California Lightworks SolarSystem 550 LED Grow Light

The California Lightworks SolarSystem 550 is a 400W full spectrum LED grow light designed for growers who want high intensity output, programmable spectrum control, and a compact fixture for medium sized indoor gardens. Built as an LED replacement for traditional 600W HPS lighting, the SolarSystem 550 combines adjustable red, white, and blue spectral channels with active thermal management, networkable controls, and a wide operating voltage range.

The current SolarSystem 550 is rated at approximately 1,005 µmol/s PPF and 2.51 µmol/J, providing enough output for approximately 4' x 4' flowering coverage and vegetative coverage up to 6' x 6'.

When paired with the optional SolarSystem Controller, growers can independently adjust red, white, and blue channels, create automated schedules, program sunrise and sunset transitions, and manage multiple fixtures from one control point.

• Up to 6' x 6' vegetative coverage
• 4' x 4' flowering coverage
• 400W power draw, ~1,005 µmol/s PPF
• Programmable three channel spectrum with optional controller

Programmable Spectrum Control

The SolarSystem 550 uses three independently controllable spectrum channels:

• Red Channel: Red and Far Red
• White Channel: Natural white light for balanced growth and plant inspection
• Blue Channel: Blue and Deep Blue

The optional SolarSystem Controller allows these channels to be adjusted independently, giving growers significantly more control than a fixed spectrum fixture. The red channel controls red and far red LEDs, the blue channel controls blue and deep blue LEDs, and the white channel controls white LEDs with a small amount of red used to create a more natural viewing spectrum.

Full Spectrum From Veg Through Flower

The SolarSystem 550 is designed for use across the complete growth cycle. Blue wavelengths can be emphasized during vegetative growth, while red wavelengths can be increased later when flowering and fruit development become the priority.

The white channel provides broad spectrum illumination and also makes it easier to inspect plants under more natural looking light. California Lightworks provides suggested spectrum mixes for different stages, including vegetative, pre flowering, flowering, and ripening applications.

1,005 µmol/s From 400 Watts

The current SolarSystem 550 is rated at approximately 1,005 µmol/s PPF while drawing 400 watts, resulting in approximately 2.51 µmol/J efficacy. This gives the fixture enough output to serve as an efficient alternative to traditional 600W HID lighting while reducing fixture power consumption.

California Lightworks positions the SolarSystem 550 as a 600W HPS replacement with approximately 40% lower energy consumption.

4' x 4' Flowering Coverage

The SolarSystem 550 is designed around approximately 4' x 4' flowering coverage and up to 6' x 6' vegetative coverage.

The larger vegetative footprint reflects the lower light intensity normally required during early and vegetative growth, while the 4' x 4' flowering footprint concentrates the fixture's output over a more demanding canopy.

0% to 100% Spectrum Dimming

With the SolarSystem Controller, each of the three spectrum channels can be digitally adjusted rather than relying on a single master dimmer. The controller operates the channels from off through full output, allowing growers to change both intensity and spectral balance.

Manual mode functions like three independent digital dimmers for the red, white, and blue channels.

Automated Sunrise and Sunset

The optional SolarSystem Controller supports gradual transitions at the beginning and end of each light period. Growers can program fade up and fade down periods to simulate sunrise and sunset instead of switching instantly between full intensity and darkness.

These transitions can be adjusted through the controller and may also help reduce abrupt environmental changes when lights switch off.

Advanced Daily Programming

The controller can store complex lighting programs rather than simply acting as an on and off timer. Up to 20 transition steps can be programmed within a single 24 hour lighting cycle, allowing the spectrum or intensity to change throughout the day.

Up to 10 saved programs are supported, which can then be combined across multi day, weekly, or seasonal schedules.

Multi Week Grow Schedules

The SolarSystem Controller can combine individual 24 hour programs into complete grow schedules. Up to 10 programs can be scheduled across a cycle lasting as long as 24 weeks.

This allows different lighting programs to be automatically assigned to vegetative, transition, flowering, and finishing stages without requiring the operator to manually change the light every week.

Operates With or Without the Controller

The SolarSystem 550 does not require the optional controller for basic operation. A physical mode switch allows the fixture to operate in Always On mode at full output or in Controller mode where it responds to commands from the SolarSystem Controller.

California Lightworks ships the fixture in Always On mode from the factory.

Network Multiple Fixtures

Multiple SolarSystem fixtures can be connected through a standard RJ11 communication network. One controller connects to the first light, and additional fixtures are linked from one unit to the next.

This makes it possible to control a larger room or commercial installation as one lighting zone instead of adjusting every fixture individually.

Active Thermal Management

The SolarSystem 550 uses active cooling to control operating temperatures and protect the LEDs and electronic components. California Lightworks recommends maintaining at least 4" of clearance above the fixture and 6" around each end heat sink.

The fixture also incorporates internal over temperature protection that shuts the system down if heatsink temperatures become excessive and automatically restarts after cooling.

Compact 13 lb Fixture

The SolarSystem 550 measures approximately 18" x 8.5" x 4" and weighs only 13 lb. This compact design allows it to deliver substantial output without occupying the physical footprint of many larger bar style LED fixtures.

California Lightworks includes two steel hangers with the light and recommends that any overhead mounting structure be rated for at least twice the fixture weight.

Wide Voltage Compatibility

The SolarSystem 550 operates from standard residential and commercial electrical systems. The current fixture supports approximately 90 to 277V autosensing input, with 120V and 240V cord options available.

Maximum current draw is approximately 3.3A at 120V and 1.65A at 240V.

Electrical and Installation Considerations

California Lightworks recommends connecting the fixture directly to an appropriately rated electrical receptacle rather than using extension cords. The fixture can also be used with appropriately sized contactors, external timers, or lighting controllers.

For controlled spectrum operation, the SolarSystem Controller can manage spectrum and dimming while an external contactor handles master power switching.

Made in the USA

The SolarSystem 550 is designed and manufactured in the United States by California Lightworks. The fixture is built around a modular lighting platform designed to support both individual grow spaces and larger commercial networks.

What's Included

• California Lightworks SolarSystem 550 LED Grow Light
• 6 ft power cable
• 6 ft communications cable
• Two steel hangers
• Product documentation

The SolarSystem Controller is sold separately.