by Nebula Haze

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Quick Examples of Common Cannabis Growing Setups

These electricity prices are calculated for the US average electricity cost of $0.12/kWh. Depending on where you live, it can be higher or lower. I’ve heard from marijuana growers who’s electricity costs half as much, but also some who’s electricity costs twice that or more.

CFL Grow Lights 

• Average Electricity Cost: $27/month
• Average Yield: 1-2 oz Per Harvest
• Initial Setup Cost: $471.00

Starter LEDs

• Average Electricity Cost: $23/month
• Average Yield:2-4 oz Per Harvest
• Initial Setup Cost: $589.00

250W MH/HPS

• Average Electricity Cost: $33/month
• Average Yield: 4-9 oz Per Harvest
• Initial Setup Cost: $605.00

400W MH/HPS 

• Average Electricity Cost: $46/month
• Average Yield: 7-14 oz Per Harvest
• Initial Setup Cost: $744.00
• Same electricity cost and yields for similar wattage LED grow light

600W MH/HPS

• Average Electricity Cost: $61/month
• Average Yield: 10-21 oz Per Harvest
• Initial Setup Cost: $780.00
• Same electricity cost and yields for similar wattage LED grow light

Expected Yields for Cannabis Grow Lights (and first-time grower supplies lists)

Electricity prices were calculated for $0.12/kWh (USA national average) and $0.25/kWh (city average). Your electricity price may be higher or lower depending on the cost of electricity where you live!

Beginner Grower Shopping Lists

Non-Picture Version – Choose Your Destination…

 

CFLs Average Electricity Cost: $27/month

• 1-2 oz Per Harvest
• Initial Setup Cost: $471.00

Starter LEDs Average Electricity Cost: $23/month

• 2-4 oz Per Harvest
• Initial Setup Cost: $589.00

250W MH/HPS Average Electricity Cost: $33/month

• 4-9 oz Per Harvest
• Initial Setup Cost: $605.00

400W MH/HPS Average Electricity Cost: $46/month

• Same electricity cost and yields for similar wattage LED grow light
• 7-14 oz Per Harvest
• Initial Setup Cost: $744.00

600W MH/HPS Average Electricity Cost: $61/month

• Same electricity cost and yields for similar wattage LED grow light
• 10-21 oz Per Harvest
• Initial Setup Cost: $780.00

Although there is a larger size MH/HPS grow light available (1000W), at that size it starts going outside the scope of a “hobbyist” grower as far as ease and yields. In addition to needing a lot of extra cooling, a 1000W HPS grow light is less efficient compared to a 600W grow light (as far as how much light is put out for electricity used). I think most hobbyist growers would be happier with a 600W, or even two 600W lights, over a 1000W.

Learn the basics of growing weed: Beginner’s Guide

These Cannabis Growing Setup Examples Assume You’re Starting From Scratch and Don’t Plan to DIY Anything

I tried to include everything in these lists, as if someone were growing marijuana completely from scratch. For each example I calculated the cost as if you were buying everything online off of Amazon.com from the included links. A lot of these items cost less money if you shop around online or buy them in person, and you may already have some stuff lying around the house already.

For each example I also included a matching grow tent, because I believe grow tents are the best way to create a perfect environment for your plant at a really low cost. But if you want to skip the tent and make your own grow space in a grow box or closet, learn how to create the perfect growing environment for your plants!

Over the years we’ve had lots of people request “starter” shopping lists for new growers – it can be frustrating trying to figure out exactly what supplies you need to start growing cannabis indoors! So today I decided to make a few comprehensive shopping lists for common setups that include everything from nutrients to grow lights to rope ratchets. I’ll even tell you what yields, electricity cost and cost/ounce to expect with each setup.

If you don’t want to have to figure out exactly what to buy to start growing, this article is for you! I will break down what to expect based on your space limits and desired yields, so you can get the exact perfect setup for your situation.

I need more/different help! Take me to the 10-Step Quick Start Grow Guide

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Don’t Forget to Budget Money for Growing Medium and Plant Containers!

Remember to consider the growing medium (not included in totals). Here’s my very general estimate for 1-2 plants (you will need more to grow more plants). So consider you will need to spend an extra $30-125 for your growing medium + the cost of your container.