The major difference is upfront cost vs. cost of ownership. If you purchase the "cheap" multi-color products you will end up consuming MUCH more energy. The difference is much more than the upfront cost of the lights.

There are some well designed multi-color "pink" lights out there and there cost is similar to ours. A 325watt multi-color design has similar light output to our 230 watt remote phosphor design.

But their claim is 5x longer lifespan, too. And where do you buy 250w led grow lights for 200$?

Here's a 300w for $135: http://www.amazon.com/GalaxyhydroTM-Spectrum-Greenhouse-Flow...

Or a 1200w for $369: http://www.amazon.com/KingTM-Spectrum-360-860nm-10bands-Flow...

I actually have free electricity at my office, otherwise I'd run the numbers to see the cost savings. 5x longer lifespan ... I'd want an independent review.

Oh wow those are very good prices. If they perform well (or even half of what they promise), then yes these will give the upmarkets ones a run for their money. Of course the same can be said for almost all goods. I'd love to have time to experiment with an indoor aquaponics garden in my basement, and try out various lights.