LED Lighting Saves Money on Long-term

Many people are making the switch to compact fluorescents (CFLs) from incandescent bulbs to save energy. But the CFLs are still not making people happy, because CFLs cost more than standard bulbs and they contain mercury — which is an environmental concern. They take time to warm up to full brightness, especially in cold weather. They flicker and buzz and many people feel they produce an unappealing quality of light — it’s a fluorescent, after all.

Another option to consider when planning your lighting is LEDs. Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology uses a fraction of energy compared to conventional incandescent or even CFLs. And they last a long time before needing replacement — up to 50,000 hours, compared to 6,000 for a CFL or 1,000 for standard incandescent bulbs.

Incandescent lights work by using electricity to heat a filament until it glows. They also give off a lot of excess heat — you know that if you’ve ever touched a light bulb after it’s been on for even a short while. Fluorescent lights work by passing electrical current through a gas-filled tube, which causes it to emit light. LEDs work by channelling electric current through a semi-conductor material — 100 per cent of which is turned into light, with no waste heat produced. LEDs are very energy efficient.

I’ve used LEDs in many renovation projects and in my own home. They have low energy consumption, last a long time, don’t contain mercury and they produce no heat when on. And, since they don’t create infrared or ultraviolet light, they don’t attract bugs and are great for outdoor use. (I’ve got them around my deck.)

The nature of LED light is very focused, so it’s ideally used for accent lighting or task lighting. It’s directional and doesn’t spread well in a general wash — unless you bounce it off interior surfaces or use it as an uplight for an ambient feel. That limits them for many applications.

But, because LEDs are so good at lighting in a single direction, they are perfect for under cabinet lighting in a kitchen, or for lighting hallways and staircases, or for security lighting.

Many people feel that LED light is very cold and intense. It’s not the same yellowish glow we’re used to from standard incandescent bulbs.

And, an individual LED bulb is only designed to replace a 40 watt bulb. That’s just not bright enough for most people’s general use. They need to be used in arrays, or groups to increase illumination.

LEDs are expensive: An average LED bulb can cost around $40, and the light it gives off is only equal to a 40-watt incandescent bulb. But, it uses about 80 per cent less electricity, so that saves money. So, depending on how long the light is in use each day, your payback on the cost of switching to LED might be only . . . a couple of years.

Most people have a hard time wrapping their mind around the idea that a light bulb might take that long to pay back. I know I do. But, like with most new technology-as LED lights become more available, the prices will drop.

Another problem with the life span of LEDs is their use as a replacement bulb. Fixtures designed for incandescent lamps are often heat traps — and that heat affects LEDs and CFLs. LEDs are heat sensitive — their lifespan is reduced dramatically if they are exposed to excess heat in inappropriate applications. So, if they go into a fixture or socket that doesn’t allow heat to dissipate, there goes your long-term payback. Ideally, you’ll have an LED lighting system with fixtures properly designed to give you the full lifespan of the LED bulb.

There is no question that LEDs are currently more expensive than CFLs or incandescent bulbs. And, since it’s new technology they may be hard to find everywhere.

Philips Introduces Industry-changing Solutionsging Lighting Transformations, Solutions

Royal Philips Electronics extended further its leadership position in the lighting industry by outlining its holistic, energy-efficient and high-quality approach to lighting in response to dramatic shifts and market transformation that the industry is facing, largely fueled by the advent of solid state lighting (SSL).

Rudy Provoost, CEO of Philips Lighting said Philips today is at the epicenter of the solid state lighting revolution by enabling people to experience light in a whole new way by providing total systems to control light, manage energy consumption, provide functional and decorative environments and to enhance safety.

The European-based company, which had its beginnings in 1891 when Dutch mechanical engineer Gerard Philips started the production of carbon-filament lamps in a former buckskin factory in Eindhoven in the Netherlands, is shifting away from a “bulb” and “fixture” heritage to an integrated lighting solutions company.

“We are managing the move from components and bulbs to solutions and applications,” says Provoost.

At Lightfair International 2009, the world’s biggest trade show for the lighting industry held in New York City recently, Philips introduced a wide range of new technologies, products and services addressing both current and new uses of light. Ranging from components, electronics and fixtures to complete solid-state lighting systems with advanced controls, these latest introductions showcase the company’s vastly expanded portfolio, the breadth of which is unique to the lighting industry.

