Hydroponic Electricity Costs 2026 | Calculator & Guide
Calculate exact electricity costs for your hydroponic setup. 150 sq ft = $12-20/month. LED vs HPS comparison + free calculator. Updated January 2026.
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Take Our QuizHydroponics uses electricity. How much depends on your setup. Here's the honest breakdown for US growers, with real numbers from real systems.
## Quick Reference: Monthly Running Costs
| Setup Size | Light | Pump/Fans | Total Power | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windowsill herbs | None | None | 0W | $0 |
| Countertop unit | 20W LED | 5W pump | 25W | Around $1.50 |
| Small tent 2'x2' | 100W LED | 15W fans | 115W | Around $7 |
| Medium tent 3'x3' | 200W LED | 25W fans | 225W | Around $13 |
| Large tent 4'x4' | 400W LED | 50W fans | 450W | Around $26 |
| HPS large tent | 600W HPS | 80W fans | 680W | Around $39 |
*Based on 16 hours light, 24 hours fans/pump, $0.12/kWh national average*
The honest truth: A small herb garden costs less than a Netflix subscription to run. Larger setups have real running costs, but they also produce significant quantities of food.
## US Electricity Rates
The national average is approximately $0.12 per kWh, but this varies enormously by state: - Cheapest: Louisiana ~$0.08, Oklahoma ~$0.09, Idaho ~$0.09 - Mid-range: Texas ~$0.12, Ohio ~$0.11, Florida ~$0.12 - Expensive: California ~$0.22, Connecticut ~$0.23, Massachusetts ~$0.25 - Most expensive: Hawaii ~$0.33
Check your utility bill for your actual rate. The numbers above use the national average.
The formula: Watts x hours per day x days / 1000 x rate = cost
Example: 200W light x 16 hours x 30 days / 1000 x $0.12 = $11.52 per month
## LED vs HPS: The Real Cost Comparison
400W LED setup: - Light purchase: Around $350 - Coverage: 4'x4' - Monthly electricity: Around $23 - Annual electricity: Around $276 - 3-year total: Around $350 + $828 = $1,178
600W HPS setup: - Light purchase: Around $100 - Coverage: 4'x4' (similar light output) - Monthly electricity: Around $29 (light only) - Annual electricity: Around $348 - Plus extraction for heat: Add $100/year - 3-year total: Around $100 + $1,344 = $1,444
The math is clear: LED costs more upfront but saves around $90-150 per year. Break-even typically happens within 12-18 months.
## Is It Worth It?
Small herb garden: Running cost around $1.50-7 per month. You'll harvest $25-60 worth of fresh herbs monthly. Clearly economic.
Medium vegetable setup: Running cost around $13-20 per month. Monthly harvest varies but typically $60-120 worth of produce.
The real value: Economics aside, fresh lettuce picked 30 seconds before eating is different from grocery store lettuce picked days ago.
Our [grow lights roundup](/guides/best-grow-lights-us) covers the best options at each price point.
Take our quiz for setup recommendations that balance your goals with realistic running costs.
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