50W
Per panel max draw
80%
Less than halogen
$0.05
Per hour at 30c/kWh
Hexagon lights do not use a lot of electricity. They are LED technology, which is 60-80% more efficient than the fluorescent or halogen alternatives they replace. A 5-panel HEXA Penta system draws approximately 150 watts total. Running it for 6 hours per day, 5 days per week on Australian average electricity rates costs approximately $75 per year. A double garage system of 16-20 panels draws roughly 450 watts, adding approximately $225 per year to your electricity bill at the same usage pattern.
For most buyers, the electricity cost of HEXA hexagon lighting system is a minor consideration compared to the upfront purchase and installation costs. But it is worth understanding the numbers, because the efficiency advantage of LED is one of the strongest arguments for switching from older fluorescent or halogen fixtures.
On this page
- How Many Watts Do Hexagon Lights Use?
- Annual Running Cost Calculation for Australian Users
- Hexagon Lights vs Fluorescent Lights: Electricity Comparison
- Should You Leave Hexagon Lights On or Turn Them Off?
- Frequently asked questions
How Many Watts Do Hexagon Lights Use?
| System | Panels | Approximate wattage |
|---|---|---|
| Mono Classic (1 panel) | 1 | ~30W |
| Penta Classic (5 panels) | 5 | ~150W |
| Single Garage Classic (10 panels) | 10 | ~300W |
| Double Garage Classic (20 panels) | 20 | ~600W |
These figures are approximate. The actual wattage depends on the specific model and LED technology used. Check the product datasheet for the exact figure, and use that for your cost calculations.
Annual Running Cost Calculation for Australian Users
To calculate your running cost:
- Find the system wattage (e.g. 150W for a Penta)
- Convert to kilowatts: 150 / 1000 = 0.15 kW
- Multiply by daily hours: 0.15 x 6 hours = 0.9 kWh per day
- Multiply by days per week: 0.9 x 5 = 4.5 kWh per week
- Multiply by weeks per year: 4.5 x 52 = 234 kWh per year
- Multiply by electricity rate: 234 x $0.32 = $74.88 per year
Electricity rates vary by state, retailer, and tariff. Visit energy.gov.au to compare current rates in your state. SA, VIC, and QLD typically have higher per-kWh rates than NSW and WA.
Hexagon Lights vs Fluorescent Lights: Electricity Comparison
Many Australian garages still have older fluorescent tube fittings. Here is how they compare to hexagonal LED lights on electricity:
| Fitting type | Wattage (equivalent output) | Annual cost (6hrs/day, 5 days/wk, $0.32/kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| HEXA Penta LED | 150W | ~$75 |
| 4 x T8 fluorescent tubes | 320-360W | ~$160-$180 |
| 2 x 250W halogen floodlights | 500W | ~$250 |
| 4 x 100W incandescent bulbs | 400W | ~$200 |
The hexagon LED lights save approximately $85-$105 per year versus a standard fluorescent tube setup of equivalent output. Over 10 years, that is $850-$1,050 in electricity savings, which covers a significant portion of the system cost. For a double garage system the savings are proportionally larger.
Should You Leave Hexagon Lights On or Turn Them Off?
Turn them off when you leave. Unlike older fluorescent tubes, which suffered from switching degradation and were best left on for extended periods, modern LEDs have no such limitation. They switch on instantly, with no warm-up period, and their rated lifespan is not meaningfully affected by switching cycles. Every hour the lights are off saves electricity with no downside to the LEDs. For the specific economics of this question, read our article on whether it is cheaper to leave LED lights on or turn them off.
Frequently asked questions
Do hexagon lights use a lot of electricity?
No. Hexagon lights are LED and use far less electricity than older fluorescent or halogen alternatives. A 5-panel HEXA Penta system draws approximately 150 watts, costing around $75 per year at typical Australian electricity rates and standard residential usage.
How much does it cost to run hexagon lights in Australia?
At approximately 32 cents per kWh (Australian average), a 5-panel HEXA hexagon system running 6 hours per day, 5 days per week costs approximately $75 per year. A double garage system costs approximately $225 per year at the same usage.
Are hexagon lights more energy-efficient than fluorescent lights?
Yes. LED hexagon lights are typically 60-80% more energy-efficient than equivalent fluorescent tube lighting for the same light output.
Should I leave hexagon lights on all day?
No. LEDs are most economical when turned off when not needed. Although modern LEDs do not suffer from the switching degradation that plagued older fluorescent tubes, leaving any lights on unnecessarily wastes electricity.
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