Unlike incandescent and fluorescent lamps, LEDs are not inherently white light sources. Instead, LEDs emit nearly monochromatic light, making them highly efficient for colored light applications such as traffic lights and exit signs. However, to be used as a general light source, white light is needed. White light can be achieved with LEDs in three ways: •Phosphor conversion, in which a phosphor is used on or near the LED to convert the colored light to white light; •RGB systems, in which light from multiple monochromatic LEDs (red, green, and blue) is mixed, resulting in white light; and •A hybrid method, which uses both phosphor-converted and monochromatic LEDs.
Did You Know: LEDs offer the potential for cutting general lighting energy use nearly in half by 2030, saving energy dollars and carbon emissions in the process. Their unique characteristics—including compact size, long life and ease of maintenance, resistance to breakage and vibration, good performance in cold temperatures, lack of infrared or ultraviolet emissions, and instant-on performance—are beneficial in many lighting applications. The ability to be dimmed and to provide color control are other benefits of LED lights
One of the defining features of LEDs is that they emit light in a specific direction. Since directional lighting reduces the need for reflectors and diffusers that can trap light, well-designed LED fixtures can deliver light efficiently to the intended location. In contrast, fluorescent and “bulb” shaped incandescent lamps emit light in all directions; much of the light produced by the lamp is lost within the fixture, reabsorbed by the lamp, or escapes from the fixture in a direction that is not useful for the intended application. For many fixture types, including recessed downlights, troffers, and undercabinet fixtures, it is not uncommon for 40 to 50% of the total light output of fluorescent and incandescent lamps to be lost before it exits the fixture.
The potential of LED technology to produce high-quality white light with unprecedented energy efficiency is the impetus for the intense level of research and development currently supported by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Visit the Department of Energy’s site for more information.
4 Responses
Thank you Ken for the LED info.
Ken I found a good source for LED lights and will be updating my home. To go from 975 watts of power to 143 Watts of power and giving me 975 watts of light. My electric bill will go down. 143 vs 975 Wow that is huge savings.
I agree that LED lights are the way of the future. The trend is continuous growing and people are using LED lights for anything, such as cars, homes, etc. Thanks for sharing!
No doubt nowadays Solar Flood Lights are the most popular and affordable.