A major effort is being made by various groups worldwide to replace traditional incandescent lighting with more efficient compact fluorescent lights, or CFLs. However, some serious concerns exist regarding the safety of the extensive use of CFLs in the home as well as with respect to environmentally sound methods of disposal when they wear out since CFLs contain highly toxic mercury. One of the more promising alternatives to both incandescents and CFLs is the use of high brightness LEDs. Significant advances in both color control and brightness over the last few years has made this alternative type of lighting possible.
Delta Electronics has recently announced that they have developed a high brightness LED lamp that is fully compatible with existing incandescent light sockets, and is more efficient than even CFLs in converting electricity to light. As a bonus, they offer more natural looking light, contain no lead or mercury, and, according to Delta, "Lamp life is greater than 35000hrs, which is six times longer than CFLs and 20 times longer than incandescent lamps." Sounds like a winner to me!
High Brightness LEDs
Safer, More Efficient Than CFLs
Trend Themes
1. LED Lighting - Increased efficiency, longer lifespan, and better color control is making LED Lighting the top trend for safer and more effective alternatives to CFLs and incandescent bulbs.
2. Sustainable Lighting - The sustainability concerns of CFLs are leading to innovation in LED lighting and creating opportunities for environmentally sound practices in the lighting industry.
3. Smart Lighting - The compatibility of high brightness LED lamps with existing incandescent sockets opens the door to smart devices that can control lighting from a distance, and it's only a matter of time before someone takes advantage of this new trend.
Industry Implications
1. Lighting Industry - The lighting industry will benefit greatly from the switch to more efficient, longer-lasting, and sustainable LED lighting solutions.
2. Home Improvement Industry - As LED lighting becomes more accessible and affordable, the home improvement industry will see increased demand for these lighting solutions.
3. Technology Industry - LED lamps that use less energy, produce less heat, and have a longer lifespan open opportunities for technology companies to innovate around smart homes and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.