It is usually agreed that technological innovators or early adopters will trend toward LED lamps. And the individual persons or companies who financially focused on energy-saving or genuinely committed to going green will also like to try LED lighting technology.
The individual residential customer, who is his own decision-maker, is quite often even more attuned to environmental issues than the double-mocha-big-box sector is.
To the homeowner, a lower electric bill becomes appealing when bolstered by the argument that if service areas cut back on demand, future utility rate hikes could well be avoided. And, in some areas, this argument is even more compelling if the local utility is offering rebates for the installation of LED lighting.
Big players, such as Starbucks and Walmart, have already made massive capital outlays in LED lamps in their stores, not only to save on their electric bills and staff maintenance hours, but to demonstrate to their clients that they are environmentally conscious. Being perceived as being green has become a critical part of the brand image of many multinational corporations, and smaller companies are beginning to follow suit.
Professional LED Lighting Knowledge blog to promote the usage of LED Lamps
The Value Position - Sell LEDs to Customers (3)
While the homeowner market for LED lighting is just beginning to open up, the technology’s use in commercial applications is well-established and continues to grow.
A survey of purchasing and facilities decision-makers conducted late last year by Osram Sylvania revealed that 73 percent of the participants either currently use LED tubes in their buildings or plan to do so in the next few years. These installations include both replacements of other forms of lighting and completely new lighting systems or major renovations. It was also found that those who have evaluated lighting options in the last year or so are more likely to chose LEDs, indicating the increasing acceptance of the technology.
Once again, selling the value proposition is critical, and so is finding the right decision-maker.
“You can have trouble making your argument about long-term economics, depending on whom you engage with,” said John Zimmerman, marketing manager for professional solid-state lighting at Osram Sylvania, Danvers, Mass.
“If it’s a low-level person managing a really tight budget, such as a purchasing manager whose performance is measured on how much money he saves, he probably won’t see beyond the initial cost. As a rule, facilities managers and building owners are more receptive to the strategic value of choosing LEDs. Study the application being considered, and if you can demonstrate a payback within two years, that is a strong selling point even when dealing with a tactical buyer.”
Zimmerman also has this cautionary observation: “Both distributors and contractors have to be aware that allLED lamps are not created equal. There are some companies that have sprung up presenting themselves as being suppliers in the LED lighting marketplace. The supply chain has to understand this technology well enough to distinguish quality, reliable products, and that have Energy Star ratings. Ask the supplier to see his certification data.”
In fact, some of the lingering doubts that skeptical users may have regarding LEDs can be traced to the fact that they purchased cheap, low-power LED lamps at retail stores over the last few years, inferior products that emit a blue or green light.
“Watch out for new entrants into the marketplace,” GE’s Benson said. “There are a lot of bogus claims attached to the marketing of these products, and contractors have to know who they’re buying from and trust that the company will be around in another five years if there are problems with their products. Quality and reliability are the paramount issues.”
A survey of purchasing and facilities decision-makers conducted late last year by Osram Sylvania revealed that 73 percent of the participants either currently use LED tubes in their buildings or plan to do so in the next few years. These installations include both replacements of other forms of lighting and completely new lighting systems or major renovations. It was also found that those who have evaluated lighting options in the last year or so are more likely to chose LEDs, indicating the increasing acceptance of the technology.
Once again, selling the value proposition is critical, and so is finding the right decision-maker.
“You can have trouble making your argument about long-term economics, depending on whom you engage with,” said John Zimmerman, marketing manager for professional solid-state lighting at Osram Sylvania, Danvers, Mass.
“If it’s a low-level person managing a really tight budget, such as a purchasing manager whose performance is measured on how much money he saves, he probably won’t see beyond the initial cost. As a rule, facilities managers and building owners are more receptive to the strategic value of choosing LEDs. Study the application being considered, and if you can demonstrate a payback within two years, that is a strong selling point even when dealing with a tactical buyer.”
Zimmerman also has this cautionary observation: “Both distributors and contractors have to be aware that allLED lamps are not created equal. There are some companies that have sprung up presenting themselves as being suppliers in the LED lighting marketplace. The supply chain has to understand this technology well enough to distinguish quality, reliable products, and that have Energy Star ratings. Ask the supplier to see his certification data.”
In fact, some of the lingering doubts that skeptical users may have regarding LEDs can be traced to the fact that they purchased cheap, low-power LED lamps at retail stores over the last few years, inferior products that emit a blue or green light.
“Watch out for new entrants into the marketplace,” GE’s Benson said. “There are a lot of bogus claims attached to the marketing of these products, and contractors have to know who they’re buying from and trust that the company will be around in another five years if there are problems with their products. Quality and reliability are the paramount issues.”
The Advantage of LED Lighting
LED lighting owns a lot of advantages, I always go to http://www.janus-led.com/ to get the best LED lights
The Value Position - Sell LEDs to Customers (2)
Besides the basic price tag, the proposition involves maintenance and energy usage.
“In a typical return-on-investment (ROI) drill, the contractor has to explain to the customer what the replacement tradeoffs are over a specified period of time,” said Jim Benson, general manager of marketing at GE Lighting, Cleveland. “Over 30,000 hours, one 10-watt PAR30 LED lamp would be used, costing $42. But for that same timespan, 15 incandescent 45-watt R30 bulbs priced at $4 each would be needed, and 10 halogen 50-watt PAR30 lamps each at $7.50. When you factor in maintenance (frequency of changing lamps) and energy use, then the total cost of ownership is $74 for the single LED, $225 for the 15 incandescents, and $245 for the 10 halogen lamps."
Now, these estimates are based on current pricing levels for the three product types, but to make the case for LED lamps even more convincing, it is expected that, as they gain in marketplace acceptance, their prices will come down.
“LED lamp prices are decreasing, and this will be ongoing,” said Peter Soares, director of consumer channel marketing at Philips Lighting Co., Somerset, N.J. “Last November, we planned to introduce a 60-watt equivalent at $50, but by December, the price was revised to $40, and in those states where utility rebates are available, that could push the acquisition price down to $25.
“In addition, that LED bulb uses 12.5 watts of power and will last 25,000 hours, which is 25 times more than the incandescent it will replace, saving the homeowner $140 over the life of the bulb. When you multiply that by the number of lightbulb sockets in the average home, that really adds up.”
Soares also anticipates that there will be a shift in mindset among homeowners with regard to lighting, and it will begin to be considered a major energy-saving purchase decision along with state-of-the-art windows, heating systems and major appliances, not only for the attractive payback, but as a selling feature if the house is put on the market. Contractors should remind customers of this additional benefit when discussing a changeover to LED lamps.
“In a typical return-on-investment (ROI) drill, the contractor has to explain to the customer what the replacement tradeoffs are over a specified period of time,” said Jim Benson, general manager of marketing at GE Lighting, Cleveland. “Over 30,000 hours, one 10-watt PAR30 LED lamp would be used, costing $42. But for that same timespan, 15 incandescent 45-watt R30 bulbs priced at $4 each would be needed, and 10 halogen 50-watt PAR30 lamps each at $7.50. When you factor in maintenance (frequency of changing lamps) and energy use, then the total cost of ownership is $74 for the single LED, $225 for the 15 incandescents, and $245 for the 10 halogen lamps."
Now, these estimates are based on current pricing levels for the three product types, but to make the case for LED lamps even more convincing, it is expected that, as they gain in marketplace acceptance, their prices will come down.
“LED lamp prices are decreasing, and this will be ongoing,” said Peter Soares, director of consumer channel marketing at Philips Lighting Co., Somerset, N.J. “Last November, we planned to introduce a 60-watt equivalent at $50, but by December, the price was revised to $40, and in those states where utility rebates are available, that could push the acquisition price down to $25.
“In addition, that LED bulb uses 12.5 watts of power and will last 25,000 hours, which is 25 times more than the incandescent it will replace, saving the homeowner $140 over the life of the bulb. When you multiply that by the number of lightbulb sockets in the average home, that really adds up.”
Soares also anticipates that there will be a shift in mindset among homeowners with regard to lighting, and it will begin to be considered a major energy-saving purchase decision along with state-of-the-art windows, heating systems and major appliances, not only for the attractive payback, but as a selling feature if the house is put on the market. Contractors should remind customers of this additional benefit when discussing a changeover to LED lamps.
The Value Position of LED Lighting (1)
It’s not often that an electrical contractor has the opportunity to sell a product line that saves a customer time, money and energy; promotes green sustainability; and reduces the load on the nation’s power grid. But that’s what industry observers say LED lamps can do.
There are a number of circumstances coming together right now to create a perfect selling storm for the contractor aware of the market potential of LED technology.
Whether the customer is a multinational corporation or a homeowner, there are compelling arguments to be made for going LED lighting.
However, it is important to understand the customer’s individual needs and not try to sell an LED lighting solution where it doesn’t make sense. A contractor who oversells an LED lighting solution in circumstances where it is not economically appropriate or feasible does so at his or her own risk and endangers professional credibility.
For example, it would be 10 times as expensive to replace a linear fluorescent in a commercial situation with an LED equivalent.
The key to convincing the customer to switch to LED lighting systems is knowing the application specifics and then differentiating between initial price of the product and total cost of ownership over the life of that product. This is often referred to as “the value proposition.”
There are a number of circumstances coming together right now to create a perfect selling storm for the contractor aware of the market potential of LED technology.
Whether the customer is a multinational corporation or a homeowner, there are compelling arguments to be made for going LED lighting.
However, it is important to understand the customer’s individual needs and not try to sell an LED lighting solution where it doesn’t make sense. A contractor who oversells an LED lighting solution in circumstances where it is not economically appropriate or feasible does so at his or her own risk and endangers professional credibility.
