PAR test and PPFD plots of the SANlight EVO-Series
ATTENTION: These are the values of the EVO series 1.0, the EVO series has received a technical update on 16.10.2023. All new measured values of the EVO series 1.5 can be found here:
PAR Test, PPFD Plots EVO Series 1.5
When you open the SANlight EVO-Series packaging, the first thing you see, is our new inlay. The inlay contains the most important information about the EVO-Series. How to clean the light, which accessories are available, and also which model of the EVO-Series should be used in which tents. Our recommendations are based on the fact, that some models of the EVO-Series are optimised for the use in grow tents, while other models are clearly designed for individual cultivation areas or projects. In summary, you will find our recommendations for common tent sizes, as well as information on correct positioning, in the following videos:
- How to choose the right SANlight EVO-Series for your tent
- How to position your SANlight EVO-Series in your tent
All setups shown in these videos are designed for cultivating light-hungry short-day plants, without the use of CO2. The achived light intensities are close to, and sometimes slightly above, the maximum that can be processed by the plants. Experienced gardeners achieve maximum efficiency with this. The yield for the used power requirement is at the optimum.
For sure, every gardener is free to work with more light. If, for example, plants are grown under increased CO2 levels, they can process more light without being damaged. There are also recommendations for such conditions. You can find them here:
Finally it should be said, that it’s the gardeners own chose which lighting setup should be used. By using several independent modules, almost any light value can be achieved. Basically we are convinced, that you will be satisfied with our recommendations.
Today, the measurement of PPFD plots is done by many manufacturers, but also by independent media. PPFD plots definitely have their justification. Unfortunately they are also very easy to manipulate and quite inaccurate. For example, the result of a measurement is strongly influenced by the resolution of the measurement grid. The tighter the grid, the better the comparison of different plots. Unfortunately, a measurement of e.g. 1.000 measurement points over one square metre is very time-consuming. That’s why we also provide you with the results from the simulation as a 3D plot.
Since the beginning of SANlight, our spectrum contains wavelengths outside the PAR range. In countless internal tests we have found, that e.g. Far Red has a positive effect on the harvest quantity. That’s why we evaluate the quantity in our PPFD plots with an extended measuring range from 380nm to 780nm, which includes UV and Far Red. Because of this, we refer to these as PPFDe plots, the “e” stands for the emission wavelength range.
60cm x 60cm cultivation area
Positioning of the luminaires
For the 60cm x 60cm grow tent we recommend an EVO 3-60 light. The picture on the right shows how to hang the light for optimal illumination.
3D PPFDe plot from simulation
The figure on the right illustrates the PPFDe values as a three-dimensional plot. On the surface, the light is distributed very evenly with an average intensity of 895µmol/m²/s. The maximum light intensities achieved are directly below the light with 1.110µmol/m²/s.
3D Mountain of EVO 3-60 in 60x60cm
PPFDe Plot 60cm x 60cm
Here you can see the results of a real measurement. The EVO 3-60 was mounted in a grow box with white walls according to the specifications above. With an average of 895 µmol/m²/s PPFDe, this setup can already be used in setups where CO2 is supplemented.
– Power consumption………..190 W
– average PPFDe…895µmol/m²/s
– minimum PPFDe………………664µmol/m²/s
– maximum PPFDe……………..1.110µmol/m²/s
– Homogeneity……………………0.74
– PPFDe efficiency = average PPFDe x area : power….1,7µmol/J
80cm x 80cm cultivation area
Positioning of the luminaires
Our recommendation for the 80cm x 80cm grow tent is an EVO 4-80 light. The picture to the right shows how to hang the light for optimal illumination.
3D PPFDe plot from simulation
The figure on the right illustrates the PPFDe values as a three-dimensional plot. On the surface, the light is distributed very evenly with an average intensity of 837µmol/m²/s. The maximum light intensities achieved are directly below the light with 1.200µmol/m²/s.
3D Mountain of EVO 4-80 in 80x80cm
PPFDe Plot 80cm x 80cm
Here you can see the results of a real measurement. The EVO 4-80 was mounted in a grow box with white walls according to the specifications above. With an average of 837µmol/m²/s PPFDe, this setup can already be used in setups where CO2 is supplemented.
