GROW LIGHT Comparison: Soltech Solutions Vita Light vs. GE LED Grow Light (w/ Vita the Hen) - Ep 213

I recently received the Soltech Solutions Vita light and was struck with how similar it was to the GE LED grow light-at least at first glance. However, there are some notable differences once you start doing a side-by-side comparison, so I thought I would outline them here.
Interested in the lights?
- Feel free to use the code: homestead2022 for 15% off at glnk.io/0lvw/homesteadbrooklyn
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Just a note: I was gifted both of these lights to test, (which is why I disclosed a partnership), but was not asked nor required to do a KZbin video or any public review on them, but I thought this would be helpful for you either way!
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[@LaviniaDeMortalium]

Just a tip about lights: Timers are really inexpensive (like, $10 USD) and are a great way to regulate how much light you're personally exposed to. I set the grow lights around my desk to come on when I'm not around, and turn off at about the time I settle in for work or general gaming. It keeps eye strain to a minimum and allows me to better co-exist with extra light sources.

[@emkn1479]

I happened upon the GE light after just a bit of research and took a chance because it was so affordable. I’ve had it hung over a few houseplants for about a month and I’ve seen really healthy growth from things that barely grew last year. I’m really happy with it and love that I can use it anywhere.

[@brendakirk7250]

I totally like the fact I could buy 2-3 GE lights for the price 1 Sol-tech.

[@growmagicstella5683]

grow magic grow light bulb is also great in Amazon.

[@justinjacobs4402]

the Vita light makes the plants look richer because they use less blue light, it also doesn't get too hot like the fake Grow Magic lights (which burned my hand). Vita lights last 3x longer than GE.

[@seedrootsprouts2290]

Thank you for this, Summer! I’m offering grow lights to my babies this winter. After all these many years of growing houseplants, I made adjustments to the care I was giving them. So this info was right on time.

[@laurendao4467]

This was very helpful! Interesting spec differences. I love that there are options for a variety of budgets. Thanks for doing this!

[@jaaustin500]

Thanks! Grow lights help us Northeast/Canadian gardeners get through the long winters without our plants suffering! I have several types throughout my little townhouse and they are magic! Also, helps me get more sunlight in those long dark days too! 👍☺️☀️❄️

[@danieltracy4858]

Thank you so much. I love watching your channel. I'm starting to get into plants and my 2 main windows are north facing and I'm in Northern WA State. Your channel is helping me so much!

[@jeff2309]

Great and informative video as usual! I have plants that have never seen the sun in my tiny NY apartment but thrive under the GE Bulb. I've been using these bulbs for a little over a year now with the only complaints being the size/weight. Was curious about this new Vita light and this clarified quite a bit! Thanks!!!

[@bobbieyoder7223]

Summer! I was just researching these!!! Yahoo - thanks!!! Can’t wait to watch it

[@MrRichiejr]

Love your setup and vibe, Just switched all 20 Orchids to semi Hydro with river rock and my Phals and Catts sent out shoots and roots love it.

[@Alizardlovesyou]

The warm light hue is so important to me, especially in these colder months :D

[@roo288]

I was just talking to my partner about getting lights manufactured in the US! In my mind that helps justify the soltech price. Thank you!

[@alfredmeneses5496]

As a simpleton houseplant parent, I don’t find the need to spend the money on Soltech, but the GE bulb for “Seeds and Greens” has been wonderful affordable solution to getting extra supplemental light to my houseplants without that weird burple color. I do hope though that GE comes up with a Dimmable or 3 way version in the future. Even if it’s just for a couple more dollars.

[@chickensandguineapigs669]

Wow, Vita is 12 and she seems so relaxed and friendly.

[@summerrayneoakes]

Guess it comes with age! But seriously, over the last four years of being in her life, she's got one of the kindest personalities of any hen I have met. She is the only hen in the coop that will run to another's aid if they express fear or need help.

[@chickensandguineapigs669]

Awww, that’s so sweet!

[@vickiwhite725]

@@summerrayneoakes omygoodnesss that's adorable 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@ellenhaben1217]

Love Vita the hen; I used to have a aunt named Vita,she wasn't as nice!

[@judithlenzin7444]

Thank you SOOOOO much for this. I really needed this info, Summer. Love to Vita!

[@summerrayneoakes]

Glad it was helpful! And Vita sends her motherly love back!

[@ashleecaraveo2831]

Thank you for the information and helpful. I've used various brands with various specks and like with most things in life, there are pros and cons. I already have a GE Grow light and like it for what I need. I'll be adding the Vita light to my collection as well, as I have the perfect spot for it as it will fit perfectly in my (hanging and dimmable) ceiling lamp over my kitchen counter.