For example, it would be 10 times as expensive to replace a linear fluorescent in a commercial situation with an LED equivalent.
The key to convincing the customer to switch to LED lighting systems is knowing the application specifics and then differentiating between initial price of the product and total cost of ownership over the life of that product. This is often referred to as “the value proposition.”
LED Quality Assurance - How to determine what is ture (2)
Can a conventional source do the job just as well? LED lighting is all the rage, offering a high degree of novelty and “cool” to building projects. But, in many cases, it is simply not warranted. There is nothing magic about the LED bulbs, which is, ultimately, just another light source. And as such, the LED must prove its value against incumbent technologies.
Fluorescent, for example, is fighting hard to retain its dominance in commercial buildings. Today’s fluorescent lighting systems are proven, reliable, well understood, highly efficient, controllable and offer rated life up to 10,000 hours.
Ceramic metal halide is also an effective competitor in applications requiring strong intensity from a highly compact light source. Systems as small as 15W, with a form factor approaching low-voltage fixtures, deliver strong punch with high efficacy and long life.
Of course, cost is a major issue here. If an LED lamp is only somewhat better, we must ask if it is worth the premium. The LED product must prove its value by clearly being a better choice.
LED lighting is not cheap. This is a get-what-you-pay-for time in the market for LED technology. Good LED products are highly engineered and, therefore, carry a premium.
Caveat emptor is Latin for “Let the buyer beware.” Industry product testing standards, such as LM79, have been around long enough for reputable manufacturers to be on board; ask for the results of this testing. Ask for details on color quality and life ratings. If the manufacturer cannot back up its claims, it is asking you to accept a higher degree of risk. Ask for demos, try products out and test them for yourself.
If the project has special needs, the manufacturer should be able to demonstrate that it can satisfy them. For example, if the spot light will be dimmed, the LED spotlight must not only be dimmable, but specifically be listed as compatible with the given control. If punch is important, pay attention to center-beam candlepower. If color is important, look at CRI and color temperature, and consider testing the product firsthand. If the product will be used outdoors, ensure that it is specifically built and rated for outdoor use.
Fluorescent, for example, is fighting hard to retain its dominance in commercial buildings. Today’s fluorescent lighting systems are proven, reliable, well understood, highly efficient, controllable and offer rated life up to 10,000 hours.
Ceramic metal halide is also an effective competitor in applications requiring strong intensity from a highly compact light source. Systems as small as 15W, with a form factor approaching low-voltage fixtures, deliver strong punch with high efficacy and long life.
Of course, cost is a major issue here. If an LED lamp is only somewhat better, we must ask if it is worth the premium. The LED product must prove its value by clearly being a better choice.
LED lighting is not cheap. This is a get-what-you-pay-for time in the market for LED technology. Good LED products are highly engineered and, therefore, carry a premium.
Caveat emptor is Latin for “Let the buyer beware.” Industry product testing standards, such as LM79, have been around long enough for reputable manufacturers to be on board; ask for the results of this testing. Ask for details on color quality and life ratings. If the manufacturer cannot back up its claims, it is asking you to accept a higher degree of risk. Ask for demos, try products out and test them for yourself.
If the project has special needs, the manufacturer should be able to demonstrate that it can satisfy them. For example, if the spot light will be dimmed, the LED spotlight must not only be dimmable, but specifically be listed as compatible with the given control. If punch is important, pay attention to center-beam candlepower. If color is important, look at CRI and color temperature, and consider testing the product firsthand. If the product will be used outdoors, ensure that it is specifically built and rated for outdoor use.
LED Quality Assurance - How to determine what is ture (1)
The LED revolution continues to promise many lighting benefits, such as compact size, energy efficiency, long service life with long mean time between failures, no mercury disposal, a resistance to shock and vibration, and no radiated heat or UV output. However, combine high demand for this hot, young technology with rapid product proliferation, continuing emergence of critical standards, and relative lack of industry education and experience, and many installations are failing user expectations.
How can electrical contractors protect themselves and their customers from these risks associated with white LED lighting?
Consider the entire story. The easy path to selecting an LED product is to choose the lowest wattage for the lowest price. That way, the customer can maximize energy savings for the lowest cost. This approach, however, can just as easily lead to poor performance and failed customer expectations.
In lighting design, designers light the space first and then choose equipment that best satisfies the application need. This is a lower risk approach to selecting products because the choice is based on complete project requirements.
Beyond watts, specifiers should account for other basic metrics, such as light output (lumens), resulting efficacy (lumens per watt or LPW), rated life (hours), correlated color temperature (K) and color rendering index rating (CRI). These metrics for LED Flood lights will answer the questions: How much light does it produce? How much light does it produce per watt? How long will it last? What is the color tone—warm, neutral or cool? And how naturally does it render colors and flesh tones in a space?
Even these basic metrics do not tell the whole story of a lighting product. Other attributes include light distribution, glare control, center beam intensity, compatibility with dimmers, ratings for indoor or outdoor use or both, suitability for installation in enclosed spaces or spaces with contact with insulation, the warranty, and others.
Get educated about lighting and LEDs lamps. Translating application needs into LED product selection requires a basic understanding of lighting and specific knowledge about LEDs. The objective is to acquire equivalent or superior performance to conventional sources while gaining the unique advantages of the LED.
For example, LEDs radiate little heat, but the performance is highly sensitive to heat generated inside the LEDs themselves. Some LED lamps may last 100,000 hours as advertised, but by that point, only a fraction of useful light will continue to be emitted. A given retrofit lamp might be touted as equivalent to an incandescent A-lamp but only in certain lighting fixtures where the directional characteristic of the LED improves fixture efficiency.
By understanding all of the lighting metrics applicable to the complete needs of the given application, decision-makers can more easily satisfy those needs by comparing, evaluating and ultimately selecting the right products—while keeping manufacturers honest by seeing through misleading sales claims. Take advantage of manufacturer and independent education. Try a few samples. Get to know the technology.
How can electrical contractors protect themselves and their customers from these risks associated with white LED lighting?
Consider the entire story. The easy path to selecting an LED product is to choose the lowest wattage for the lowest price. That way, the customer can maximize energy savings for the lowest cost. This approach, however, can just as easily lead to poor performance and failed customer expectations.
In lighting design, designers light the space first and then choose equipment that best satisfies the application need. This is a lower risk approach to selecting products because the choice is based on complete project requirements.
Beyond watts, specifiers should account for other basic metrics, such as light output (lumens), resulting efficacy (lumens per watt or LPW), rated life (hours), correlated color temperature (K) and color rendering index rating (CRI). These metrics for LED Flood lights will answer the questions: How much light does it produce? How much light does it produce per watt? How long will it last? What is the color tone—warm, neutral or cool? And how naturally does it render colors and flesh tones in a space?
Even these basic metrics do not tell the whole story of a lighting product. Other attributes include light distribution, glare control, center beam intensity, compatibility with dimmers, ratings for indoor or outdoor use or both, suitability for installation in enclosed spaces or spaces with contact with insulation, the warranty, and others.
Get educated about lighting and LEDs lamps. Translating application needs into LED product selection requires a basic understanding of lighting and specific knowledge about LEDs. The objective is to acquire equivalent or superior performance to conventional sources while gaining the unique advantages of the LED.
For example, LEDs radiate little heat, but the performance is highly sensitive to heat generated inside the LEDs themselves. Some LED lamps may last 100,000 hours as advertised, but by that point, only a fraction of useful light will continue to be emitted. A given retrofit lamp might be touted as equivalent to an incandescent A-lamp but only in certain lighting fixtures where the directional characteristic of the LED improves fixture efficiency.
By understanding all of the lighting metrics applicable to the complete needs of the given application, decision-makers can more easily satisfy those needs by comparing, evaluating and ultimately selecting the right products—while keeping manufacturers honest by seeing through misleading sales claims. Take advantage of manufacturer and independent education. Try a few samples. Get to know the technology.
European Market Exhibited Significant Price Decrease for 40W Incandescent Light Replacement LED Light Bulbs
The famous Moose rules also apply in LED industry. The price of LED lamps is continuing going down as the development of the technology. In Europe, it is reported that the price downtrend of warm white LED light bulbs for 40W and 60W replacement (40W bulb and 60W bulb) persisted in August 2011. The ASP of LED bulb for 40W bulb took the most severe dip, plunging to US$ 23.5 with a 4% decline compared to July this year; the ASP of LED bulb for 60W bulb dropped to US$ 43.8, a 1% decrease compared to July this year. The European and American markets underwent the most drastic downturns.
The ASP of LED bulb for 60W bulb dropped to US$ 43.8, a 1% decrease compared to July 2011. While the ASP in the United States took a significant dip of 5%, the ASPs in the rest of the world remained relatively stable. On the other hand, the ASP in the United Kingdom slightly rose due to the exchange rate factor.
In August, the LED bulb price in Europe experienced the biggest hit, with the ASP of LED bulb for 40W bulb fell by 11% (19% if the exchange rate factor is not taken into account). Although the LED bulb price drop in Europe was sharper than other parts of the world, the ASP of Europe’s LED bulb remained higher than other regions, averaging US$ 29. In fact, the ASPs of LED bulb in Japan and the United States dropped by 4% and 1%, respectively while the ASP in South Korea fell by 2% due to the exchange rate factor.
The average price for 40W bulb in Aug’11 declined to US$ 51/Klm, while the price for 60W bulbs dropped to US$ 54/Klm. It is believed that by 2012, LED light bulb price will become more affordable for consumers. Benefiting from bans against incandescent lamps, LED lighting market will see a significant growth in 2012.
