What are LEDs?

LEDs are solid light bulbs (LED stands for light-emitting diode) that are currently the highlight of sustainable lighting and the lighting industry in general. They are by far the most efficient and one of the most effective lighting solutions available. They outperform incandescent and fluorescent lighting, and offer unparalleled energy savings.

There are a lot of benefits to utilizing LED lighting for space lighting, especially in settings where cost effectiveness and visual performance are primary concerns. As LEDs continue to develop, a number of possible uses open up since LEDs are also easily adapted for a variety of design options.  Because of their size, they can easily be incorporated in a number of different uses as well as in a variety of lighting control systems. In fact, they are already being heavily utilized in a number of environments.

LED facts

Brightness is equal to or greater than existing lighting technologies (incandescent or fluorescent) and light is well distributed over the area lighted by the fixture.

Light output remains constant over time, only decreasing towards the end of the rated lifetime (50,000 hours or 45 years based on use of 3 hours per day).

Excellent color quality. The shade of white light appears clear and consistent over time.

Efficiency is as good as or better than fluorescent lighting.

Light comes on instantly when turned on.

No flicker when dimmed.

No off-state power draw. The fixture does not use power when it is turned off, with the exception of external controls, whose power should not exceed 0.5 watts in the off state.

LEDs are part of a lighting technology called Solid-State lighting, including OLEDs (Organic Light Emitting Diodes). OLEDs are sheets of carbon-based compounds that glow when a current is applied through transparent electrodes. LEDs become illuminated by the movement of electrons through a semiconductor material. LEDs and OLED technology are advancing fast.