Costs to Consider When Setting up a Modular Grow Room

Modular grow rooms are an increasingly popular option for indoor cannabis cultivation. They offer a versatile and customizable solution that growers can adapt to meet their specific needs. You’ll want to consider several cost factors when setting up a modular grow room, from design and lighting to environmental controls. Follow our guide to determine your budget and the features you’ll need for your operations.

Design

The structure is the primary cost of setting up a modular grow room. This includes the walls, ceiling, and flooring components that form the enclosure. The cost depends on the size of the room and the materials used for construction, though yearly rent can cost $50,000 or more. When searching for modular grow rooms for sale, prefabricated systems often offer easy installation and versatility but can vary in price depending on the brand and quality, with costs around $60,000.

Having separate rooms rather than an open concept space can prevent pests or fungus from spreading across your entire crop. Custom modular grow rooms can ensure you use suitable building materials and design, providing maximum protection for your crops.

Lighting System

Lighting is a crucial element of a modular grow room price. The lighting system you choose depends on your budget, the size of your grow room, and the types of plants you plan to grow. They generally cost around $120,000. Here are some of the most common lighting systems used in indoor grow rooms:

• High-intensity discharge (HID) lights: HID lights are a popular choice for indoor cultivation due to their high output and efficiency. They come in metal halide (MH) and high-pressure sodium (HPS) varieties. MH bulbs produce light in the blue spectrum, making them ideal for vegetative growth, while HPS bulbs emit light in the red spectrum, making them suitable for the flowering stage.
• Light emitting diode (LED) lights: LED lights have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their energy efficiency and long life span. They produce less heat than HID lights and can be more versatile in terms of spectrum output.
• Ceramic metal halide (CMH) lights: CMH lights are a relatively new lighting technology that produces a more natural light spectrum than other options. They are highly efficient and produce less heat than HID lights.

In addition to the initial cost of the lighting system, it’s important to consider the ongoing modular grow room costs, such as electricity usage and bulb replacement. HID lights tend to use more electricity and have a shorter life span than LED or CMH lights, so they may cost more in the long run. LED lights tend to be the most energy-efficient and have the longest life span, making them a popular choice for larger grow rooms.

Ventilation and HVAC Systems

You’ll need proper airflow, ventilation, and temperature control to ensure a successful indoor grow operation. When considering these costs, include fans, ducting, and filters. Additionally, if the location requires heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades, the costs of modular in-plant grow rooms can increase.

Proper ductwork and insulation can prevent air leaks and ensure the HVAC system works efficiently. Insulation can also help regulate the temperature and humidity in the grow room. And since carbon dioxide (CO₂) is necessary for plant growth, some growers supplement the CO₂ levels with systems that provide a steady supply to the plants.

Irrigation and Water Systems

Several types of irrigation and water systems are available for indoor growers to choose from, depending on their needs and budget.

• Drip irrigation systems: Drip irrigation systems are popular among indoor growers because they are easy to install and use. They deliver water and nutrients directly to the plant roots through a series of tubes and emitters. This method is efficient because it minimizes water waste and can save on water costs. You can also automate drip irrigation systems so they water plants on a schedule or use sensors to detect when plants need water.
• Ebb and flow systems: Ebb and flow systems involve flooding a grow bed with nutrient-rich water before draining that water into a reservoir. They require a bit more setup and maintenance than drip irrigation but are efficient and can help you save on water costs.
• Aeroponic systems: Aeroponic systems are an advanced and innovative way of growing plants indoors. This system delivers water and nutrients to the plant roots through a mist. This method uses less water than other systems, making it more efficient and eco-friendly. Aeroponic systems require a higher upfront cost than other systems, but they can produce high yields of healthy plants.

Environmental Controls

Maintaining the optimal environment for plant growth requires monitoring and controlling temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels. Investing in environmental control systems, including sensors, controllers, and automation devices, can improve crop yields.

• Temperature control: Keep the temperature of your modular in-plant grow room within a specific range optimal for the plants growing. To maintain a constant temperature, you might install a heating and cooling system, such as an HVAC system.
• Humidity control: To keep humidity levels at the optimal range for the plants, you might install a dehumidifier or humidifier.
• CO₂ control: Carbon dioxide is essential for plant growth. Monitor the levels and maintain them within a specific range. You can add CO₂ to the grow room using a CO₂ generator or tank.

Room Materials

Setting up a cannabis production facility involves several areas or rooms, including a mother room, trim room, curing room, and flowering room. Here are some cost considerations and features to keep in mind when setting up each of these rooms:

• Flowering room: A flowering room is where the cannabis plants are grown to maturity. Some essential equipment needed for a flowering room includes grow lights, a heating and cooling system, a CO₂ system, and ventilation systems.
• Trim room: A trim room is where the harvested buds are trimmed and prepared for sale or further processing. Trimming machines, trimming tables, and ventilation systems are a few of the materials needed for a trim room.
• Curing room: A curing room is where the trimmed buds are stored and cured to preserve their flavor and potency. Some essential equipment for a curing room includes dehumidifiers, fans, and shelving.
• Mother room: The mother room is where clones are taken from a mother plant. The cost of setting up a mother room can vary depending on the size of the room and the equipment needed. A mother room generally requires grow lights, a heating and cooling system, a CO₂ system, and shelving.

Request a Quote for Custom Modular Grow Rooms

A modular grow room is perfect for those who want to customize their grow environment to their specific needs. Customizing makes it easier for you to grow cannabis and saves time and resources. If you’re looking for an optimal cannabis growth environment, trust Starrco for high-quality modular grow room products and services. We’ll handle several aspects of your grow rooms, including structural elements, like wall panels and ceiling systems, and electricity, lighting, and environmental controls.

We manufacture and install modular grow rooms 75% faster than those built with traditional construction methods. That way, you can quickly adapt and continue growing with your industry’s demands. To get started, request a free quote today.