LED Technology
Light emitting diodes (LED’s) are solid state components with no fragile or moving parts that produce brilliant, long lasting, efficient light when an electric current is applied to the semiconductor chip. Depending on the materials used to manufacture the diodes, light can be created in all colors of the spectrum, including natural white “noon-day” light. In the past LED technology has been used as indicator lights in VCR’s and other electronic equipment. Only recently has technology advanced to the point where LED can be used in general light applications.
LED Color Temperature and Color Rendering
Technology has progressed much over the past few years. LED lights come in a wide range of color temperatures from warm to cool (2600 – 5000 Kelvin and higher). Color rendering has also improved with LED lights. The Color Rendering Index (CRI) is a number that measures how an object looks under a light source, the sun measuring 100. An acceptable CRI for interior lighting is 80 by today’s standard. Quality LED light sources can measure around 92.
LED Safety
LED improves safety in public areas. No more worries about walking alone late at night. Enjoy the brightness of noon day lighting at midnight. Whether your goals are protecting your home, business, or a taking relaxing stroll through the park, you will feel the security of full visibility. Even vehicles such as the new Mercedes E Class and Volvo 360 concept are resorting to LED lighting for greater visibility on the roads.
LED Energy Efficiency
LED lighting consumes 40-80% less energy than incandescent bulbs. Unlike halogens, LEDs are solid state devices that convert 90% of their usable energy into light with only a 10% residual heat conversion. What this means is that an LED's light output requires far less energy to produce the equivalent amount of light than a halogen bulb requires. Because of their solid state circuitry and semiconductor construction, LED's are engineered to be impervious to shock and vibration that would ruin a Halogen or incandescent filament. As such LED’s do not burn out; they fade like a star over a long period of time.
If you are evaluating a fluorescent tube replacement, consider that a 3 tube fixture at 32 watts each can be replace by LED tubes with the same delivered lumens at 15 watts each, 53% energy savings! When you factor in that there is no need for a ballast or starter your energy efficiency continues to climb. With LED lights you will not only enjoy the savings on your electric bill each month, but have fewer mainte-
nance costs for years to come. Imagine cutting your lighting energy costs in half!
LED Working Environment
LED improves the working environment. Whether in the office, on the job site, working the production line, or finishing that project in the garage, you will see the difference with LED lighting. Stop straining the eyes and note all the details of your job in full clarity.
LED Environmental Impact
LED does not contain any hazardous waste. Most HPS, HID, MH, CFL’s, and Fluorescent lights contain hazardous waste in the form of mercury, lead, sodium or other hazardous materials. Over 1 billion fluorescent lamps are disposed of each year. This equates to over 50,000 pounds of mercury waste. It takes only 4 mg of mercury to poison 7,000 gallons of water. LED lights contain no hazardous materials and are completely recyclable. In some cases manufacturers will buy back old lights. Imagine the reduced impact you can make on our environment by using LED’s for your lighting needs!
LED Lifetime
LED lifetimes are significantly longer than incandescent, fluorescents, HPS, lasting 50,000 hours or longer. Since LED’s don’t really burn out, their lifetime is measured by lumen depreciation. The Illuminating Engineering Society's (IES) current standard for calculating the life of an LED as the point at which the LED reaches 30 percent lumen depreciation. So after an LED light has been used for 50,000 hours you should still have 70 percent of the original brightness remaining. Other factors that influence the life of and LED is the thermal management, components, and housing. When considering LED it is important to evaluate the lighting system, not just the diode.
LED Maintenance
LED fixtures require little if any maintenance throughout its operating life. Unlike current HPS, HID, and fluorescent lights, LED’s have no ballast or starter or moving parts. Because of the long life of LED’s there are no bulb changes or burnouts. An LED fixture is virtually a maintenance free system. Maintenance reduction is a major part of the cost effectiveness for implementing LED technology.
LED Dimmability
Many LED luminaries are dimmable. In the near future you will see dimmable LED T8 fluorescent replacements!
LED Compliance and Certifications
If your project is incorporating LEED certification, LED light fixtures can help you obtain the points needed for your desired qualification level.
LED is also Dark Sky, DoHS, CE Energy Star(pending), and UL(pending) compliant.
LED Funding and Finance
LuminosityLED consultants will help you obtain all federal and state incentives, power company incentives, and State Energy Program (SEP) funds available to you in your area. We do all the research and bring the right people to the table to help your project be as profitable as possible.
Leasing options are available to all who qualify. This is a great way to go seeing as your monthly lease is normally covered by the energy savings. New lights and no money out of pocket! You own the lights at the end of the lease.
- Start Shopping
- Household Bulbs
- Tube Lights
- Spot Lights
- Par Lights
- Street Lights
- Highbay Lights