[@MartiesPlants]

I really love the GE bulb. Soltech is a little out my budget.

[@alfredmeneses5496]

Same. The GE bulb is far superior to other grow lights at the same price point.

[@LaviniaDeMortalium]

Agreed, especially if you're lighting various parts of your interior :/

[@debs_boho_jungle]

Agreed!

[@jfuentes9188]

Are they safe to use as regular bulbs in your home (will they be harmful to people, i.e. the rays) ?

[@soltech_solutions]

@@jfuentes9188 Soltech's lights are completely safe for skin and animals. The light wavelength contains less than 1% UV light.

[@coyotedreams3902]

Super helpful Summer! Thank you!!!

[@yeollinnun]

Thank you for the good information. Good luck to you and your family.

[@danielawilliam]

Those growlights are imposible to find in my country and the cost of shipping is insane, so I had to improvise with regular LED lights. My house is mega bright but my plants are happy :)

[@fignewton0000]

The more light the better! :) every bit helps

[@Ricardo-fv2qi]

Same here I use a set up of both led lights and CFLs (I've heard they have a good spectrum) and a clamp lamp that I can position wherever I want to focus the light.

[@growmagicstella5683]

grow magic grow light bulb is also great in Amazon.

[@sparks7237]

Great information Summer, thank you!

[@TheC3.]

I have had the GE lights in my study room for 4 years. They are on 12 to 14 hours a day. The light is like being outside on a sunny day. I just bought the Vita bulb because I want it in my dining room where the atmosphere needs to be less studious :-) Your review helped me choose the Vita bulb. Say hi to your beautiful bird, she looks so peaceful!

[@Durburger316]

So helpful! Thanks Summer!

[@suekuly4723]

This came at a perfect time. Thank you.

[@jtidema]

I was hoping this would be a comparison of how they worked for your plants. Going to check and see if you did an update after this one!

[@clairesanightmare]

Love them both! I have the GE bulbs but I’d love to get some Vita bulbs as well for some more ambient lighting for my aroids! Sometimes I think the GE one is a bit too strong so I love this other option! Especially because it’s dimmable😍😍😍

[@byRavyn]

I love the GE grow light. My jasmine plants love it especially for the winter.

[@justinjacobs4402]

Soltech lights are built to last. GE uses fancy marketing to make it seem like their lights last longer but they are not truly rated to last 8 hours of constant use over time. They get more wear and tear over time and burn out early.

[@supergabee]

It's like Summer was reading my mind when she decided to do this video bc I was just looking for grow lights!! PS: love "the Yoda hen" 😊

[@georginablumel2852]

Me too!!

[@janequeenii2493]

Thumbs up for the adorable hen Vita! 🐓❤️💚

[@tyler357]

I have a few GE lights and love them!

[@thenickneagle]

The look Vita gives you at about 0:57 is PERFECT

[@summerrayneoakes]

It's as if she knows I'm talking about her :) She's such a great hen.

[@thenickneagle]

@@summerrayneoakes She seems very smart and she is definitely aware!

[@cherylyeo25]

Lovely and how apt to get this now. Singapore is getting very very windy rainy days - so I finally invest / research on grow lites for my indoor plants! much love from Asia

[@nporter3]

Extremely insightful. Thank you.

[@jenniferfahr4705]

Thanks! We've been looking at a totally different brand but this information helps!

[@erikathorpe868]

I have the GE bulb and I love it. I just ordered the vita though because I have a spot in my bedroom where the dimmable feature would really be nice and it comes in black which will go with my decor. Thanks for the discount code.

[@bigrubberaloicious]

You literally couldnt have made this video at a better time! I was just on the soltech site looking at this exact light! I love that its nice and warm compared to some of the colder lights that I have now. Thank you so much for the review!! PS- Is it possible that you'll do a SoltechSolutions Aspect light review as well??

[@normamartinez2630]

Very informative. Thank you. I'm just starting out here with the grow lights so for me the cheaper the better. 😂 Love Vita, she is so we'll behaved, such an unusual yet loving petship 🥰😍

[@Security2154]

Great light! Was wondering if you could do a segment on how to determine the lamp output needed (LCD in my case) for a house plant at a given distance from the light. My goal is to out low-profile LCD "Can" lights in the ceiling of all the dark areas of the house. Thanks for the information you have shared with us. Love the new place.