The ASP of LED bulb for 60W bulb dropped to US$ 43.8, a 1% decrease compared to July 2011. While the ASP in the United States took a significant dip of 5%, the ASPs in the rest of the world remained relatively stable. On the other hand, the ASP in the United Kingdom slightly rose due to the exchange rate factor.
In August, the LED bulb price in Europe experienced the biggest hit, with the ASP of LED bulb for 40W bulb fell by 11% (19% if the exchange rate factor is not taken into account). Although the LED bulb price drop in Europe was sharper than other parts of the world, the ASP of Europe’s LED bulb remained higher than other regions, averaging US$ 29. In fact, the ASPs of LED bulb in Japan and the United States dropped by 4% and 1%, respectively while the ASP in South Korea fell by 2% due to the exchange rate factor.
The average price for 40W bulb in Aug’11 declined to US$ 51/Klm, while the price for 60W bulbs dropped to US$ 54/Klm. It is believed that by 2012, LED light bulb price will become more affordable for consumers. Benefiting from bans against incandescent lamps, LED lighting market will see a significant growth in 2012.
Chinese LED Makers to Cut Production and Downsize, Helping Industry Break Free From Price Wars and Move Towards a Better Future
According to a survey, the revenues of listed Taiwanese LED manufacturers amounted to NT$ 8.415 billion (MoM-2.69%, YoY-18.9%) in Aug’11. Due to steep drop in the LED price, the demand side has been striving to lower the component inventory levels. However, the impending demand surge triggered by Christmas holiday and the new models of LED backlit TVs will most likely cause the rush-order effect for the backlight market, providing a timely and welcomed break for LED manufacturers.
The survey indicates that the oversupply will continue to hover around the LED lighting industry in the next few years. In light of the unfavorable market outlook, Chinese LED chip makers have put their expansion plans on hold – a number of manufacturers have delayed production plan, postponed MOCVD installation plan and even considered exiting the market. Therefore, the survey estimated the number of new MOCVD equipment installed in China in 2011 at less than 400 units, which is expected to have a positive impact on LED lamp price in 2012. Moreover, as the competition in the LED industry intensifies, Taiwanese manufacturers’ fast responses to the changing economic climate give them a better chance of making inroads into the global LED industry. Big factory with enough cash flow can better survive in these two years.
The survey indicates that the oversupply will continue to hover around the LED lighting industry in the next few years. In light of the unfavorable market outlook, Chinese LED chip makers have put their expansion plans on hold – a number of manufacturers have delayed production plan, postponed MOCVD installation plan and even considered exiting the market. Therefore, the survey estimated the number of new MOCVD equipment installed in China in 2011 at less than 400 units, which is expected to have a positive impact on LED lamp price in 2012. Moreover, as the competition in the LED industry intensifies, Taiwanese manufacturers’ fast responses to the changing economic climate give them a better chance of making inroads into the global LED industry. Big factory with enough cash flow can better survive in these two years.
LED Lamps, Their Future is Really Bright! (4)
According to the DOE, rapid progress will continue as the agency, along with its industry partners, pushes this technology to its efficiency limit, which is expected to be reached by about 2015. Properly designed LED luminaires will achieve efficacies of about 138–188 lumens per watt or LPW, or 10 to 14 times that of incandescent lighting. In addition, the DOE expects that LEDs will continue to fall in price as new and better ways to package and manufacture them are perfected.
Contractors should not underestimate the effect that LEDs are going to have on future projects. According to Hamburger, a February 2011 solid-state lighting fixture report from Strategies Unlimited, predicts that the LED lighting market will grow to $8.3 billion by 2014, with a CAGR for the solid-state luminaire market to be 21 percent from 2010 through 2014. The report, “LED Luminaires Market Analysis and Forecast Second Edition 2011,” states that improvements in performance and the price of commercially available high brightness LED packages, heightened concerns regarding energy efficiency, and the phase out of incandescent lamps, have combined to create favorable conditions for acceptance of the technology.
Based on multiple market analyses and proprietary, internal growth rates, Briggs expects the LED lamp market to grow 50 to 65 percent over the next three years, which by anyone’s reckoning should translate into a great deal of LED work for electrical contractors. And while Toshiba wouldn’t share any specific numbers, DallePezze said that the company is so confident that LEDs will become the prominent technology in the lighting market within five years that it stopped making incandescent sources a couple of years ago.
The debate really can end; there’s no longer any doubt that the future will be an energy-efficient one, and LED lighting are certain to play a pivotal role in achieving it. The technology’s few remaining limitations will be surpassed soon, and LEDs will be widely adopted as the light source of choice by a cross-section of society. Electrical contractors should be on the leading edge of that wave.
Contractors should not underestimate the effect that LEDs are going to have on future projects. According to Hamburger, a February 2011 solid-state lighting fixture report from Strategies Unlimited, predicts that the LED lighting market will grow to $8.3 billion by 2014, with a CAGR for the solid-state luminaire market to be 21 percent from 2010 through 2014. The report, “LED Luminaires Market Analysis and Forecast Second Edition 2011,” states that improvements in performance and the price of commercially available high brightness LED packages, heightened concerns regarding energy efficiency, and the phase out of incandescent lamps, have combined to create favorable conditions for acceptance of the technology.
Based on multiple market analyses and proprietary, internal growth rates, Briggs expects the LED lamp market to grow 50 to 65 percent over the next three years, which by anyone’s reckoning should translate into a great deal of LED work for electrical contractors. And while Toshiba wouldn’t share any specific numbers, DallePezze said that the company is so confident that LEDs will become the prominent technology in the lighting market within five years that it stopped making incandescent sources a couple of years ago.
The debate really can end; there’s no longer any doubt that the future will be an energy-efficient one, and LED lighting are certain to play a pivotal role in achieving it. The technology’s few remaining limitations will be surpassed soon, and LEDs will be widely adopted as the light source of choice by a cross-section of society. Electrical contractors should be on the leading edge of that wave.
LED Lamps, Their Future is Really Bright! (3)
When CFL is first introduced to the market, its performance disappoints many electrical contractors, so when LED Lamps are introduced now, it is very natural that the electrical contractors is somewhat hesitant to believe what they claims. But his time, the story is really different.
“The responsibility is on manufacturers to educate the chain and create demonstrable examples that show the benefits of the technology,” Hamburger said.
Manufacturers are ready to educate electrical contractors, distributors and product end-users about what LED technology is and what it can really do. Can LED fluorescent tubes really replace traditional tube although the traditional one has some many disvantages?
Contractors can look to the lighting industry to adopt a “try it before you buy it” philosophy to help overcome any resistance to LED technologies, DallePezze said
DallePezze’s recommendation to contractors is to try LEDs in appropriate applications, such as install LED spotlight in bathroom and see how they perform. “Just make sure to do the research that ensures a quality product is being used,” DallePezze said.
Testing and lighting standards, such as IESNA’s LM79 and LM80, are already available and can ensure contractors that they are purchasing the proper, reliable product for the installation, while the National Electrical Manufacturers Association has issued several standards and white papers covering LED drivers, dimming and binning.
“But if long-life, energy-efficiency performance and color are the most important criteria for fulfilling the end-user’s requirements, then LEDs are certainly ready to replace traditional lighting sources,” he said.
“The responsibility is on manufacturers to educate the chain and create demonstrable examples that show the benefits of the technology,” Hamburger said.
Manufacturers are ready to educate electrical contractors, distributors and product end-users about what LED technology is and what it can really do. Can LED fluorescent tubes really replace traditional tube although the traditional one has some many disvantages?
Contractors can look to the lighting industry to adopt a “try it before you buy it” philosophy to help overcome any resistance to LED technologies, DallePezze said
DallePezze’s recommendation to contractors is to try LEDs in appropriate applications, such as install LED spotlight in bathroom and see how they perform. “Just make sure to do the research that ensures a quality product is being used,” DallePezze said.
Testing and lighting standards, such as IESNA’s LM79 and LM80, are already available and can ensure contractors that they are purchasing the proper, reliable product for the installation, while the National Electrical Manufacturers Association has issued several standards and white papers covering LED drivers, dimming and binning.
“But if long-life, energy-efficiency performance and color are the most important criteria for fulfilling the end-user’s requirements, then LEDs are certainly ready to replace traditional lighting sources,” he said.
LED Lamps, Their Future is Really Bright! (2)
The biggest knock against LEDs is probably the cost. Right now, the upfront cost of LEDs in general illumination is admittedly significant but, according to DallePezze, can be acceptable, depending on the building’s or consumer’s current energy costs and usage.
“In the near-term, a LED lamp that is equivalent to a 60-watt incandescent in terms of output is going to be more expensive. But price is already less of a consideration in those applications, with higher energy costs and always-on considerations, and it will be dropping consistently and significantly over the next three years,” he said.
“In the near-term, a LED lamp that is equivalent to a 60-watt incandescent in terms of output is going to be more expensive. But price is already less of a consideration in those applications, with higher energy costs and always-on considerations, and it will be dropping consistently and significantly over the next three years,” he said.
Hamburger agreed that pricing is already becoming less of a consideration because LED fixtures such as led spotlight provide quality and performance that is as good or better as traditional lighting.
“Businesses and consumers are at the point where they are looking beyond just price as the ultimate decision-driver and are seriously considering LED technology for its sustainability aspects as well as for the incentives and rebates that are helping to accelerate acceptance,” he said.
In the professional channel, Briggs said, life cycle and payback are more of a consideration than price.
“When payback reaches less than two years, the product in question gains mainstream acceptance,” he said.