– Power consumption………..250 W
– Average PPFDe…837µmol/m²/s
– minimum PPFDe………………472µmol/m²/s
– maximum PPFDe……………..1,200µmol/m²/s
– Homogeneity……………………0.56
– PPFDe efficiency = average PPFDe x area : power….2.14µmol/J
100cm x 100cm cultivation area
Positioning of the luminaires
Our recommendation for a 100 cm x 100 cm grow tent is two EVO 3-100 luminaires. The picture on the right shows how to hang the luminaires for optimal illumination.
3D PPFD Plot from the simulation
The illustration on the right shows the PPFDe values as a three-dimensional plot. The X and Y axes show the spatial coordinates. The Z axis illustrates the corresponding PPFDe values. It can be seen, that measured values > 900µmol/m²/s are mostly over the entire area present. The respective peaks are below the luminaires and reach approx. 1.100µmol/m²/s.
3D Mountain 2x EVO 3-100 100x100cm
PPFDe Plot 100cm x 100cm
Here you can see the results of a real measurement. The two EVO 3-100 were measured in a grow box with white walls according to the recommendations above. With nearly 1,000µmol/m2/s average PPFDe, this setup would also be reasonable to use with elevated CO2 levels.
- Power consumption………389W
- Average PPFDe…………………967µmol/m²/s
- minimum PPFDe………………855µmol/m²/s
- maximum PPFDe……………..1.102µmol/m²/s
- Homogeneity………………….0,88
- Efficiency = average PPFDe x area : performance….2,49µmol/J
120cm x 120cm cultivation area
Positioning of the luminaires
Our recommendation for a 120cm x 120cm grow tent is two EVO 4-120 luminaires. To achieve optimum illumination of the area you can find the recommended positioning at the picture on the left.
3D PPFDe Plot from the simulation
Here you can see the three-dimensional PPFDe plot from the simulation. It is typical for the EVO-Series, that the maximum light values are reached under the luminaire. Nevertheless, the measured values between the luminaires are also > 850µmol/m²/s. The steeply sloping flanks show that the surface is also very well illuminated in the outer areas. All in all, the light distribution is extremely homogeneous and powerful.
3D Mountain 2x EVO 4-120 120x120cm
PPFDe Plot 120cm x 120cm
Two pieces of the SANlight EVO 4-120 were measured in a grow box with white walls and hung up like mentioned above. It was measured with a spectroradiometer in a 10cm grid. The setup achieves a very homogeneous and powerful illumination. With an average of 883µmol/m²/s, there is more than enough light available.
- Power consumption………511W
- Average PPFDe…………………883µmol/m²/s
- minimum PPFDe………………553µmol/m²/s
- maximum PPFDe……………..1.150µmol/m²/s
- Homogeneity………………….0,63
- Efficiency = average PPFDe x area : performance….2,49µmol/J
150cm x 150cm cultivation area
Positioning of the luminaires
Certainly one of the most defensive setups we present, but still more than sufficient. Especially compared to typical Spider-Style luminaires, this setup offers a much more homogeneous light distribution with better PPFDe values. On the picture at the right you can find the recommended positioning.
3D PPFDe Plot from the simulation
Here you can see the three-dimensional PPFDe plot . All in all, the light distribution over the 2,25 m² area is extremely homogeneous.
3D Mountain 2x EVO 5-150 1,5x1,5m
PPFD Plot 150cm x 150cm
With 290W power per square metre, the two EVO 5-150 perform remarkably well. Enough to replace a 1000 W HPS luminaire. However, to work with increased CO2 levels, we recommend a higher light intensity. The homogeneity of 0.63 is impressive. This means that an intensity of at least 682µmol/m²/s is achieved on 63% of the illuminated area.
- Power consumption………646W
- Average PPFDe…………………682 µmol/m²/s
- minimum PPFDe………………427 µmol/m²/s
- maximum PPFDe……………..821 µmol/m²/s
- Homogeneity………………….0,63
- Efficiency = average PPFDe x area : performance….2,38 µmol/J
–> Attention see History of changes
Lighting solutions for the use of CO2
The presented setups are only recommended for very ambitious hobby gardeners and professionals. Average PPFDe values of > 1000µmol/m²/s demand a lot from the plant and can also damage it! In general, the use of higher CO2 values is recommended here. Of course, these constellations can also be used without CO2 supplementation. Depending on the plant, the yields can be higher than with our standard recommendations, but the efficiency also decreases. This means, that compared to increasing the amount of light, the yield does not increase linearly.
80cm x 80cm cultivation area
Positioning of the luminaires
Our recommendation for the 80cm x 80cm grow tent is two EVO 3-80 lights. The picture to the right shows how to hang the lights for optimal illumination.