“As the lighting industry evolves, Provoost said, we seek to create the right balance between delivering energy efficient solutions, enhancing economic prosperity, and protecting environmental health and social equity.”

LIGHTING LANDSCAPE

Philips sees three major mega trends that will affect the lighting industry in the years to come and shape the company’s future in particular and the industry in general.

According to Mr. Provoost, the first important industry shift is the shift from incandescent lamp to energy-efficient light sources.

He said the current convergence of crisis-economic and financial slowdown, climate change and continued volatility of food and energy prices are creating a greater demand for energy saving lighting. As a result, the market for innovative, efficient and sustainable lighting solutions will continue to grow.

Secondly, is the move from traditional vacuum-based technologies to solid state lighting technology.

Provoost believes solid-state or LED (light emitting diodes) lighting is the most significant development in lighting since the invention of electric light almost a century ago. Offering unprecedented freedom in terms of colors, dynamics, miniaturization, architectural integration and energy efficiency, solid-state lighting is opening up exciting new possibilities.

Thirdly is the transition is from the bulb and components as the point of value creation in the lighting industry to applications solutions.

According to Philips, lighting expertise based on end-user insight is integrated into the application, system or solution. Increasingly, these applications and solutions will include controls, and so a key differentiator in the future will be the innovative strength to create systems and solutions that are truly customer-centric.

SSL IS THE WAY TO GO

Mr. Provoost believes that LEDs will shape the future of lighting, adding that switching from older incandescent and mercury vapour lamps to LED or solid state lighting products can reduce energy consumption by 10 percent. “With additional improvements such as sensors and lighting controls, the total savings could go up to 30 per cent annually,” he said.

He explained that in high energy consumption economies such as the United States, the adoption of new lighting technologies could help save US$18 billion every year and could eliminate over 158 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.

“LEDs are transforming the nature of lighting – how and where, artificial light is used to enhance the human experience,” Provoost said.

He added that despite the market for global LED lighting still is relatively small today, accounting for US$4 billion in revenue, it is expected to grow to US$30 billion in the next 15 years.

In Asia-Pacific, Provoost said cost is still the current top prohibitive factor for LED technology adoption. However, to he said that if they can are able to bring the return on investment to below two years, then perhaps the market pick up will be much more faster.

“Since cost is admittedly still the current top prohibitive factor for LED technology adoption, we are working on ways like talking to governments to make it more affordable to consumers, for example, through subsidy methods,” Provoost said.

To boost adoption of LED technology among Asia-Pacific countries, he said Philips is working closely with different governments in the region on awareness programs and helping them come out with proper legislation.

According to Provoost, LEDs demand in the region primarily will come from the business and professional markets first. “The main growth drivers will come from the business-to-business market, followed by the consumer segment,” he said.

To date Philips’ LED solutions for the business market are already available in the region while its consumer LED products are expected to be available in six to 18 months.

LEDs, Provoost said, are shaping the future of lighting, and Philips is in a good position to capitalise on that.

Over the past years, he said Philips have strengthened its LED technology portfolio through a number of acquisitions such as Color Kinetics, Lumileds and the Genlyte Group.”

To do this, Mr. Provoost said, they need to leverage advanced technologies such as SSL to enhance people’s wellbeing and improve their experience of light, wherever they might be. “At home, in the office, on the road, in the car, shopping, wherever — the power and reach of SSL gives us the ability to do both.”

However, he added that in order to be successful in providing these solutions, Philips needs to work closely together with its channel partners and lighting professionals – such as architects, lighting designers and installers, etc.

NEW PRODUCTS, SOLUTIONS

Mr. Provoost explained that Philips is bringing together the expanded portfolio of businesses within the company’s Lighting sector, to offer complete and integrated solutions to vertical market segments, ranging from outdoor applications to hospitality, entertainment, and other indoor environments.

At Lightfair’s vast trade floor show at the Javits Convention Center, Philips showcased its powerful range of lighting solutions. Highlights include:

- Energy Services: A new comprehensive lighting audit and upgrade program in conjunction with strategic partners. This program guarantees economic payback, reduced carbon footprint and increased light quality for today’s overwhelmingly inefficient buildings.

- Professional Solid-State Lighting: Highly-efficient LED luminaires for wide-ranging interior and exterior uses – leveraging the company’s expanded in-house technology, expertise and intellectual property across all system layers.

