California Lightworks Solar System 275 Review

Do you want a lightweight, highly efficient grow light that can support both veg and bloom cycles for your plants? Then you’ll want to read our California Lightworks’ Solar System 275 review. The SolarSystem series is designed for commercial, indoor, greenhouse, or personal applications and comes with a SolarSystem controller to make providing your plants optimal light at every growth stage easy.  

We know purchasing the right grow light for your budget and needs requires research. So, in this SolarSystem 275 review, we’ve compiled all the information you need to know to make an informed decision on your next purchase for your growing activities.

About the California Lightworks Brand

California Lightworks is dedicated to designing and manufacturing the best LED grow lights for hobby and commercial growers. They focus on researching state-of-the-art processes to produce high-performance lights, including applying the latest advances in high-efficiency technologies. For example, in their SolarSystem series, they install OSRAM LED bulbs – one of the leading companies offering lighting solutions.  

Located in Canoga Park, CA, California Lightworks prides itself on working with US-based vendors and sourcing quality parts for their products. They are known for their outstanding reputation in customer service and industry-leading warranties on their grow lights. Additionally, the company is conscious of reporting the carbon emissions they reduce in their operations.

SolarSystem 275 LED Grow Light Product Information

The SolarSystem 275 is one of the lightest models by California Lightworks that also offers higher yields. This model replaces a 400-watt HPS with 40% less energy and draws a maximum of 200 watts, saving energy and cost. Although a small-sized grow light, consumers have reported it leaves a big footprint and is very bright. With the manual switch on the side of the product, you can also smoothly transition light spectrums from Veg to Bloom by placing it on a timer. 

Before shipping the product, all the fixtures will be tested with a burn-in period. The product package will come with the grow light, a 6-feet power cord, and a communications cable. This model is easy to install, never needs bulbs, and features a user-replaceable fan with a lifespan of 50,000 hours. Your SolarSystem 275 is also durable and resistant to high humidity conditions, including withstanding direct dripping.

Accessing the unlimited potential of programmable spectrum control will require additional purchase. However, this added investment is worth it, especially when considering the easy maintenance of the SolarSystem 275 that already lowers lifetime operating costs.

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to install
• Fully programmable spectrum control compatibility 
• High-quality OSRAM LED lights 
• Versatile for commercial or personal size grows
• Resistant to high humidity
• UL and CE certification standards
• 5-year warranty and money-back guarantee
• Great 24 hours customer service

Cons:

• Has only 2-channel dimming compared to 3 channels on 550 and 1100 models 
• No ultraviolet-B (UVB) light mode
• SolarSystem Controller is sold separately

Warranty Information

The SolarSystem series is protected for 5 years from the date of purchase for defects in material and workmanship as well as has a 90-day money-back guarantee. Since their products are built in the USA, they also have local customer service representatives to assist you with any problems or concerns.

Product Versatility

The integration capabilities and potential compatibility for small or large-scale operations make the SolarSystem 275 a rather versatile product. You can use each grow light individually or chain them together. It meets both the UL and CE certification standards for U.S. and European markets. Meaning, this light can grow with you as you increase your operation size from a single light in a tent to several hundred in large commercial operations.

If you choose to purchase the SolarSystem Controller, you can also access the multiple benefits of programming your spectrum control. The potential is limitless regardless of your growing operation size since the controller can be set up to program an unlimited number of lights in your grow space. This makes it one of the most versatile control systems available.

However, one downside to this model is the 2-channel capabilities that don’t include white light programming. The white channel will not affect the fixture when connecting the controller to your SolarSystem 275, and view mode will shut the light off. 

Recommended Add Ons

To access the full potential of your SolarSystem 275 grow light, you’ll want to purchase the SolarSystem Controller. The controller has a digital touch screen with a 24-hour clock that lets you:

• Set minute by minute programming
• Save multiple programs and routines 
• Align with a day, week, month, or season calender 
• Program an unlimited number of lights 
• Use a digital timer 
• Customize grow schedules for each strain 

Since the SolarSystem 275 only offers blue and red light spectrums, you may also want to integrate other lighting sensors or equipment, such as a UVB light add-on. Additionally, this product doesn’t come with ratchet hangers, so you’ll need to purchase hangers separately for installation

Specifications Overview

UPC	00810023870111
Operating Voltage	120 or 240 Volts
Auto Voltage	90 to 277 VAC
Frequency	50 or 60 Hz
Max Current	1.65A @ 120V; 0.8A @ 240V
Power Consumption	0 to 200 W
LED Lifespan	50,000+ hours
Bloom Coverage Area	3 x 3 feet
Veg Coverage Area	5 x 5 feet
Operating Temperature	0℉ to 107℉
Heat Output	640 BTU
Operating Modes	Veg or Bloom
Product Dimensions	8.5 x 8.5 x 4 inches
Weight	7 pounds
Warranty	5 years

How The SolarSystem 275 FullCycle Helps Your Plants

With the grow light’s full-cycle spectrum, you can use your SolarSystem 275 to ensure your plants are healthy from seed to harvest. It mimics natural sunlight while also letting you use the right light spectrum for each plant stage to get more yield at lower energy costs. The various setting capabilities include daily sunrise or sunset light compositions as well as season-specific light compositions, such as:

• Summer-like blue dominant light for vegetative growth 
• Fall-like red dominant light to promote flowering and optimal flower and resin yield 

With the controller, you can also set up different settings for the ideal combination of red, white, and blue light for each growth phase. For example:

• Seedling: R39 B99
• Veg: R50 B99
• Pre-Flower: R99 B50
• Flower: R99 B39
• Finishing: R39 B99

California Lightworks Solar System 275 Review Conclusion

The SolarSystem 275 is a great all-around grow light option if you are looking for something compact and lightweight but versatile enough for your operations to expand. While it does come with cons, like requiring various add-on purchases, these additional investments are worth the costs for increased efficiency in operations. For example, by purchasing the SolarSystem controller add-on, you can also access an unlimited number of features to control how your light operates. The choice is ultimately yours to make, and now you have the information you need in this SolarSystem 275 review to come to an informed decision you can be confident with.