To address issues of cost, the Department of Energy recently issued 17 solid-state lighting grants. The agency will put $10.3 million into product development to refine them to be more functional, market-friendly and commercially viable. And for the first time, the DOE’s solid-state lighting grants will include $23.5 million to invest in a manufacturing category. Collectively, these grants seek to drive down costs while improving quality and developing new product-making techniques. The chosen companies will also chip in large sums of cash on their projects, bringing the whole solid-state research program to more than $66 million.
Problems revolving around the color of the light generated by LED fixtures seem to be mostly resolved. Hamburger pointed out that LED tube or LED bulbs already achieve as good or better a color point from product to product as other modern lighting technologies. In the future, he believes manufacturers will develop even more color point and color rendering index (CRI) combinations that provide further options for the consumer.
“For example, workers could use LED fixtures to design personal lighting schemes in their office spaces,” he said.
LEDs are already achieving a level of 90 on the CRI, and Briggs expects products that reach 95 CRI to hit the market by 2012.
“Even today, custom binning or special recipes will achieve 95 on the CRI scale, which is better than both linear fluorescents and CFLs. Only halogen, at 100, outperforms LEDs in this area,” he said.
In the realm of controls, bilevel occupancy and motion sensors for LED fixtures are being developed, and in some places, such as California, it is already legislated that certain outdoor fixtures include the technology. For indoor applications, Hamburger said, pilot studies are being performed on ambient lighting controls for LEDs that will enable sensors to optimize the use of natural light and control fixtures’ outputs according to those levels.
Problems revolving around the color of the light generated by LED fixtures seem to be mostly resolved. Hamburger pointed out that LED tube or LED bulbs already achieve as good or better a color point from product to product as other modern lighting technologies. In the future, he believes manufacturers will develop even more color point and color rendering index (CRI) combinations that provide further options for the consumer.
“For example, workers could use LED fixtures to design personal lighting schemes in their office spaces,” he said.
LEDs are already achieving a level of 90 on the CRI, and Briggs expects products that reach 95 CRI to hit the market by 2012.
“Even today, custom binning or special recipes will achieve 95 on the CRI scale, which is better than both linear fluorescents and CFLs. Only halogen, at 100, outperforms LEDs in this area,” he said.
In the realm of controls, bilevel occupancy and motion sensors for LED fixtures are being developed, and in some places, such as California, it is already legislated that certain outdoor fixtures include the technology. For indoor applications, Hamburger said, pilot studies are being performed on ambient lighting controls for LEDs that will enable sensors to optimize the use of natural light and control fixtures’ outputs according to those levels.
“It typically takes one to two years to get from pilot program to market,” he said.
Peru's stadium façade lighting responds to football fever
A very interesting product is delivered these days. Have you ever imagine that the LED lighting system can reflect how the audience is? Yes, it truly can be done.
Cinimod Studio, a London, UK-based architecture and lighting design firm, has delivered an interactive lighting-control system for the Peru National Stadium in Lima. LED flood light. The system gathers the crowd’s noise levels in real-time and translates the audible signal into a visual map that is depicted on the façade’s lighting display.
The façade-lighting system begins with a network of customized microphones deployed along the stadium’s roof line. LED bulbs. This data is then processed by Cinimod’s custom processing hardware and software located in the stadium’s main communications room. The audible data is analyzed using mathematic calculations and self-calibrating algorithms. The software then communicates a “mood state” to the e:cue lighting controller, which transmits the relevant DMX control signal to the lighting fixtures on the building’s facade.
The external lighting scheme is designed to integrate seamlessly within the architectural framework of the building. LED fluorescent tube. The majority of the lights are laid out as fans of flames that wrap upwards around the form of the structure. The façade’s patterns vary in color, speed, brightness and scale.
The main mood states include: 1) Boring, a neutral mood; 2) Excitement, accompanying a surge in crowd noise and pitch; 3) Celebration, typically triggered by a goal and followed by a further rise in noise level; and 4) Disappointed, triggered by an excited state followed by a rapid decline in noise level.
The software runs perpetually, constantly evaluating the mood, which varies between celebration at one end of the spectrum to disappointed at the other.
The scale of the stadium façade necessitated a very large array of color- and pixel-addressable fittings. The lighting controller provides 62 universes of DMX lighting control output
Is it really interesting? Maybe one day they can produce a mini version so that we can also install this system to reflect our mood at home or in the office. Market is there, the bosses will love it.
Cinimod Studio, a London, UK-based architecture and lighting design firm, has delivered an interactive lighting-control system for the Peru National Stadium in Lima. LED flood light. The system gathers the crowd’s noise levels in real-time and translates the audible signal into a visual map that is depicted on the façade’s lighting display.
The façade-lighting system begins with a network of customized microphones deployed along the stadium’s roof line. LED bulbs. This data is then processed by Cinimod’s custom processing hardware and software located in the stadium’s main communications room. The audible data is analyzed using mathematic calculations and self-calibrating algorithms. The software then communicates a “mood state” to the e:cue lighting controller, which transmits the relevant DMX control signal to the lighting fixtures on the building’s facade.
The external lighting scheme is designed to integrate seamlessly within the architectural framework of the building. LED fluorescent tube. The majority of the lights are laid out as fans of flames that wrap upwards around the form of the structure. The façade’s patterns vary in color, speed, brightness and scale.
The main mood states include: 1) Boring, a neutral mood; 2) Excitement, accompanying a surge in crowd noise and pitch; 3) Celebration, typically triggered by a goal and followed by a further rise in noise level; and 4) Disappointed, triggered by an excited state followed by a rapid decline in noise level.
The software runs perpetually, constantly evaluating the mood, which varies between celebration at one end of the spectrum to disappointed at the other.
The scale of the stadium façade necessitated a very large array of color- and pixel-addressable fittings. The lighting controller provides 62 universes of DMX lighting control output
Is it really interesting? Maybe one day they can produce a mini version so that we can also install this system to reflect our mood at home or in the office. Market is there, the bosses will love it.
EPA finalizes guidance for lumen maintenance of LED subcomponents
Industry standards can always help the related industry developed better and better. Recently, a new standard in the LED lighting industry was released. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized guidance regarding the content and application of lumen-maintenance performance data for LED packages, LED arrays and LED modules that are intended for use in Energy-Star-qualified solid-state lamps and luminaires.
The objective, says the EPA, is to facilitate robust testing which builds upon industry best practices and helps maintain confidence in Energy-Star-qualified lighting products. LED spotlight, EPA developed this guidance in consultation with LED package and array manufacturers.
A cover letter sent along with the guidance document is copied below:
This guidance relates to subcomponent-level performance data and addresses topics not explicitly covered in Energy Star lighting specifications because of the quickly evolving nature of SSL technology, including: the content of IES LM-80-08 (“LM-80”) test reports, case temperature measurements, sample set correlated color temperatures, successor (next generation) devices, and LED array testing.
A draft was distributed on June 24, 2011 for stakeholder review. LED flood light. The feedback received by EPA in response to the June 24 draft focused on three primary topics:
In addition to the above, language was clarified regarding color-temperature tolerances, subcomponent model and series numbers, and LED array substrates. LED lamps. Reporting requirements included in the Luminaires V1.1 specification were added to section 3.2 for consistency. EPA intends for LM-80 testing and reporting to follow this guidance going forward, while providing allowances detailed in the guidance for testing and reporting already completed, as well as testing which is currently underway or in the final planning stages.
The Agency recognizes that this technology is rapidly evolving, and that the SSL industry is in the process of working towards consensus on some outstanding technical issues. Due to the rapidly changing nature of the market, while this document is final, EPA will continue to track progress and testing results to determine when changes to this document are necessary
The objective, says the EPA, is to facilitate robust testing which builds upon industry best practices and helps maintain confidence in Energy-Star-qualified lighting products. LED spotlight, EPA developed this guidance in consultation with LED package and array manufacturers.
A cover letter sent along with the guidance document is copied below:
This guidance relates to subcomponent-level performance data and addresses topics not explicitly covered in Energy Star lighting specifications because of the quickly evolving nature of SSL technology, including: the content of IES LM-80-08 (“LM-80”) test reports, case temperature measurements, sample set correlated color temperatures, successor (next generation) devices, and LED array testing.
A draft was distributed on June 24, 2011 for stakeholder review. LED flood light. The feedback received by EPA in response to the June 24 draft focused on three primary topics:
- Testing requirements for LED arrays:
- Remote phosphor configurations:
- Successor subcomponent provisions:
In addition to the above, language was clarified regarding color-temperature tolerances, subcomponent model and series numbers, and LED array substrates. LED lamps. Reporting requirements included in the Luminaires V1.1 specification were added to section 3.2 for consistency. EPA intends for LM-80 testing and reporting to follow this guidance going forward, while providing allowances detailed in the guidance for testing and reporting already completed, as well as testing which is currently underway or in the final planning stages.
The Agency recognizes that this technology is rapidly evolving, and that the SSL industry is in the process of working towards consensus on some outstanding technical issues. Due to the rapidly changing nature of the market, while this document is final, EPA will continue to track progress and testing results to determine when changes to this document are necessary
LED Lamps: Their Future is (Really) Bright! (1)
According to Attardi Marketing, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for high-brightness LED component sales for lighting from 2010 through 2015 is forecast to be 39 percent. In addition, The Bedford Report research firm states that LED lamps are on the verge of overtaking both incandescent and fluorescent lamps, in terms of use, as governments, businesses and consumers seek to curb carbon emissions. The debate about whether LEDs can replace incandescent, halogen and fluorescent lamps should ends now! The number never lie to us.
“Technologically, LEDs are ready today to replace traditional light sources, including halogen and incandescent, in general illumination applications such as directional lamps,” said Peter DallePezze, vice president of product and marketing management at Toshiba LED Lighting Systems, Houston.
