaning you get twice the photosynthetic light output per watt of electricity consumed.

In practical terms, replacing four 54W T5 tubes (216W total, 300 µmol/s PPF) on a 1.2m shelf with two GE35-120T-F175 bars (120W total, 300 µmol/s PPF) cuts your lighting energy consumption in half while maintaining the same PPFD. Over a year of 16-hour daily operation, that saves approximately 696 kWh per shelf — or about $84 per shelf at $0.12/kWh.

Annual Operating Cost Calculation

Let us calculate the real-world operating cost for a typical vertical farm setup. Assume a 10-shelf rack with two GE35-120T-F175 bars per shelf (20 bars total), running 16 hours per day, 365 days per year, at $0.12/kWh:

Total power: 20 bars x 60W = 1,200W (1.2 kW). Daily energy: 1.2 kW x 16 hours = 19.2 kWh. Annual energy: 19.2 kWh x 365 = 7,008 kWh. Annual cost: 7,008 x $0.12 = $841.

Compare this to a fluorescent equivalent: 20 fixtures x 108W (dual 54W tubes) = 2,160W. Annual energy: 12,701 kWh. Annual cost: $1,524. The GE35 saves $683 per year on a single 10-shelf rack. Scale that to a 100-rack facility and you are looking at $68,300 in annual energy savings.

Power Factor and Electrical Quality

Beyond raw efficacy, the GE35 series features a power factor greater than 0.9, which means minimal reactive power waste. Low power factor is a hidden cost in commercial installations because it increases the current draw from your electrical panel, potentially requiring thicker wiring and larger circuit breakers. The GE35’s high PF ensures your electrical infrastructure is used efficiently.

The AC120-277V input range means the GE35 works with any commercial voltage standard worldwide, from 120V in North America to 277V in high-leg delta systems. No external driver or transformer is needed, reducing installation costs and improving system reliability.

Long-Term Efficiency Maintenance

LED efficacy degrades over time, and this is where quality matters. The GE35 series is rated for 50,000 hours of operation with Koray’s advanced thermal management. The aluminum housing acts as a heat sink, keeping LED junction temperatures low and preserving lumen output. At the L70 benchmark (70% of initial lumens), you can expect well over 11 years of continuous operation.

Koray’s secondary optics technology also plays a role in efficiency. By shaping the light distribution pattern, the secondary optics reduce wasted light that would otherwise fall on non-growing areas like shelf edges and walkways. More of every photon reaches the plant canopy where it matters.

Conclusion

The Koray GE35 series delivers industry-leading energy efficiency of up to 3.5 µmol/J, saving 40-50% on lighting costs compared to fluorescent alternatives. For a commercial vertical farm, this translates to tens of thousands of dollars in annual savings. Combined with high power factor, long lifespan, and uniform light distribution, the GE35 is one of the most cost-effective LED grow bars available today.

Koray Lighting has been at the forefront of LED grow light technology since 2009. With 200+ patents and a commitment to energy efficiency, Koray helps commercial growers maximize yield while minimizing operating costs. Learn more at koraylights.com.