You have to shop around, some places do have ridiculous prices! Try GroFlo Hydroponics, they're new but that have pretty cheap prices. I have provided a link below to their website.

Here is a link that might be useful: GroFlo Hydroponics

Sabrina, no offense - but you apparently registered about 2 weeks ago and have posted the GroFlo link several times that I've seen in that time. Having looked at the site, I can attest to the fact that they are NOT cheap prices. Not quite exorbitant (with possibly a couple of exceptions) but definitely not cheap.

Are you associated with the company?

I personally haven't grown under T5, though I have a fair bit of experience with T8. They're probably not sold as shop lights because they're generally considered specialty lights(ie grow or industrial). You could probably find T5 shop lights someplace that sells industrial lighting.

From what I've read, T5s are great and all but not worth the extra cost compared to other "expensive" options. For example if you're looking for something cheap and easy, T8 shop lights or CFLs are usually a good bet. Once you get into the price range of T5 grow lights/fixtures most people go to a HPS/MH HID lamp.

Of course there are plenty of applications where a HID wouldn't work best or would be overkill, ie for seedlings. However, in most(all?) of those situations, at T8 or CFL setup would work fine and be more cost effective.