Meanwhile, LEDs’ lumen output is certainly high enough now to replace any traditional light source, according to Rick Hamburger, director, segment marketing at Philips Lumileds, San Jose, Calif.
“The industry is already beginning to research how to increase lumens in LED packages even further with the intent of producing a product that requires fewer semiconducting materials to produce the same output levels,” Hamburger said
Steve Briggs, vice president of marketing and global product management for GE Lighting, Cleveland, believes that LED downlights have already found mainstream acceptance in directional illumination applications, including down and accent lighting, where incandescent and halogen have been the mainstay.
One of the main drivers of the mainstream acceptance of LEDs, such as led tubes, in general illumination applications has been California Title 24, which has various requirements and incentives to encourage the use of high efficacy lighting as measured by the amount of visible light emitted per watt of power consumed. And, according to Hamburger, big box stores and electrical distributors are beginning to carry high-quality LED products, and consumers are accepting the value proposition of LED technology.
“LEDs are already mainstream for the professional and high-end consumer markets,” he said.
“Technologically, LEDs are ready today to replace traditional light sources, including halogen and incandescent, in general illumination applications such as directional lamps,” said Peter DallePezze, vice president of product and marketing management at Toshiba LED Lighting Systems, Houston.
Meanwhile, LEDs’ lumen output is certainly high enough now to replace any traditional light source, according to Rick Hamburger, director, segment marketing at Philips Lumileds, San Jose, Calif.
“The industry is already beginning to research how to increase lumens in LED packages even further with the intent of producing a product that requires fewer semiconducting materials to produce the same output levels,” Hamburger said
Steve Briggs, vice president of marketing and global product management for GE Lighting, Cleveland, believes that LED downlights have already found mainstream acceptance in directional illumination applications, including down and accent lighting, where incandescent and halogen have been the mainstay.
One of the main drivers of the mainstream acceptance of LEDs, such as led tubes, in general illumination applications has been California Title 24, which has various requirements and incentives to encourage the use of high efficacy lighting as measured by the amount of visible light emitted per watt of power consumed. And, according to Hamburger, big box stores and electrical distributors are beginning to carry high-quality LED products, and consumers are accepting the value proposition of LED technology.
“LEDs are already mainstream for the professional and high-end consumer markets,” he said.
Application of LED
LED’s proprietary characteristics above mentioned determines their ideal suitability in a wide range of application.
Decorative lighting
Due to the rich variety in colors, small size, durability, energy savings, LEDs are perfect light source for decorative application. Attached on a PCB, flexible cable, or other desired materials; LEDs can be used for light source of channel letter, signs, border light, light tube， led flood light and so on.
Illumination:
With the advance of the white light LED technology, an array of white light LEDs assembled in a certain way are now bright enough to be used for domestic illumination, such as led downlight, table lamp, and garden LED lamp etc.
Display:
A typical application of LEDs is for message display or large-scale display screen, which are popularity used in sport fields, airports, business centers and so on. The largest LED display in the world is 36mm high, at Times Square, Manhattan.
LCD backlight
Because of LED`s small size and low power consumption, they are perfect light source for LC backlight.
Decorative lighting
Due to the rich variety in colors, small size, durability, energy savings, LEDs are perfect light source for decorative application. Attached on a PCB, flexible cable, or other desired materials; LEDs can be used for light source of channel letter, signs, border light, light tube， led flood light and so on.
Illumination:
With the advance of the white light LED technology, an array of white light LEDs assembled in a certain way are now bright enough to be used for domestic illumination, such as led downlight, table lamp, and garden LED lamp etc.
Display:
A typical application of LEDs is for message display or large-scale display screen, which are popularity used in sport fields, airports, business centers and so on. The largest LED display in the world is 36mm high, at Times Square, Manhattan.
LCD backlight
Because of LED`s small size and low power consumption, they are perfect light source for LC backlight.
LED Dimming Control
LED dimming control also has its advantage over CFL. For LED, the light can range from 0% all the way to 100%, but for CFL, the dimmest level will also emit 5% of the light, which can’t always meet all the requirements. (LED flood light usually do not provide the dimmable version) Traditionally, LED's dimming filtrate using a DC signal or PWM of the LED's forward current adjusted to complete. Reduce the LED current will play a regulating role of LED light output intensity, however, changes in forward current LED will change color, because LED's color will change with the current changes. Many applications (such as cars and LCD TV backlight) will not be allowed any LED color shift. In these applications, due to the surrounding environment, there are different lighting changes, but the human eye to small changes in intensity are sensitive to a wide range dimming is required. By applying a PWM signal to control LED brightness does not change the practice of allowing the completion of the case color LED dimming.
People often say that the true color (True Color) PWM dimming using a PWM signal to adjust the LED brightness. LED brightness adjustment, there are three common methods:
(1) the use of SET resistance, the LED driver control IC pin RSET both ends of the parallel conversion of different resistance settings using a DC voltage LED driver control IC pin RSET current, thereby changing the LED's forward operating current, to adjust ALED The purpose of brightness.
(2) using PWM technology, using PWM control signal, by controlling the LED's forward operating current duty cycle to regulate ALED of brightness.
(3) linear regulator
The easiest way is to control the LED drive C, using external resistors to achieve SET LED dimming control. Although, this dimming control method is effective, but the lack of flexibility, can not allow users to change the light intensity. Linear regulator will reduce efficiency and cause white LED color shift towards the yellow spectrum. May be slightly offset, but can be detected in sensitive applications.
Called digital or PWM of the LED dimming control method of switching greater than 100HZ frequency, pulse width modulation method to change the LED drive current pulse duty cycle to real management LED dimming control, use more than 100HZ tone switch control the frequency of light is mainly felt in order to avoid dimming eyes flicker in the LED's PWM dimming control, LED's brightness is proportional to the PWM pulse duty cycle, in which dimming control method, it can be in a highly than the range of dimming LED luminous color to maintain constant, the LED with PWM dimming control range of up to 3000:1 dimming ratio. Janus lighting’s led bulbs and led spotlight used PWM to control the light.
Linear LED dimming control method is to use analog dimming control method, in analog dimming control, by adjusting the LED's forward operating current to achieve the LED dimming control, dimmer control range of up to 10:1.
To further reduce the LED's forward operating current will be generated and the LED light color changing LED can not be accurately controlled in the forward operating current problems.
People often say that the true color (True Color) PWM dimming using a PWM signal to adjust the LED brightness. LED brightness adjustment, there are three common methods:
(1) the use of SET resistance, the LED driver control IC pin RSET both ends of the parallel conversion of different resistance settings using a DC voltage LED driver control IC pin RSET current, thereby changing the LED's forward operating current, to adjust ALED The purpose of brightness.
(2) using PWM technology, using PWM control signal, by controlling the LED's forward operating current duty cycle to regulate ALED of brightness.
(3) linear regulator
The easiest way is to control the LED drive C, using external resistors to achieve SET LED dimming control. Although, this dimming control method is effective, but the lack of flexibility, can not allow users to change the light intensity. Linear regulator will reduce efficiency and cause white LED color shift towards the yellow spectrum. May be slightly offset, but can be detected in sensitive applications.
Called digital or PWM of the LED dimming control method of switching greater than 100HZ frequency, pulse width modulation method to change the LED drive current pulse duty cycle to real management LED dimming control, use more than 100HZ tone switch control the frequency of light is mainly felt in order to avoid dimming eyes flicker in the LED's PWM dimming control, LED's brightness is proportional to the PWM pulse duty cycle, in which dimming control method, it can be in a highly than the range of dimming LED luminous color to maintain constant, the LED with PWM dimming control range of up to 3000:1 dimming ratio. Janus lighting’s led bulbs and led spotlight used PWM to control the light.
Linear LED dimming control method is to use analog dimming control method, in analog dimming control, by adjusting the LED's forward operating current to achieve the LED dimming control, dimmer control range of up to 10:1.
To further reduce the LED's forward operating current will be generated and the LED light color changing LED can not be accurately controlled in the forward operating current problems.
What is High Power LED
When customers is usually informed by the distributor that their products are high power LED. So, what is high power LED? What is the different between common LED and high power LED? LED is short for Light emitting diode that is semiconductor device, when electricity flows through in the forward direction; it emits light of different color. Typical small power LED chips nowadays are SMD5050 and SMD3528. They are widly used in LED fluorescent tubes.
High power LEDs are one type of LED that has higher power and brightness and of course are more costly comparing to the small power LEDs. The regular LED rating current is 20mA, basically LED with rating current higher than 20mA can be called high power LED. Generally rating power has 0.25w,0.5w,1w,3w,5w,8w,10w and so on, the brightness of high power LEDs is measured in lm while for small power LEDs is in mcd, high power LEDs currently are widely applied on led flood light, led downlight, LED lighting fixtures etc.
High power LEDs are named corresponds to small power LEDs, the classification standard has three types:
High power LEDs are energy efficient building block generating. Sufficient lumen outputs ideal for popular lighting applications. High power LEDs offer the best solid-state light source enabling you to figure out the creative ideas about lightings. With a nominal correlated color temperature of 3200K, close to traditional indoor light source, it is particularly suited to architects and light designers.
High power LEDs are one type of LED that has higher power and brightness and of course are more costly comparing to the small power LEDs. The regular LED rating current is 20mA, basically LED with rating current higher than 20mA can be called high power LED. Generally rating power has 0.25w,0.5w,1w,3w,5w,8w,10w and so on, the brightness of high power LEDs is measured in lm while for small power LEDs is in mcd, high power LEDs currently are widely applied on led flood light, led downlight, LED lighting fixtures etc.
High power LEDs are named corresponds to small power LEDs, the classification standard has three types:
- The first type is to classify according to rating power of finish product after packaging, it can be 0.5W,1W,3W,5W,10W….100W.
