How to Properly R&D Under-Canopy Lighting Before Committing

Under-canopy lighting has the potential to increase yields, improve bud density, and enhance cannabinoid production, but only if it’s the right fit for your cultivation setup. Not all lighting systems deliver the same results; what works in one facility may not work in another. Proper R&D (Research & Development) is essential before committing to a full-scale installation.

The key is to approach under-canopy lighting with controlled, measurable testing. This will ensure you invest in a system that genuinely benefits your growth rather than creating new challenges.

Here’s how to properly test and evaluate under-canopy lighting before investing.

1. Define Your R&D Goals

Before running any trials, identify what success looks like for your grow. Are you looking to:

✔ Increase total yield per square foot?
✔ Improve lower bud quality to raise your grade percentage?
✔ Enhance terpene and cannabinoid content?
✔ Improve light distribution without negatively impacting environmental control?

Without clear objectives, your R&D will lack direction, and you may be unable to assess the results correctly.

2. Select Multiple Under-Canopy Lighting Systems

Do not assume that all under-canopy lights perform the same. The market offers a variety of spectrums, intensities, and form factors—each affecting plant response differently.

Test at Least 2-3 Different Lighting Options

✔ Spectrum: Full-spectrum, red-heavy, or blue-heavy? Some spectrums may enhance cannabinoid production more than others.
✔ Intensity & Wattage: Some systems are too weak to make a difference, while others may be too powerful and cause bleaching.
✔ Form Factor & Placement: Strips vs. bars vs. panels—different designs affect how evenly light spreads across the lower canopy.

You can identify the best match for your grow by testing multiple systems in side-by-side trials.

3. Run Side-by-Side Trials (With a Control Group)

To accurately measure the impact of under-canopy lighting, set up a side-by-side A/B test:

✔ Control Group: Standard grow setup with no under-canopy lighting.
✔ Test Groups: Each group receives a different under-canopy lighting system.

To isolate lighting as the sole variable affecting growth, all other variables (strain, feeding schedule, airflow, temperature, humidity) must remain identical across groups.

4. Track and Analyze Key Data Points

Visual observation alone is not enough to determine whether under-canopy lighting is effective. You need hard data to confirm its effectiveness.

Critical Data to Track

• Yield per square foot: Did total biomass increase?

• Grade percentage: Are more buds hitting premium grades?

• Lower canopy bud density: Are lower buds developing as well as top colas?

• Cannabinoid and terpene profiles: Does lighting impact potency and aroma?

• Environmental impact: Did additional lighting affect humidity or temperature?

• Electricity usage: How much additional power is being drawn?

Use spreadsheet tracking, environmental sensors, and lab testing to measure and compare trial results.

5. Repeat the Trial Multiple Times

One test isn’t enough. Run the trial across multiple harvests to confirm consistency.

✔ Test across different strains: Some cultivars respond better than others.
✔ Test in different seasons: Temperature and humidity fluctuations could change results.
✔ Test in multiple grow rooms or sections: Different airflow patterns or facility layouts could affect performance.

If under-canopy lighting consistently improves quality and yield across multiple trials, you can confidently move forward with scaling up installation.

6. Consider Workflow & Operational Impact

Beyond plant performance, evaluate how under-canopy lighting affects day-to-day cultivation operations.

✔ Does it interfere with pruning, defoliation, or irrigation?
✔ Are power cords safely managed to prevent tripping or damage?
✔ Does it increase the time required for labor tasks?

A system that improves yields but disrupts workflow efficiency may not be worth the investment.

7. Evaluate Cost vs. Return on Investment (ROI)

Before scaling up, determine whether the yield/quality improvements justify the added costs.

✔ Calculate electricity costs per light vs. added revenue from increased yield/grade percentage.
✔ Assess labor costs: Do additional maintenance and adjustments create inefficiencies?
✔ Compare equipment costs: Is the system cost-effective compared to alternatives like adjusting plant density or upgrading overhead lighting?

If ROI is positive and improvements outweigh costs, scaling up makes financial sense.

Final Decision: When to Commit to Full-Scale Implementation

After completing multiple trials with consistent, measurable improvements, you can confidently decide whether to:

✔ Roll out under-canopy lighting across your entire facility.
✔ Use it only in specific areas where it provides the most benefit.
✔ Continue refining placement, spectrum, or intensity to optimize results.

By following this structured R&D process, you ensure that under-canopy lighting isn’t just an expensive experiment—but a calculated, data-backed investment in the long-term success of your cultivation operation.