Aloha all, I have been vegging in a 4x8 tent for awhile but the electricity is getting expensive and I want to utilize hawaiis sun. Year round our lighting schedule is close to 12/12 with little fluctuations. I bought a 20 x 10 greenhouse that I will be using as a veg area to keep mothers and stretch clones. Currently I have a cheap 100watt flood light that gives off a lot of bright light . I don’t know how much of it is useful toward the plant but it seems to be working for a 10x10 area I have. I also purchased a string light and want to use led bulb but unsure on which to get. Anyone in Hawaii using string lights to veg or have any ideas would be much appreciated. My lights come on from 7 pm to 1am. Lmk if there’s other ways that worked for yall
You can have the lights come on at sundown and stay on for 5-6 hours. Or have them come on 5-6 hours before sunrise. The other option is interrupting the night cycle.
I haven’t tried string lights for extending light cycle so I don’t know what wattage would keep them in veg. I’ve always overshot and just used a 600w HPS.
probably cheaper to buy fancy autoflower seeds than run lights. they arent as bad as they used to be!
Will the autos grow to a respectable height with just 12/12
for sure, you wont get trees but youll get a few zips per plant. expect about a hundred days from germinating…‘84 and out the door’ is a popular phrase but usually people start that clock LATE! Some varieties are way faster, but my avergae is right about 100 days from when the seeds get moisture to chop.
solar power might be a good option to cut cost. I’ve used the cheap solar power steak lights in the past with great success.
12/12 from seed with regular seeds will yield plant as big or bigger than autoflowers. With the advantage of being able to clone and keep the same plant around. Clones grown with little to no veg will still produce a good oz or two especially outdoor
Where to get hood auto outdoor genetic?
Gnome Automatics done a ton of work, formerly known as Mandolorian (IP stuff forced a name change)
the main guy full duplex been active on the autoflower forums for a million years, seems to really love it, does hard work for outdoor viability, and has even worked with commercial producers for big outdoor hash runs. Readily available from a lot of seed banks.
RIGHT HERE ON THE OG!!! Put a request in the “Free Seeds and Clones Thread”. As you’re considered “Stateside”, you’ll have Autos sent your way in no time. In fact, PM your “Personals”, in a week I’ll send some your way. Probably FEMS, so you can get right on 'em. SS/BW…mister 
I 2nd the idea of solar. I can only imagine what you folks have to pay for electricity. My nephew travels the country for our business in his VW micro bus, is pretty much self sufficient with the 2 big solar panels he bought off Amazon. Keeps his phone and laptop charged, a micro fridge, and lights. On occasion he might run his heater depending on weather and where I send him. The cost savings for you and the intense sun you have out there would warrant the purchase, and, you can use them for years.
Heading back to the Islands next Feb-Mar for our 5th wedding anniversary, truly can’t wait.
If your gonna go the auto route. Making your own seeds is probably the best plan. $10+ per fem seed adds up quickly.
Hanging around the forums here could help get you started. Lots of kind folks like @misterbee 
Hey man if your ever in Kauai stop by. I’ve met @Tejas here in Kauai.
I’m not sure where the wife wants to go. We got married on Oahu, since I was stationed there ‘86-‘89 and know pretty much the whole Island, built stores at Alamoana mall, and down in Waikiki. Working a bid now for a 2 story Gucci store in the Royal Hawaiian shopping Center.
But If I get Kauai way, I’ll definitely give you shout.
@Carty has some good stuff, check his collective thread
@Ronsonmatsuo4 is a great host while we were visiting.
@tejas we miss you guys. Jenise says hello.
Tons of growers here on O’ahu use string lights, I had a friend see some success with buying solar lights and then switching the bulbs out with grow bulbs. I don’t think they contribute to growth after the suns gone down but I know that they can definitely maintain veg.
@Sodapop yes my bro. I just got two solar string lights and also a direct plug in style light. Now just have to change the bulb to a cooler temp. Lmk if you know which ones to buy. I bought several different bulbs and it did not come on so I guess the wiring is not set up to supply those bulbs with power. I must admit tho my 100 wat work light is doing a great job. I’m thing of getting those in solar style.
your yields will be smaller than with 18/6 or 20/4 will give you good results 20/4 is best BUT 18/6 is good (not best) BUT save money. your choice