- The second is by package techniques: large dimension epoxy package, simulated superfluxes epoxy package, MCPCB package, TO package, power SMD package, MCPCB integration package etc.
- The third is by luminous decay extent, it can be low and non-low luminous decay high power LEDs.
High power LEDs are energy efficient building block generating. Sufficient lumen outputs ideal for popular lighting applications. High power LEDs offer the best solid-state light source enabling you to figure out the creative ideas about lightings. With a nominal correlated color temperature of 3200K, close to traditional indoor light source, it is particularly suited to architects and light designers.
Comparison between LED and Incandescent Bulb & CFL
Here we can have a table to summarize the different between LED, CFL and Incandescent bulbs. It provides a very good view.
Comparison table for watt, take LED spot light for example:
LED is 80% energy saving compared with CFL
LED is 50% energy saving compared with Incandescent Bulb.
Luminous Flus & Application Efficency
Comparison table for Power Consumption (8 hours/day, 365 days/ year), it is very typical in many led downlight.
Comparison table for watt, take LED spot light for example:
| LED | Incandescent Bulb | CFL |
| 1W | 25W | ---- |
| 3W | 40W | 5W |
| 5W | 60W | 12W |
| 7W | 100W | 24W |
| 9W | 150W | 30W |
| 12W | 250W | 40W |
LED is 80% energy saving compared with CFL
LED is 50% energy saving compared with Incandescent Bulb.
Luminous Flus & Application Efficency
| LED | Incandescent Bulb |
| Approx 50000 hours/Pcs | Approx 1500 hours/Pcs Bulb |
| 1Pcs LED | 33Pcs Bulb |
| LED | Incandescent Bulb | |
| Electric Consumption | Electric Consumption | Electricity Consumption Ratio |
| 1W*8*365=2.92Kwh | 25W*8*365=73Kwh | 2397% |
| 3W*8*365=8.76Kwh | 40W*8*365=116.8Kwh | 1233% |
| 5W*8*365=14.6Kwh | 60W*8*365=175.2Kwh | 1100% |
| 7W*8*365=20.4Kwh | 100W*8*365=282Kwh | 1328% |
| 9W*8*365=26.2Kwh | 150W*8*365=438Kwh | 1566% |
| 12W*8*365=35Kwh | 200W*8*365=584Kwh | 1567% |
| | ||
| LED | CFL | |
| Electric Consumption | Electric Consumption | Electricity Consumption Ratio |
| 1W*8*365=2.92Kwh | ---- | ---- |
| 3W*8*365=8.76Kwh | 5W*8*365=14.6Kwh | 66% |
| 5W*8*365=14.6Kwh | 12W*8*365=35Kwh | 140% |
| 7W*8*365=20.4Kwh | 24W*8*365=70Kwh | 242% |
| 9W*8*365=26.2Kwh | 30W*8*365=87.6Kwh | 233% |
| 12W*8*365=35Kwh | 40W*8*365=116.8Kwh | 233% |
DOE Gateway report shows superior quality of LED lamps when illuminating artwork
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has published the final evaluation report from a retrofit of 32 LED track lights used to illuminate artwork in the lobby of the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) headquarters building. During the demonstration, 12W LED PAR38 lamps replaced 15W and 23W reflectorized compact fluorescent (CFL) lamps that were installed in 2001, and comparisons were also made to original 90W halogen PAR38 reflector lamps replaced by the CFLs. This GATEWAY demonstration report provides an overview of project results including lighting quality, power quality, energy use, and life-cycle cost.
Efficiency and ROI
The project involved the illumination of historical black-and-white photos and printed color posters from the 1930s and 1940s. Power quality improved with the LED lamps, although that was a function of the electronic design of these particular lamps, rather than a feature of LED lamps universally. Power factor was 0.50 and 0.55 for the incumbent CFLs versus 0.94 for the LED lamp.
The study did not show rapid payback on the LED installation compared to the CFL products, considering the low electrical rates in the region because of the use of hydroelectric power ($0.0695/kWhr), the high cost of the LED lamps at the time, and the fact that CFLs are already a fairly efficient light source.
Quality of light
The PAR38 LED replacement lamps provide a narrower light distribution, concentrating the lumens on the artwork and minimizing the amount of light wasted on the wall above the art, which occurred with both the 15W and 23W CFLs.
Color temperature was around 2700K for all three lamps, but color quality improved with the LED lamping, from a CRI of 82 for the CFL to a CRI of 93 for the LED. The LED lamps showed improved rendering of red tones in architectural finishes and artwork compared to the CFL products.
When life-cycle cost analysis was performed with more typical US electric rates, payback time was in the 7-8 year range compared to the 23W CFL.
This simple change-over to LED lamps has raised the visibility of the lobby’s historical photos and posters and improved their appearance.
For more details, view the full report. This lighting demonstration is one of many DOE GATEWAY demonstrations that showcase high-performance LED products for general illumination. Learn more about the DOE GATEWAY demonstration program.
Efficiency and ROI
The project involved the illumination of historical black-and-white photos and printed color posters from the 1930s and 1940s. Power quality improved with the LED lamps, although that was a function of the electronic design of these particular lamps, rather than a feature of LED lamps universally. Power factor was 0.50 and 0.55 for the incumbent CFLs versus 0.94 for the LED lamp.
The study did not show rapid payback on the LED installation compared to the CFL products, considering the low electrical rates in the region because of the use of hydroelectric power ($0.0695/kWhr), the high cost of the LED lamps at the time, and the fact that CFLs are already a fairly efficient light source.
Quality of light
The PAR38 LED replacement lamps provide a narrower light distribution, concentrating the lumens on the artwork and minimizing the amount of light wasted on the wall above the art, which occurred with both the 15W and 23W CFLs.
Color temperature was around 2700K for all three lamps, but color quality improved with the LED lamping, from a CRI of 82 for the CFL to a CRI of 93 for the LED. The LED lamps showed improved rendering of red tones in architectural finishes and artwork compared to the CFL products.
When life-cycle cost analysis was performed with more typical US electric rates, payback time was in the 7-8 year range compared to the 23W CFL.
This simple change-over to LED lamps has raised the visibility of the lobby’s historical photos and posters and improved their appearance.
For more details, view the full report. This lighting demonstration is one of many DOE GATEWAY demonstrations that showcase high-performance LED products for general illumination. Learn more about the DOE GATEWAY demonstration program.
Frequently Asked Questions about LED
Q: What are LEDs?
A: LEDs are Light-Emitting Diodes.
Q: Do LED lights screw into standard household light sockets?
A: Yes, LED lights are direct screw in replacements for household lights. You unscrew your incandescent light bulb and screw in your LED Light bulb. You do not need to redo your electrical system to use the LED lights.
Q: Are automotive LED lights direct replacements for automotive bulbs?
A: Yes, the LED automotive lights directly replace the automotive bulbs you already have. You remove your incandescent light bulb and insert your automotive LED light bulb. You do not need to redo your electrical system to use the LED lights. The LED Bulbs are specifically designed to replace that incandescent light bulbs used in your automobile, motorcycle or RV.
Q: Do LED lights have a warranty?
A: Yes, the LED lights are warranted for a period of two year, but they can last a lifetime if no misuse!
Q: Do LED lights generate heat?
A: LED lights generate very little heat comparatively. They are ideal for kitchens, dens, offices, or anywhere you are working in close proximity to a standard light bulb. That is why LED Lights are so energy efficient.
Q: Do LED Lights work with dimmer switches?
A: Yes, some LED lights will work with dimmer switches. You need to check with the distributor if the model you buy is dimmable or not
Q: Can LED lights be used in the outdoor weather such as rain, snow, cold, heat?
A: Yes, the LED lights can be used outside all season, eg. LED flood light. The LED light bulbs are CE and/or UL approved for indoor and outdoor use.
Q: Do the LED tube lights turn on immediately compared to fluorescent tube lights that have a wait time to turn on?
A: Yes, the LED tube lights have instant turn on and there is no wait compared to the fluorescent lights that take time to light up.
Q: What is a single circuit LED light?
A: A single circuit has one brightness level and is commonly used for turn signals or lights that go on and off.
Q: What is a dual circuit LED light?
A: It's an LED light that will operate in both a dim and bright light mode creating two contrast levels. The dual circuit LED lights are used for tail lights and brake lights.
Q: Should you match the LED light to the lens color you have?
A: Yes, your LED light should be the same color as the lens you use.
Q: Does the automotive lens reduce the LED Bulb light output?
A: Yes, the lens can reduce the LED light emitted from the LED Bulb.
Q: Do the reflectors affect the light from the LED bulb?
A: Yes, they can affect the light emitted if they are side firing LEDs. So please choose the best LED light for your vehicle.
Q: What LED Light works good for recessed cans.
A: The PAR30 and PAR38 (led spot lights) work excellent in recessed cans.
A: LEDs are Light-Emitting Diodes.
Q: Do LED lights screw into standard household light sockets?
A: Yes, LED lights are direct screw in replacements for household lights. You unscrew your incandescent light bulb and screw in your LED Light bulb. You do not need to redo your electrical system to use the LED lights.
Q: Are automotive LED lights direct replacements for automotive bulbs?
A: Yes, the LED automotive lights directly replace the automotive bulbs you already have. You remove your incandescent light bulb and insert your automotive LED light bulb. You do not need to redo your electrical system to use the LED lights. The LED Bulbs are specifically designed to replace that incandescent light bulbs used in your automobile, motorcycle or RV.
Q: Do LED lights have a warranty?
A: Yes, the LED lights are warranted for a period of two year, but they can last a lifetime if no misuse!
