“Solid-state lighting (LED) is a pivotal emerging technology that promises to fundamentally alter lighting in the future.”

 

" No other lighting technology offers the DOE and our nation so much potential to save energy and enhance the quality of our building environments”

 

 
The Department of Energy Statements, 2009  
 

Efficient technologies, alternative energy, power distribution control, and electricity storage -- all with minimal impact to the environment, are collectively referred to as the Cleantech industry.  Fueled by powerful market dynamics, Cleantech is poised to be one of the most fundamental and important initiatives to mankind.  It is being compared to the automobile, railroad, personal computer, and Internet industries in terms of the potential societal, economic and environmental impact.  


Solid-state lighting is one of the major initiatives within the Cleantech industry.

 If all of the world's light bulbs were replaced with energy-efficient LEDs for a period of 10 years, researchers say it would reduce global oil consumption by almost a billion barrels, reduce the need for 280 power plants, reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 10.68 gigatons, and ultimately result in financial savings of $1.83 trillion.  (Credit: Rensselaer/Kim and Schubert)

 Evolution

For the first time since the invention of the incandescent bulb, there is a fundamentally different and superior technology for generating light -- Light Emitting Diodes (LED). 

LEDS

·         Are 10-20 times more energy efficient

·         Contain no toxic chemicals

·         Offer exciting white and color light control

·         Utilize safe low voltage power

·         Integrate with Smartgrid and smart home technology

·         Produce very little heat

·         Are extremely durable

·         Last 50,000 or more hours. 

While LED systems are currently priced higher than traditional incandescent lights, the low power consumption combined with the extremely low maintenance provides an annual return on investment of 45-50%, generating a payback in roughly two years.  These impressive benefits position LED technology as the lighting solution for the 21st Century.

 

Trends

Commercial adoption of LED technology is accelerating due to new environmental directives from the Department of Energy, green building trends, short investment payback and extremely low maintenance.  Consumers are inquiring about LED technology and early adopters are beginning to purchase.  Unlike traditional incandescent sources, LED lights offer extraordinary lighting control possibilities, expanding the lighting market with new applications of light.  White light quality is now making it attractive for numerous applications previously not possible.  LumaStream™ is witnessing these positive trends, supporting the company’s belief that the LED industry is poised to explode.