3D PPFDe plot from simulation
The figure on the right illustrates the PPFDe values as a three-dimensional plot. On the surface, the light is distributed very evenly with an average intensity of 1.241µmol/m²/s. The maximum light intensities achieved are directly below the light with 1.560µmol/m²/s.
PPFDe Plot 80cm x 80cm
Here you can see the results of a real measurement. The two EVO 3-80 were mounted in a grow box with white walls according to the specifications above. With an average of 1.241µmol/m²/s PPFDe, this setup is recommended with CO2.
– Power consumption………..380 W
– average PPFDe………………..1.241µmol/m²/s
– minimum PPFDe………………840µmol/m²/s
– maximum PPFDe……………..1.560µmol/m²/s
– Homogeneity……………………0.68
– PPFDe efficiency = average PPFDe x area : power….2.09µmol/J
100cm x 100cm cultivation area
Positioning of the luminaires
If you want to work at the absolute maximum, we recommend a setup consisting of 2 x EVO 4-100 for the 100cm x 100cm tent. The luminaires should be positioned as shown on the picture at the left.
3D PPFDe Plot from the simulation
Here you can see the simulated three-dimensional PPFD plot.
3D Mountain 2x EVO 4-100 100x100cm
PPFD Plot 100cm x 100cm
On the left you can see the PPFDd plot which was measured in a 100cm x 100cm grow box. Even in the far corner almost 1.000µmol/m²/s could be achieved. Peak values of almost 1.500µmol/m²/s allow above-average yields. A lot of experience and perfect environmental conditions are required.
- Power consumption………508W
- Average PPFDe…………………1.236µmol/m²/s
- minimum PPFDe………………915µmol/m²/s
- maximum PPFDe……………..1.468µmol/m²/s
- Homogeneity………………….0,74
- Efficiency = average PPFDe x area : performance….2,43µmol/J
120cm x 120cm cultivation area
Positioning of the luminaires
Above-average exposure values can also be achieved with the SANlight EVO series in a 120×120 tent. For this, two pieces of EVO 5-120 should be placed in the box as shown at the illustration on the right.
3D PPFDe Plot from the simulation
You can see the matching 3D plot at the illustration on the right.
3D Mountain 2x EVO 5-120 120x120cm
PPFDe Plot 120cm x 120cm
A few years ago, 640W on 1.44m2 was the standard energy requirement to illuminate such a tent with HPS. Using two EVO 5-120 luminaires, the same power is used as then. However, the average PPFDe value is twice as high as with sodium vapour luminaires with the same power requirement.
- Power consumption………652W
- Average PPFD…………………1.105µmol/m²/s
- minimum PPFD………………569µmol/m²/s
- maximum PPFD……………..1.443µmol/m²/s
- Homogeneity………………….0,52
- Efficiency = average PPFD x area : performance….2,44µmol/J
150cm x 150cm cultivation area
Positioning of the luminaires
While two EVO 5-150 sufficiently illuminate a grow tent with 2,25m², the use of three such luminaires represents the extreme. The luminaires should be hung up as shown at the illustration. The higher spacing of the middle luminaire improves homogeneity.
3D PPFDe Plot from the simulation
The simulated 3D plot already shows, that this is a very powerful setup.
3D Mountain 3x EVO 5-150 1,5x1,5m
PPFDe Plot 150cm x 150cm
In this constellation, the EVO-Series shows all its advantages compared to classic Spider-Style luminaires. Light values of ~800 µmol/m²/s in the outermost corner and a terrific light distribution let the heart of every grower beat faster. Currently by far the leading lighting system for 150cm x 150cm tents on the market.
- Power consumption………972W
- Average PPFDe…………………1.044µmol/m²/s
- minimum PPFDe………………715µmol/m²/s
- maximum PPFDe……………..1.353µmol/m²/s
- Homogeneity………………….0,68
- Efficiency = average PPFDe x area : performance….2,42µmol/J
–> Attention see History of changes
Changes made to this blog article:
On 27/09/2021 the following PPFDe Plots were replaced.
- PPFDe Plot 2 x EVO 5-150 in 150x150cm tent
- PPFDe Plot 3 x EVO 5-150 in 150x150cm tent
- The plots mentioned above were measured on a brown grid. Due to the higher reflection of the brown measuring grid compared to the black measuring grid, the PPFDe values were approx. 12% higher.