Q: Do LED lights generate heat?
A: LED lights generate very little heat comparatively. They are ideal for kitchens, dens, offices, or anywhere you are working in close proximity to a standard light bulb. That is why LED Lights are so energy efficient.
Q: Do LED Lights work with dimmer switches?
A: Yes, some LED lights will work with dimmer switches. You need to check with the distributor if the model you buy is dimmable or not
Q: Can LED lights be used in the outdoor weather such as rain, snow, cold, heat?
A: Yes, the LED lights can be used outside all season, eg. LED flood light. The LED light bulbs are CE and/or UL approved for indoor and outdoor use.
Q: Do the LED tube lights turn on immediately compared to fluorescent tube lights that have a wait time to turn on?
A: Yes, the LED tube lights have instant turn on and there is no wait compared to the fluorescent lights that take time to light up.
Q: What is a single circuit LED light?
A: A single circuit has one brightness level and is commonly used for turn signals or lights that go on and off.
Q: What is a dual circuit LED light?
A: It's an LED light that will operate in both a dim and bright light mode creating two contrast levels. The dual circuit LED lights are used for tail lights and brake lights.
Q: Should you match the LED light to the lens color you have?
A: Yes, your LED light should be the same color as the lens you use.
Q: Does the automotive lens reduce the LED Bulb light output?
A: Yes, the lens can reduce the LED light emitted from the LED Bulb.
Q: Do the reflectors affect the light from the LED bulb?
A: Yes, they can affect the light emitted if they are side firing LEDs. So please choose the best LED light for your vehicle.
Q: What LED Light works good for recessed cans.
A: The PAR30 and PAR38 (led spot lights) work excellent in recessed cans.
Household LED Lights
The household LED lights are used in all purposes for the home. The LED Lights work on both the interior and the exterior parts of the home. All LED light products screw into standard household light sockets. Your standard light bulb base is considered an E26 or E27 and the LED lights are compatible with your light bulb socket. All LED colors also work on the light fixtures like any standard light bulb does. LED Lights are direct screw-in replacements. The LED Lights, LED bulbs, LED Lamps, and other LED lighting work excellent to replace the light bulb that you have to get a ladder to be able to replace. Whether it be in that lamp pole or hard to reach light bulbs in chandeliers, the light bulbs in the utility shed, light bulbs fixtures in the laundry room, or garage light bulb fixtures. The LED floodlights are perfect at night time to see the front driveway and area around the door. The LED floodlights can illuminate all areas surrounding the door whether it is the front door or the back door. LED lights can surround any area outside. Using LED Light Bulbs outdoors save 90% of the energy compared to outdoor lighting that uses a standard light bulb. LED lights turn on instantly which make it easier when you need the light immediately. LED lights are also used for backlighting in computer screens. LED lights are even in the back of TV screens. LED Lights are water resistant in damp locations and in rainy weather areas. LED Lights are great for security and are a low cost. The LED lighting makes it possible to illuminate the area with light and have low cost in energy. The light emitted also travels far in distance. Use LED Lights to illuminate the house numbers, so that emergency vehicles can find the residence easier. The LED Lights can also illuminate the mailbox outside at night. LED lights are great for the motion censor lights around the house. LED bulbs are useful for night time reading. LED lights are perfect for night lights, especially the blue colors, which are more relaxing. LED Lights for projectors are also compatible for any use that they may have.
The Decorative LED Lighting can be used in house lamps to set a mood, to illuminate areas that need lights, or to have the LEDs to make every day things easier to see. LED lighting is also very important in the fact that it lights up anything that needs a light. LED Lamp lights are very prominent in the respect that they light up the area, saving you money from the electricity bill, and the LED lights can be anywhere you put the LED Lamp lights. The LED Lamp Lights are very useful for mood lighting. The LED light colors also range from shades of blue, warm white, and changing multiple color LED lights. LED Lights can be used with dimmer switches and photo cells with caution. The LED Light Bulb color is superior to the standard colored lens light bulbs used outdoors. The intermediate base in LED lights are used in appliances such as microwaves, ovens, stoves and refrigerators. LED lights are great in the kitchen since there is no heat coming from the LED Light bulbs. The LED lights also have LED tube lights that can attach to any tube light sockets. The LED Light Bulb has pure color wavelengths, which means the colors are more brilliant and illuminate the surrounding area better. The Light LED Bulbs are safe around pets and loved ones. The LED Bulb is plastic, so it is safer for pets and people to be around the LED light bulbs. With a LED Bulb you don't have to get the vacuum out to pick up broken glass from a dropped light bulb. No more lights that have burnt out filament or a broken filament. The LED Lamp lights come in all different colors as well as the other LED Lighting products available. The LED Light Bulb runs cool to the touch which makes it safe for outdoor and indoor use. The use of LED Lighting means you don't have to reach in high places with a ladder, or scissor lift, boom lift, or aerial lift. No more rental fees for renting equipment and labor to change a high hanging light bulb fixture. The LED lighting colors are White, Warm White, Cool White, Red, Green, Blue, Yellow, Amber, Violet and Ultraviolet (Black light) and gradual color changing RGB (Red, Green, Blue) LEDs or color changing. LED Lighting works great for closets, stairwells, sheds, RVs, camping, basements, pantry, attics, and for power outages. The LED Lighting also looks better than standard light bulbs. LED Lighting uses less energy than standard lights used.
The Decorative LED Lighting can be used in house lamps to set a mood, to illuminate areas that need lights, or to have the LEDs to make every day things easier to see. LED lighting is also very important in the fact that it lights up anything that needs a light. LED Lamp lights are very prominent in the respect that they light up the area, saving you money from the electricity bill, and the LED lights can be anywhere you put the LED Lamp lights. The LED Lamp Lights are very useful for mood lighting. The LED light colors also range from shades of blue, warm white, and changing multiple color LED lights. LED Lights can be used with dimmer switches and photo cells with caution. The LED Light Bulb color is superior to the standard colored lens light bulbs used outdoors. The intermediate base in LED lights are used in appliances such as microwaves, ovens, stoves and refrigerators. LED lights are great in the kitchen since there is no heat coming from the LED Light bulbs. The LED lights also have LED tube lights that can attach to any tube light sockets. The LED Light Bulb has pure color wavelengths, which means the colors are more brilliant and illuminate the surrounding area better. The Light LED Bulbs are safe around pets and loved ones. The LED Bulb is plastic, so it is safer for pets and people to be around the LED light bulbs. With a LED Bulb you don't have to get the vacuum out to pick up broken glass from a dropped light bulb. No more lights that have burnt out filament or a broken filament. The LED Lamp lights come in all different colors as well as the other LED Lighting products available. The LED Light Bulb runs cool to the touch which makes it safe for outdoor and indoor use. The use of LED Lighting means you don't have to reach in high places with a ladder, or scissor lift, boom lift, or aerial lift. No more rental fees for renting equipment and labor to change a high hanging light bulb fixture. The LED lighting colors are White, Warm White, Cool White, Red, Green, Blue, Yellow, Amber, Violet and Ultraviolet (Black light) and gradual color changing RGB (Red, Green, Blue) LEDs or color changing. LED Lighting works great for closets, stairwells, sheds, RVs, camping, basements, pantry, attics, and for power outages. The LED Lighting also looks better than standard light bulbs. LED Lighting uses less energy than standard lights used.
Business and commercial LED Light Uses
The LED light bulbs are great for the workplace or shops. The LED Lights work on the interior and exterior of the business. LED spotlights create an easily visible light for customers to see in the distance. The name of the building, the building itself, or on the inside of the building as well can be brightened with LED lighting. LED Lights are great for large buildings. The LED lights can illuminate large billboard signs for night time. LED lighting for farming such as poultry and agriculture is a great use for LED lights. Its ideal for poultry farmers to have these LED lights throughout their business.
The LED lights can be used in TV display screen, in a theater, which makes the TV more energy efficient. There are also LED tube lights that can be put throughout the business without having to put up each light individually. Use the LEDs in the stairways if you workplace is more than a story high. LED lights and lighting can be used in horticulture to help artificially grow the plants and since they are safe to begin with its an overall beneficiary to the environment. The hook up of the LED lights is also better and they emit more light for the plants alone than using energy draining fluorescent and incandescent lights. Horticulture looks for safe lights and unlike the others the LED lights give off a stronger light and they keep a constant light unlike the flickering incandescent and fluorescent lights. LED lights give off more lumens per watt and the plants get the most use of the wavelengths given off of LED light bulbs.
LED flood lights can be used for the parking lots of businesses which save the businesses money when running the lights all night long for the customer. The LED Lights are also useful for creating backlighting in the computers which saves more energy from all the computers that are being used inside of businesses. The LED lights can be used as traffic lights and because they last so long you don't have to have a constant change which can cause traffic to slow down. Cities all over the US are changing to LED lights because they can reduce total costs up to 80%. LED spotlight is perfect for painting lighting to illuminate the artwork. LED lights emit monochromatic light. LED lights emit no damaging UV ray lights that will fade pictures or artwork. LED lights can be used on emergency vehicles like ambulances and police cars. The LEDs can even be used in the buttons of the elevator.
LED flood lights can be used for the parking lots of businesses which save the businesses money when running the lights all night long for the customer. The LED Lights are also useful for creating backlighting in the computers which saves more energy from all the computers that are being used inside of businesses. The LED lights can be used as traffic lights and because they last so long you don't have to have a constant change which can cause traffic to slow down. Cities all over the US are changing to LED lights because they can reduce total costs up to 80%. LED spotlight is perfect for painting lighting to illuminate the artwork. LED lights emit monochromatic light. LED lights emit no damaging UV ray lights that will fade pictures or artwork. LED lights can be used on emergency vehicles like ambulances and police cars. The LEDs can even be used in the buttons of the elevator.
