California LightWorks SolarXtreme 250 LED vs Horticulture Lighting Group HLG 100 V2 LED

Best Affordable Small-Space LED Grow Lights: California LightWorks SolarXtreme 250 vs HLG 100 V2

Searching for the best affordable LED grow light for a 2' x 2' or 3' x 3' grow tent? This side-by-side comparison breaks down two high-value performers: the California LightWorks SolarXtreme 250 and the Horticulture Lighting Group HLG 100 V2. We focus on real-world canopy coverage, wattage draw, light intensity, spectrum, cost to run, and warranty—so hydroponic growers can choose the right small-space LED for yield and value.

SolarXtreme 250 vs HLG 100 V2: Specs Comparison

Spec	California LightWorks SolarXtreme 250 LED	Horticulture Lighting Group HLG 100 V2 LED
Manufacturer's Price	$289	$149
Wattage Draw	200W	95W
Voltage Range	120V–240V (3.3A @ 120V)	90 VAC–264 AC (0.9A @ 120V)
LEDs	Osram	192 Samsung LM301H LEDs
Veg Phase Footprint	3' x 3'	3' x 3'
Flower Phase Footprint	2' x 2'	2' x 2'
PPF Efficacy (PPE)	2.25 µmol/J	2.43 µmol/J
Total PPF Output*	500–800 (12"–18")	224.51
Dimensions	8.5" x 8.5" x 4"	12.75" x 11" x 2.5"
Thermal Management	Active (640 BTU heat output)	Passive
Recommended Mounting Height	12"–18"	12"–18" above the canopy
Water Resistance	IP65	IP68 (cord to driver connection)
Manufacturer's Warranty	3 years	1 year

*As provided; values and units are shown exactly as reported.

Canopy Coverage (2' x 2' to 3' x 3')

Both fixtures are designed for tight tents and micro-grows. Despite being physically smaller, SolarXtreme 250 produced higher intensity in testing and can effectively cover a slightly larger canopy—especially in reflective tents—supporting denser buds and stronger flowering.

Wattage Draw & Electrical Considerations

SolarXtreme 250 draws 200W versus 95W for HLG 100 V2. Lower wattage means lower monthly cost and lighter electrical load, but it also reduces photon output and potential yield. Align your choice with available circuits, plug locations, and heat management in small spaces.

Light Intensity & Yield Potential

With more than double the wattage, SolarXtreme 250 drives significantly higher intensity for the same footprint. In practice, that extra intensity translates to better flowering performance and, in our tests, higher yield in a 2' x 2' area compared to HLG 100 V2.

Dimming & Control

Neither fixture includes dimming or controller compatibility out of the box. If fine-tuned intensity control is mandatory in your hydroponic setup, plan accordingly.

Price & Warranty

SolarXtreme 250 costs over $100 more but includes a 3-year warranty and stronger output. HLG 100 V2 is the budget pick with a 1-year warranty—excellent value for new growers or cost-sensitive builds.

Spectrum Comparison

HLG 100 V2 features elevated blue with robust green/yellow and a sharp drop near ~650 nm, supporting compact veg growth. SolarXtreme 250 carries significantly more red (≈620–720 nm), supporting thicker stems and heavier colas during flower. Given its lower total output, HLG’s bluer spectrum won’t “beef up” plants as much as the higher-intensity SolarXtreme in bloom.

Cost to Run (U.S. Avg. $0.13/kWh)

Item	California LightWorks SolarXtreme 250 LED	Horticulture Lighting Group HLG 100 V2 LED
Fixture Cost	$289	$149
Adapter for Controller	N/A	N/A
Controller	N/A	N/A
Watts	200W	95W
Cost to Run / Month (18h veg)	$14.04	$6.67

Neither option will spike your bill in a micro-grow. SolarXtreme costs roughly twice as much to operate, consistent with its higher wattage and stronger output.

Results & Recommendations

For highest yield in a reflective 2' x 2' tent: Choose SolarXtreme 250 for its higher intensity and red-rich spectrum that favors flowering density.

For best value and lower operating cost: Choose HLG 100 V2—a proven, efficient small-space LED that fits tight budgets while delivering solid results.

Either light will serve small tents well; match the choice to your yield goals, heat tolerance, and power availability.

Result: SolarXtreme 250 delivers stronger light intensity and slightly larger effective coverage; HLG 100 V2 offers the best price-to-performance value and lower operating cost. Pick SolarXtreme 250 if higher yield in a reflective tent is the priority. Choose HLG 100 V2 if you want a budget-friendly, efficient LED that still performs well in tight spaces.

FAQ

Question	Answer
Which has more light intensity?	SolarXtreme 250. It draws more power and outputs stronger intensity.
Which lights a bigger effective canopy?	In testing, SolarXtreme 250 can effectively cover a slightly larger area with higher watts per square foot in a 2' x 2' space.
Which is cheaper up front?	HLG 100 V2—over $100 less than SolarXtreme 250.
Which is more efficient?	Listed PPE is similar. SolarXtreme’s active cooling slightly reduces system efficiency, but output is higher. For small LEDs, prioritize electrical limits (amps/voltage) and practical coverage over minor efficiency differences.