LED Technology – Be Informed!

Market Potential - The LED market is expected to experience double-digit growth thru 2013. By 2013, the global LED market will reach $14.3 billion, nearly double from 2009. How many other product segments can say that?

Product Applications - Historically, LED technology was only seen in niche applications. Today, LEDs are making the jump to more mainstream commercial applications, such as outdoor lighting, retail displays, and architectural spaces.

LED Advantages - LED technology is more efficient, requiring less energy than traditional HID and incandescent lamp sources. Their long life (50,000 hours) makes a compelling business case, especially as it relates to high maintenance applications. Other advantages include instant on, less light loss, no UV/IR emissions, cold temperature operation and environmentally friendly (no mercury).

LED Disadvantages – The biggest disadvantage to LEDs is the initial cost. This causes a weaker Return On Investment (ROI) in some applications. However, as the technology advances, costs will come down. Thermal management (ability to dissipate heat) and color consistency are challenges as well.

WATCH OUT FOR UNSUBSTANTIATED MANUFACTURER CLAIMS! Many manufacturers are overpromising without the product testing data to support their claims.

Rules and Regulations - The Department of Energy (DOE) has taken a lead role in the development of rules and regulations for LED technology. The links below will take you to different places, all within the DOE site. Each link will provide specific information regarding legislation, design, standards development and other key facts about LED technology. The DOE site is a 3rd party unbiased site that has proven to be a useful place for information.

• Home page: http://www.ssl.energy.gov/
• R&D Portfolio: http://www.ssl.energy.gov/projects.html
• SSL Quality Advocates: http://www.ssl.energy.gov/advocates.html
• CALiPER: http://www.ssl.energy.gov/caliper.html
• Standards Development: http://www.ssl.energy.gov/standards.html
• GATEWAY Demonstrations: http://www.ssl.energy.gov/gatewaydemos.html
• Design Competitions: http://www.ssl.energy.gov/competitions.html
• Using LEDs: http://www.ssl.energy.gov/using_leds.html
• Technical Information Network for SSL: http://www.ssl.energy.gov/technetwork.html