The LED flood Lights can be used on airplane runaways for the planes to be able to see. LED Lights are used throughout airports to light up the screen displays that have all the flights listed. LED lights are small enough for circuit boards. All colors of LED lights are available for businesses including Red, Blue, Green, Amber, Violet, and Ultraviolet (black light). LED Lighting also looks better. No more rental fees for renting equipment and labor to change a high hanging light bulb fixture. LED lights can be protected with shatter resistant materials so the glass will not break. Certain LED Lights meet OSHA approval for lighting in elevators and food industry.
Europe says goodbye to 60W incandescent lamps
From today (1st Sep, 2011), the 60W incandescent lamp will become a history in Europe. Following 100W and 75W incandescent lamps, which have already been phased out in 2009 and 2010 respectively, this lamp can no longer be manufactured in Europe or be imported. But the wholesales can still sell the current stocks. The new regulation comes into force because of the Ecodesign Directive (2009/125/EC). Energy saving LED lamps are getting more and more opportunities in this market.
Specifically, the regulation says that clear (transparent) lamps with a wattage level of 60W or above need to have an energy-label class of C or above (A is the highest, G is the lowest)
From September 2012, all clear lamps at all wattage levels will have to achieve at least class C. Also, since September 2009 there has been a requirement that all non-clear (also known as pearl, or frosted) lamps must be class A, which in practice means that non-clear lamps have to be CFLs.
This effectively eliminates standard incandescent lamps from the market. However, the class C requirement means that other more-efficient technologies (such as improved incandescent bulbs with halogen technology) can remain on the market. This was felt to be necessary because compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and LED lamps, while being much more efficient, can’t provide the same “type of light” as incandescent.
In its current form, the Directive only applies to non-directional lamps, while further legislation will cover directional lamps. LED Spotlight’ market opportunity should wait for another few years.
For more information about it, please refer to one of European Commission’s webstie: Energy-saving Light Bulbs
Specifically, the regulation says that clear (transparent) lamps with a wattage level of 60W or above need to have an energy-label class of C or above (A is the highest, G is the lowest)
From September 2012, all clear lamps at all wattage levels will have to achieve at least class C. Also, since September 2009 there has been a requirement that all non-clear (also known as pearl, or frosted) lamps must be class A, which in practice means that non-clear lamps have to be CFLs.
This effectively eliminates standard incandescent lamps from the market. However, the class C requirement means that other more-efficient technologies (such as improved incandescent bulbs with halogen technology) can remain on the market. This was felt to be necessary because compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and LED lamps, while being much more efficient, can’t provide the same “type of light” as incandescent.
In its current form, the Directive only applies to non-directional lamps, while further legislation will cover directional lamps. LED Spotlight’ market opportunity should wait for another few years.
For more information about it, please refer to one of European Commission’s webstie: Energy-saving Light Bulbs
LED History (4) - Lumens and laws
Lumens per watt is a very important fact in LED lighting. Its capability of LED lighting continues to improve at a significant pace. A 60-watt incandescent lamps puts out 800 lumens, while, as an example, the Janus LED downlight, producing the same lumens, uses only 12.5 watts. Manufacturers agree that in 2001, the best LED source put out 18 lumens, and today, this exceeds 100 lumens.
“There are over 400 million 60-watt bulbs sold in this country every year,” Philips’ Landau said. “Swapping out existing incandescent or halogen bulbs for LED lamps makes a lot of sense, even if there is a price differential. Just consider that savings of 47.5 watts per bulb, which goes straight to the user’s bottom line and will have a positive impact on the energy profile of the country.”
Technology takes its own good time in evolving and in winning acceptance. The LED—once only a gleam in Captain Round’s eye, and a ticket out of working on the railroad for Dr. Nick Holonyak—stands a pretty good chance of being the primary lighting source of the 21st century.
Energy and cost savings may be an attractive carrot, but there is also a big legislative stick.
Both in the United States and Europe, regulations are either in place or being enacted that will effectively eliminate the incandescent lamp within the next few years, and may eventually affect CFLs because of their lead and mercury content and the costs related to their proper disposal.
“Any time there is a recycle mandate or a disposal charge, that strengthens the rationale for LED lamps,” GE’s Briggs said. “As this legislation continues to take shape, consumers will seek alternatives to incandescents, with many migrating to CFLs and halogen. But a good portion will go directly to LED.”
“There are over 400 million 60-watt bulbs sold in this country every year,” Philips’ Landau said. “Swapping out existing incandescent or halogen bulbs for LED lamps makes a lot of sense, even if there is a price differential. Just consider that savings of 47.5 watts per bulb, which goes straight to the user’s bottom line and will have a positive impact on the energy profile of the country.”
Technology takes its own good time in evolving and in winning acceptance. The LED—once only a gleam in Captain Round’s eye, and a ticket out of working on the railroad for Dr. Nick Holonyak—stands a pretty good chance of being the primary lighting source of the 21st century.
Energy and cost savings may be an attractive carrot, but there is also a big legislative stick.
Both in the United States and Europe, regulations are either in place or being enacted that will effectively eliminate the incandescent lamp within the next few years, and may eventually affect CFLs because of their lead and mercury content and the costs related to their proper disposal.
“Any time there is a recycle mandate or a disposal charge, that strengthens the rationale for LED lamps,” GE’s Briggs said. “As this legislation continues to take shape, consumers will seek alternatives to incandescents, with many migrating to CFLs and halogen. But a good portion will go directly to LED.”
LED Lighting History (3) - Applications and affordability
What is the biggest concern of the customers about the LED? They don’t know the products, but we can educated them. Another biggest problem that the customer will consider even if they have known the LEDs well: can I save money from adopting LED lighting products in my house? So, the contractor should also learn something about the history of the affordability of the products. When the customer see that the price of LED lamps are dropping down and down, they will be very happy to use this new technology.
What do customers need to know about LEDs? The short answer for contractors to give customers is that LEDs are electronic components used in a variety of solutions that are already widely employed in traffic lights and supermarket refrigerator cases and are now increasingly being used for household lighting applications, such as led spotlight, which is what Holonyak predicted 48 years ago.
This last case is probably the most important potential opportunity for average electrical contractors today.
While LED lighting prices may remain an issue for many individual homeowners, industry observers expect it to change. And, it has already begun. As has been the case with virtually all solid-state products, economies of scale kick in, and price declines as manufacturing volume increases.
“LEDs have been around in various specialty product sectors for over a decade,” said Steve Briggs, vice president of global product development at GE Lighting. “But the technology really started to cross over into general illumination about two years ago. The market has evolved tremendously, and there have been advances in LED performance as well as reductions in cost. Initial installation investment is still a consideration at this time.
“But in the home, consumers can now economically replace incandescent and halogen bulbs with LEDs in situations such as LED downlight and accent lighting. They are also suitable for replacing linear fluorescents, which will probably happen very soon.”
“Pricing will continue to decrease starting at the LED component level,” said Steve Landau, director of marketing communications at Philips Lumileds Lighting Co., the parent company’s business unit focusing on developing illumination-grade LEDs as opposed to lower wattage products for signaling and signage.
And since energy saving is the acknowledged primary objective today for everybody from multinational corporations down to homeowners, serious consideration should be given to LED lighting, which is emerging as the energy-efficient and cost-efficient technology of choice over the long term.
Part of the problem is that allocation for lighting is often at the bottom of the budgeting food chain. So the contractor might well address the problem of mindset and priorities, not pricing.
“Unfortunately, in too many cases, lighting is left until the end of an installation project,” Landau said. “The contractor and homeowner customer will use whatever budget money is left to buy the lighting materials they can afford. Lighting needs to be treated as a critical part of the project in terms of the desired final objectives.”
What do customers need to know about LEDs? The short answer for contractors to give customers is that LEDs are electronic components used in a variety of solutions that are already widely employed in traffic lights and supermarket refrigerator cases and are now increasingly being used for household lighting applications, such as led spotlight, which is what Holonyak predicted 48 years ago.
This last case is probably the most important potential opportunity for average electrical contractors today.
While LED lighting prices may remain an issue for many individual homeowners, industry observers expect it to change. And, it has already begun. As has been the case with virtually all solid-state products, economies of scale kick in, and price declines as manufacturing volume increases.
“LEDs have been around in various specialty product sectors for over a decade,” said Steve Briggs, vice president of global product development at GE Lighting. “But the technology really started to cross over into general illumination about two years ago. The market has evolved tremendously, and there have been advances in LED performance as well as reductions in cost. Initial installation investment is still a consideration at this time.
“But in the home, consumers can now economically replace incandescent and halogen bulbs with LEDs in situations such as LED downlight and accent lighting. They are also suitable for replacing linear fluorescents, which will probably happen very soon.”
“Pricing will continue to decrease starting at the LED component level,” said Steve Landau, director of marketing communications at Philips Lumileds Lighting Co., the parent company’s business unit focusing on developing illumination-grade LEDs as opposed to lower wattage products for signaling and signage.
And since energy saving is the acknowledged primary objective today for everybody from multinational corporations down to homeowners, serious consideration should be given to LED lighting, which is emerging as the energy-efficient and cost-efficient technology of choice over the long term.
Part of the problem is that allocation for lighting is often at the bottom of the budgeting food chain. So the contractor might well address the problem of mindset and priorities, not pricing.
“Unfortunately, in too many cases, lighting is left until the end of an installation project,” Landau said. “The contractor and homeowner customer will use whatever budget money is left to buy the lighting materials they can afford. Lighting needs to be treated as a critical part of the project in terms of the desired final objectives.”
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