Methodology
Our current process is research-led: we check product documentation and relevant sources, compare options against a consistent set of buying questions, and explain the basis and limits of each recommendation.
Our process
Our editorial process separates published specifications from our assessment and applies the same practical questions within each category.
We define the room, task, budget, installation limits, and features a product needs to address before comparing options.
We review manufacturer documentation, current specifications, safety guidance, and relevant independent sources. Published claims are treated as claims unless evidence supports them.
Recommendations consider light output, colour quality, controls, installation, compatibility, durability indicators, price, and the limitations that matter for the intended use.
We show the reasoning behind each score, link related guidance, disclose affiliate links, and note dates so readers can verify changing prices and specifications.
Evidence labels
These labels prevent a source-backed assessment from being mistaken for a physical test. The current product-review baseline is document-researched unless a page explicitly states a higher evidence level and publishes the relevant conditions.
Current site baseline
The exact model and cited documentation are checked, then compared against category-specific buying criteria. No handling, installation, runtime, output, or durability claim is implied.
Used only when stated
A physical unit has been handled and used under conditions described on the page. Observations are separated from manufacturer specifications, and important limits of the assessment are recorded.
Used only with test details
The page publishes the equipment, setup, conditions, repetitions, and result needed to understand a measurement. A number without those details is not presented as a Lightie measurement.
Document checks
Panel placement, published output, battery information, controls, weather rating, serviceability, warranty, and seasonal limitations.
Required for a future measured review
Illuminance and beam pattern, charge input, dusk behaviour, runtime after controlled charging, consecutive dull-day simulations, water exposure, and battery access.
Document checks
Output by mode, runtime by mode, charging paths, stored-readiness instructions, replaceable cells, controls, water rating, and USB output.
Required for a future measured review
Runtime at stated modes, recharge time, low-battery behaviour, controls in darkness, USB output, periodic storage checks, drop resistance, and water exposure.
Document checks
Light source, lumen and colour data, dimming support, glare control, installation, repairability, replacement parts, and warranty.
Required for a future measured review
Illuminance, flicker, dimming range, colour data, surface temperatures, glare observations, installation time, and service access.
Document checks
Protocols, hub requirements, physical controls, documented local operation, integrations, update policy, accessories, and recurring costs.
Required for a future measured review
Setup and reset, command latency, brightness and colour, standby power, outage recovery, automation behaviour, app accessibility, and cross-platform feature parity.
A document-researched score summarises specification fit, the quality of the available build and serviceability evidence, value at the review date, and design or usability on paper. It is not a measured performance score. When hands-on or measured evidence is added, the score and verdict may change, and the page should record that update.
Editorial contributors
Contributor bylines identify editorial responsibility. We do not present qualifications or specialist testing experience here unless they can be documented.
Editorial contributor
Imogen contributes to The Lightie's solar and home-lighting coverage, focusing on product specifications, buying criteria, and clearly sourced comparisons.
Coverage: Solar and home lighting
Editorial contributor
Raj contributes to The Lightie's smart-lighting coverage, focusing on protocol compatibility, app features, local control, and cross-platform support.
Coverage: Smart lighting
Editorial contributor
Tom contributes to The Lightie's emergency and outdoor-lighting coverage, focusing on published power, runtime, weather-resistance, and installation information.
Coverage: Emergency and outdoor lighting