[@Robert_A_Keyboards4948]

Fantastic! However, I have by accident found that my pothos in my bathroom absolutely love my regular led lights that I replaced all the regular lighting with. Of course, they love the humidity too....:)

[@ralphcom]

Hey summer do more grow light comparisons. There are a lot of options out there besides GE and soltech. I would love to see their performance since I don’t trust the reviews

[@rylanblack8571]

I had better results with the GE grow light. I kind of want to switch out my other bulbs for GE, but I don’t want to be wasteful.

[@mkexotics168]

I'm using grocery store LED lights , works perfectly 😂

[@LaviniaDeMortalium]

I use a pair of old stringray aquarium lights. They work amazingly.

[@caitlinjesuisen7024]

You should upgrade to garage lights

[@denisepeppe2550]

Excellent information. Thanks for sharing. Have a nice day. 🙋‍♀️

[@summerrayneoakes]

You're most welcome. Have a wonderful day yourself.

[@janecurtis5726]

Good to know information. Love Vita and always nice to see a hen in your video.

[@KindaRylan]

I appreciate the fair and balanced review of both options. Though soltech is raved about I think there are dozens of products comparable at a lesser price point

[@mindfulmaximalist9962]

The candlelight music was hilarious.

[@studiotwo]

Very timely video.

[@summerrayneoakes]

Glad it was helpful!

[@franz4486]

Looking forward to more videos with Vita the hen!

[@antoniodittman5820]

what do you think about soltech claiming the rang for their light is up to 84"? Considering the particles per second and lumens are significantly lower than the GE light which recommends no more than 24" I feel like soltech misrepresents its effectiveness. Have you done any side by side light meter tests? would love to see a video that tests the effective ranges of these types of bulbs.

[@LaviniaDeMortalium]

grow lights and hand sewing are excellent companions :)

[@onpoint1111]

Thanks for this. Couldn’t find any measurement specs for either bulb to see what size housing they would fit into. Since I’m in an apartment I need to find fixtures for on top of shelves vs drilling holes to hang them.

[@dreiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii]

Wish these lights would finally go here in the Philippines. There's so many bulbs here that market themselves as growlights but put out just a few foot-candles.

[@SuperSenescence]

These are probably great grow lights but PPF dont really say much in terms of how much light that will hit the plants ! Hope specifications in terms of PPFD will be industry standard in the future and that people wont be fooled by just lux, ppf, kelvin and lumens

[@TY-ob7fz]

Hi Summer. There is bulbs on Amazon that comes with a remote controller that is dimmable and also can change color temperature. They’re made by Lampaous and come in GU 10 configuration with a bayonet socket for track lights. You can of course get an screw bulb adapter. But I find the dimmable and ability to change color temperature all in one bulb fascinating. Also with one remote can control up to four different bulbs separately for track configurations. Anyways food for thought.

[@flyboy008]

Hi summer love love love your channel! I have a 5’ ponytail palm, facing west on the 2nd floor, need a bit of grow light help, which one do you recommend and how far to the plant? Thank you

[@jenniferb9506]

I've tried several cost effective grow bulbs, and the GE bulb works the best for me, and is easy to get local. Keeping an open mind though.

[@hanks2567000]

If you want the real deal, try 2 or 3 Vander 3000s

[@justinjacobs4402]

Soltech lights use less blue light which is useless for growing plants. The warmer is better for bringing out the richness of color in your plants. GE are cheaper but engineered to fail and are not rated lat 8 hours of constant use. They burn out quicker. Soltech is more of an investment

[@TracysHomeGarden]

So cute Summer! Vita the hen! Love the dimmable Vita LED grow lights too! However, not sure if I like anything beyond 3K kelvin as it may be too “white” for my taste. As always,love your educational videos. Thanks for the info. ❤️🇨🇦 ps. Photons of light! Science geeks will love your science vocabulary! 😍

[@Banano91f]

Thanks for sharing

[@markofthejungleplants996]

Yes Vita is a new version of kipee 🍀 🍁 🍂 🍃

[@cArryLism]

oh you got it!

[@whateam364]

kippe will be missed

[@jayceebAtiCa]

huhu

[@jubivai5018]

Kippee the Hen passed away but we have a new version!

[@sarahtosh8369]

Thank you for this video! I especially am interested in what you said about directing the light at the ceiling. Do you find you are able to get extra light for more plants that way? I have some lower light plants in a north facing room i am hoping to get a little extra light for during fall and winter.

