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A good supplier will work with you to develop a customized lighting plan that’s tailored to your specific needs. Lighting plans work best when they consider the unique characteristics of your farm, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. Make sure your supplier understands the nuances of your environment and crop.

It’s not just about light output—it’s also about uniformity. A fixture with high output but poor light distribution could result in the need for additional fixtures to cover the entire crop evenly. Poor light uniformity can lead to inconsistent crop quality and reduced yields. An accurate light plan should show if the fixture delivers on its promise of even light distribution.

Diodes are the components that ensure electrical currents flow in the right direction. It’s important that your supplier uses diodes from reputable, well-known manufacturers. Properly vetted diodes ensure lower failure rates, longer life spans, and reduced maintenance. A reputable producer will have rigorous quality control and adhere to ethical manufacturing standards, so ask your supplier about their diode sources.

Overdriving LED chips can shorten their lifespan, even if it boosts short-term performance. Some manufacturers may overdrive their LEDs to meet exaggerated marketing claims. Be sure to ask about how the chips are driven and ensure the fixture is built to last, providing consistent performance over the long term—not just in the short run.

Thermal management is a critical part of an LED fixture’s performance. Fixtures that can’t dissipate heat efficiently will fail sooner. Passively cooled fixtures, like the Arize Element L1000, are generally more reliable because they don’t require additional infrastructure (such as plumbing or fans) and have fewer points of failure. This design ensures long-term durability and fewer maintenance issues.

The L90 rating refers to when a fixture’s light output has dropped to 90% of its original level—this is when your crop may start to suffer. Make sure you ask at what temperature the tests were conducted so you can make accurate comparisons between fixtures. Higher quality fixtures will maintain a longer L90 life, meaning fewer replacements and more consistent crop performance.

Reputable manufacturers will have their fixtures independently tested, providing reports like the LM-79, which verify the accuracy of the fixture’s specifications. Independent tests ensure that the claims made on the spec sheet are credible. Make sure to request these reports to confirm that the fixtures perform as promised.

The DesignLights Consortium (DLC) maintains a list of fixtures that meet industry standards and pass various performance tests. In North America, being listed on the DLC Quality Products List (QPL) is essential for qualifying for utility rebates. Be sure to check that your fixture is on the list—this can lead to significant cost savings, and some manufacturers, like Current, even offer rebate lookup tools to help you identify potential rebates.

A five-year warranty is standard for most horticultural LED fixtures from reputable manufacturers. Avoid companies offering lower-quality fixtures that come with short or vague warranties. Ensure you read the warranty thoroughly before purchasing, and choose companies with a strong track record in lighting who will be there to support you in the long term.

A five-year warranty is standard for most horticultural LED fixtures from reputable manufacturers. Avoid companies offering lower-quality fixtures that come with short or vague warranties. Ensure you read the warranty thoroughly before purchasing, and choose companies with a strong track record in lighting who will be there to support you in the long term.

By incorporating these questions into your decision-making process, you’ll ensure that your investment in LED lighting meets the needs of your growing environment, is built to last, and delivers the performance promised by the manufacturer.

Do not hesitate to ask your questions to our specialist using the form. We will respond to your questions as soon as possible.