Thought this was a great guide and instead of making a new thread I figured putting it in here would be the best place so see it. I've been looking to start my own grow with CFLs and have been researching which wattage would be the best and most efficient.
So I decided to do my own calculations and run downs. I've made this list to share with everyone which shows efficiencies of CFLs. I took the data from 1000bulbs.com to get my numbers and is for their full spectrum bulbs in each watt category. I've also put up links to each bulb so you can look for yourselves. Also note that it is based on "Initial Lumens"
023 watt = 01,600 lm;
69.56 lm/w;
$03.98; 402.00 lm/USD
026 watt = 01,725 lm; 66.34 lm/w;
$03.62;
476.52 lm/USD
027 watt = 01,850 lm; 68.51 lm/w;
$07.76; 238.40 lm/USD
030 watt = 02,000 lm; 66.66 lm/w;
$07.73; 258.73 lm/USD
032 watt = 02,100 lm; 65.63 lm/w;
$12.13; 173.12 lm/USD
040 watt = 02,650 lm; 66.25 lm/w;
$09.00; 294.44 lm/USD <<Edited<<
042 watt = 02,800 lm; 66.60 lm/w;
$14.95; 187.29 lm/USD
055 watt = 03,600 lm; 65.45 lm/w;
$15.44; 233.16 lm/USD
065 watt = 04,000 lm; 61.54 lm/w;
$19.91; 200.90 lm/USD
085 watt = 05,400 lm; 63.53 lm/w;
$23.64; 228.42 lm/USD
105 watt = 06,900 lm; 65.71 lm/w;
$26.67; 258.71 lm/USD
150 watt = 08,000 lm; 53.33 lm/w;
$54.45; 146.92 lm/USD
200 watt = 10,000 lm; 50.00 lm/w;
$72.64; 137.67 lm/USD
As you can see the 23 watter is the most efficient lumen per watt, but the 26 watter is the most bang for your buck =D
I didn't go below 23 watts because it would start to take alot of lights to get the lumens up and I figured it isn't worth the trouble, even if it is more efficient =P Hope this helps those who are looking to buy CFLs out =D
