Our Testing Methodology
Each light was tested over a 16-week period growing three standardised test crops: butterhead lettuce (as a fast-response indicator crop), Genovese basil (medium-intensity, highly responsive to light quality), and Grosse Lisse tomatoes (as a demanding fruiting crop). We measured PPFD at canopy level using a PAR meter, tracked fresh weight yield at harvest, and calculated electricity cost based on the Australian average rate of $0.35/kWh.
Lights were evaluated blind where possible — test crops were assessed by weight and quality before we factored in purchase price and running costs to produce our final rankings.
Key Finding
Samsung LM301B or LM301H diode panels consistently outperformed panels using generic diodes in the same price bracket by 15–25% in fresh weight yield. The efficiency premium is real and translates directly to reduced electricity bills over the life of the light. We recommend treating any light without named Samsung or Osram diodes with significant scepticism regardless of wattage claims.