- Residential Solid-State Lighting: An advance preview of a forthcoming 600-lumen A-shape LED bulb that will effectively replace inefficient 40-watt incandescent alternatives.

- Components: The industry’s first power LED that offers specific lumens per watt efficacy, helping manufacturers develop energy-saving luminaires. The new high-performing modules have also been launched for downlight luminaires.

- Professional Lamps: Advanced, higher-efficiency conventional lamps for outdoor, commercial, retail, and industrial use, including fluorescent and ceramic metal halide technology, which easily replace existing sources to deliver industry low wattage and significant cost savings.

- Electronics: Optimized ballasts and LED drivers that provide enhanced energy efficiency and promote sustainability in integrated lighting systems, used in a range of outdoor, retail, sign, commercial and emergency applications.

In his speech, Mr. Provoost also called upon the industry to work together on the adoption of standards for energy efficiency, along with open and collaborative innovation: “We call upon the lighting industry’s stakeholders to seize the tremendous opportunity to embrace the changes being brought about by a combination of government legislation and economic stimulus to build a sustainable future.”

Provoost said the global lighting industry is in a state of great transition. “Economic and environmental concerns are driving all of us to make the move from incandescent lamps to cleaner, more energy-efficient solutions as quickly as we can.”

The Philips executive believes the solid state lighting revolution is happening at the right time. “What’s particularly exciting is that LEDs and OLEDs offer the possibility to create new lighting designs and experiences that weren’t achievable in the past. With these new concepts Philips is adding a whole new dimension to lighting and the way it can enhance people’s lives.”

GOING GREEN

Around the world, people are increasingly concerned about the effects of climate change and rising energy costs. In many countries a substantial body of “green” legislation is imminent, if not already in place – much of which has a direct impact on the future of lighting. Understanding these imperatives, Philips is addressing these challenges as a tremendous opportunity to help shape the future of lighting on a global scale.

“Lighting is no longer a mere utility,” Provoost said. “It has been shown to affect the way we live, work and feel.”

He pointed out that it’s a considerable drain on our energy resources, accounting for 22% of electricity use in America.

“In today’s economic climate, it’s imperative that we assemble the right technologies and services for our customers to create experiences, inspire new applications, and mitigate strain on energy resources.”

Philips said lighting accounts for 19% of global energy consumption, but by implementing innovative lighting solutions, this can realistically reduce the energy consumption of today’s installed base by at least 40% (and even up to 70% in offices), while also improving the quality of the light.

“We can play a significant role in encouraging and enabling the switch to energy-efficient lighting and help combat climate change,” Provoost said.

Choosing Compact Florescent Light Bulbs

By changing your light bulbs you’ll save money, reduce pollution, improve lighting and feel good about your environmental decisions.

Some home improvements aren’t as noticeable as others but they can still be an important step in creating just the right environment for your life. Changing the lighting in your home can not only affect the mood and environment, it can also save you money and improve your green rating. In fact, changing the lighting in your home can be as simple as changing your light bulbs.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs are becoming more available and more reasonably priced, and will save energy in your home and will eventually cut your energy bills. On average CFL bulbs use about 75% less energy than incandescent lights, which means less pollution is generated and your realized savings can be somewhere between $36 and $59 throughout the life of the bulb. CFLs are also estimated to have a lifespan that is somewhere between 8 and 10 times longer than traditional bulbs.

Compact fluorescents also light your home in a more radiant way that is a bit confusing at first. The wattage of a CFL is much lower than that of an incandescent so you can use a much smaller wattage bulb to get the same amount of light or you can boost the light level in your home by using a higher CFL bulb.

There are some downsides to compact fluorescent bulbs; they contain about 5 milligrams of mercury. In theory CFLs are a more environmentally friendly solution to home lighting as they use less energy and create less pollution, but if not disposed of properly the mercury can cause some environmental problems. Keep in mind that if the bulbs are used appropriately there is no danger to using them at all, it’s just in the disposal that there can be a problem. To find out what your local hazardous material refuse rules are, contact your local waste management office or check online at www.earth911.org to find regulations related to your zip code.

Some companies, such as IKEA, are involved in a take back program and you can return your old bulbs to their stores and they’ll properly handle your waste. Other retailers are joining this program so if you aren’t lucky enough to have an IKEA nearby you might have another store that will accept your trashed bulbs. Lucky for Nanjing people, IKEA, where you could find many kinds of energy saving lights, came last year.