[FatherofFive]

I've seen many articles on this concept. LED lighting uses less energy and creates less heat. Plants can grow 22 hrs a day (plants seem to need sleep as well)which increases yields and reduces time to maturity. Plants are fed nutrients in recycled water, and monitoring keeps the nutrient at the proper levels. No need for pesticides. And, shipping costs are eliminated, other than local.

Cost is still the issue. Some crops - like corn and potatoes - are still best done outside. (But don't eat corn!)

Could be a great source of fresh, local food. And jobs. Just make sure no government subsidies are used.

[T-Bone Texan]

Advances in LED grow light technology have accelerated in the last 3 years.

The defect is that they are making them that are very powerful and use a lot of current; they can and do get hot enough to burn plants.

Also, this industry is heavily focused on pot growers. The LEDs they use tend to be narrow beams and must be raised so as to get a good spread. Folks think they can put LEDs right up against the plants without harm; this is not always true.