[@justinomar9210]

Hell no that's cap

[@fisherchi]

Hi Summer, I have some plants in my office which has no windows and just fluorescent lighting that are dim. Is it advisable to keep the lights on 24 hours since the lighting is so dim or should I get a grow bulb and timer and do a regular day/night cycle with it? My plants are low light plants. BTW, Vita the Hen is so cool. :)

[@evansent]

Question! In terms of the plants you put underneath these grow lights - would you put, for example, all your direct sun/succulents/cacti under one of these lights or could it be ok for rhipsalis and hoya and the 'bright indirect' kind of plants that love, for example, an east facing window. I don't want to burn any plants.

[@serenadayman7153]

Good 🌅 from Barrie, Ontario!!!

[@crazygardeningwithom8925]

thank you for the knowledge :)

[@summerrayneoakes]

My pleasure! Glad it could be helpful.

[@crazygardeningwithom8925]

@@summerrayneoakes :)

[@pawlet]

You carry beauty and grace in your actions and words. A 12 year old chicken! Must be living on love. 💕

[@jpadvocates]

OMG! Luv Vita! We have a pet rooster (silky) that we keep in the home. His name is Sweet-Bird! I hope he also lives 12+ years!

[@jeanpatrickbaclayon798]

Hello, Summer! Can you do a video about what specs should I be looking for for a quality growlight? Thanks!

[@cynthiabowman8665]

Summer, I'm a new plant mom and always enjoy your videos. They are really helpful. Thanks so much. I collected art before I started collecting plants so I am really interested in 2 pieces hanging in your livingroom. The 1st is a hugh colorful panting if what looks like a group of musicians. The 2nd is next to it, it appears to be a painting of an Afrjcan American woman. Can you tell me who the artists are? and any other info about the pieces? Thanks.

[@SiGSxD]

Nice video! What Vita bulb do you recommend, wide or narrow? I already bought the Aspect LED Growlight Kit. Thank you!

[@KellyB3]

Anyone that walks in my living is like WOW! 😂I need lower lights. I have Day light bulbs!

[@civilizeddiva]

I bought the GE bulb recently. My apartment does not have a wired wall fixture to screw the bulb into, so I need to find a tabletop directional lamp. I bought Target’s, Crosby Schoolhouse desk lamp, BUT because of the weight of the bulb, the lamp tips over. For now, I placed a small dumbbell on the base of the lamp to help it stand. Any directional lamp recommendations? My apartment receives North West light and our window is blocked by another building. The lamp supports my recently purchased Peperomias: Hope and Polybotrya. Thanks for your help😊

[@42apprentice]

Aw, lovely to see Vita. There’s been such a gap in chicken companionship since we lost Kippie.

[@TheM3RKClan503]

What bulbs are in your tall lamp in the back? Very cool👌🏻

[@pamelah9093]

Love hen Vita! Muah🥰 Have Kippy or Vita ever found your beneficial insects?

[@walterruano9831]

I have an led light that I can adjust the red and blue spectrum. I’ve been growing orchids under them for years!

[@Theimpromptulife]

so cute, she starts talking soft and little chicken yawns lol

[@hhdbhn302]

I checked out the SolTech lights because of your makeover video but they are too expensive for me..... To anyone who is broke as well, here is the perfect recipe. Pack of 10 E27 LED Lamps 9W 800 Lumen 3000K warm white (not too warm, not too cool, perfect middle and good for green plants) 220-240V AC Price? 18 € on Amazon, baby. I have already installed them and omg my living room is LIT haha I have 6 spots on my ceiling lamp and a 20 qm living room and this is best for me and my plants :)

[@theregularfish4478]

I live in the Philippines so the real grow lights really cost a lot here. I've been using cheap unbranded LED grow lights and they're effective as long as it's white light and measures around 200 - 500 foot candles. I keep them around 12 - 14 hours a day, and all my plants are very healthy! For me all it matters is the foot candles measurement, but that's just based on my experience.

[@zackrosstattoos734]

we use several lights around the house including both of these as well as the larger Soltec light- the pendant, some $20 amazon ones, and the cheaper GE grow lights. Unfortunately, nothing works better than the Soltec and nothing looks better color wise. However, they are expensive. Some of the cheap amazon ones stopped working at 6months or less. I disagree w/Summer that the 4000k is still warm.. it's not, it's starting to cool and feels very gymnasium compared to the Soltec. The plants love the Soltec and grow better under it. Wish it wasn't true but it is.

[@ja-uh9gz]

Thank you! I always like to learn more about grow lights. Both lights are really nice..and it's nice to know the different options between the two. Vita is very sweet! 🐔🐓

[@MrJoelaron]

Just ordered the vita! DIMMABLE!! :) Curious how it fits in.

