The Grow Light Intensity is a main factor that should be considered, this measurement is PPF (Photosynthetic Photon Flux). PPF is a measurement of the total amount of grow light produced by the LED or a light source per second. This is measured in micromole per second or umol/s
The most important and first thing that should be looked at is the PPF efficiency. The PPF efficiency is usually calculated by the PPF (umol/s) divided by the consumed power (watts). For example a LED with 1000umol/s that consumes 500W will have an efficacy of 1000/500= 2 PPF/W or umol/s.w. The higher the PPF per watt, the more efficient the light source for plant growth and maximum yield.
The coverage area of an LED can also be a driving factor to determining which LED grow light is best for the grower. However coverage area can be misleading at times if a recommended height of the LED is not provided. The coverage area should also be considered from the growers requirements, for example a growers might need a minimum of 200 PPFD (PPF/m^2). However a manufacturer’s coverage area might show coverage of up to 150PPF
A LED’s reliability and quality is also a great way to determine if the LED is best for the grower. The quality of the build as well as the components used can determine how long a LED unit can last. Durability is an advantages for LED over other grow lights, with LED that have been built with high standard material and components which have been through the correct production methods and quality control can last over 10 years.