[@andredumas9547]

Hello Summer, this was helpful, I will buy one and select the one made in America over one made in China. Do we know where the GE light is made ? I checked on Amazon and no indications regarding where the GE light is made. Thanks for this interesting video.

[@k700i]

I call my growlight side lamp by my bed sidechick since it’s automated so I usually say “hey Siri turn on sidechick” haha

[@melissabrisueno3888]

I don't know if I heard her mention that the Soltech light comes in black. For some that will make a difference, simply for aesthetic enjoyment.

[@nikushim6665]

I would like to see actual PAR and spectrum tests on these things. Having a bunch of large 300 to 1000w grow light arrays such as marshydro, im a bit skeptical on their output. Though considered them for spot lighting for sections of my grows that need a bit of extra light.

[@DivineMisterAdVentures]

A high rise office girl in nature recovery? Your blouse is perfect. Just a suggestion that you can always throw a filter in front of bright white light to cut the output and make it warmer. That's an orange filter and they come in several shades and are pretty cheap on Amazon. You can do the opposite for a warm light using a blue filter but there's just less light. I'm mainly interested in how houseplants respond -- what's a good option.

[@pedrotorres5864]

Hi im looking to by grow lights for indoor weed grow. Which lights do yo recommend to be of low cost and energy efficient.. Also it must be the light bulbs.. Question; does it have to be white light? Thanks!

[@ahmed_Aposhady]

I really like your smile 🌷

[@masmallow9780]

finally...that's what i want to ask you...about growlight...brand and all about it...

[@dilshadhossain8149]

Can I use regular white intense light instead of grow light during winter?

[@yogawithcarlos]

Can I ask what the difference is between those grow lights and a standard full spectrum light? Also, is a full spectrum bulb good to? I can only find grow lights that are blue-red which I know is the light plants need but it's not nice to have around the house. Thanks

[@soltech_solutions]

That's why Soltech Solutions was created as a visually appealing grow light that fits right into your home. Here's how we use red and blue light, the Vita creates light using a balance of blue, green, and red. This is important because blue light supports root development and dense plant growth, while red light supports plant growth and flowering.

[@kevinmoore4237]

*QUESTION:* Which LED grow light is best for a maranta lemon lime in a room that's otherwise dark (no windows)? And how far away from the maranga should it be? Thanks in advance!

[@dannyrod1980]

Similar is from Sansi brand, which I have for my suc garden

[@superfund42]

Pre-watch comment: Well this should be interesting. I bought some of the $10-ish GE bulbs claiming the same "balanced spectrum" that you had featured a while ago in some other video, and they are still just so obviously grow lights with a pink tinge, especially when I have a couple Soltech pendants in the same room. I ended up not using them where I wanted to.

[@alfredmeneses5496]

Are you sure you didn’t buy the GE bulb for “Flowers and Fruit”? That one has a pink tinge because it has more red light spectrum to promote flowering. The GE bulbs for “seeds and greens” are actually balanced. I have them and they definitely don’t have that off putting burple color.

[@superfund42]

@@alfredmeneses5496 100% sure, I even checked my order history. (Link: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NN6SVG6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1). I put one in my kitchen island pendants and it's pink compared to whatever costco LEDs I have in there and looks not normal compared to the two Soltech lights that are 15 feet away, which look like normal indoor lights, just brighter. It's definitely not as pink as the lights I use for growing peppers & stuff indoors (Feit Electric full spectrum from Home Depot), but it's very obvious when you have any other light source in the room. I'm wondering if these $25 bulbs are better than the $10 9W version.

[@notyourfriend5899]

I bought a light that has three colors. Purple, yellow, and white. Which color should I use for my plants?

[@missrobinson1212]

im looking into a smaller grow lamp for my room near my terrarium. I've got a north window which is fine, but its getting super dark now that its winter. any ideas?

[@Vbcga]

Any recommendations for grow light strips? Everything I find sucks

[@dtanvan]

It's beautifull❤️❤️❤️

[@BRiT297]

I bought 2 SolTech grow lights, the ones that hang from the ceiling. I love them! Soooo worth the money, my plants are thriving. It also looks beautiful in my room. Though, do NOT buy their timer. One time is $25. You can buy the exact same wall timer at a Home Depot or Lowe’s for $5! Save yourself from spending the money that I did.

[@soltech_solutions]

That's the digital wall timer that costs $25, we include a mechanical outlet timer with every Aspect purchase for free!