Three scientists won the Nobel Prize in physics last week for the invention of blue light-emitting diodes (LED). The award is meant to recognize an invention that has had the greatest benefit to mankind. This invention spurred the development of LED technology to use as interior or exterior lights as well as to light up screens on your smart phone, tablet or computer. LED technology is long lasting, energy efficient, environmentally friendly and a much better alternative to older light sources. One of the only downsides to using these lights as a source for screens, is the harmful blue light that is emitted, some people that use digital screens for extended periods of time may benefit from looking at a product such as these computer glasses from Felix Gray or similar outlets.
The recipients of the award were Isamu Akasaki and Hiroshi Amono of Japan and Shuji Nakamura from the United States. Developing this technology was a great challenge for the scientific community and these three succeeded where everyone else failed. Their inventions are considered revolutionary and as the regular incandescent light bulb light up the 20th century the LED bulb will light the way for the 21st.
LED technology is constantly being improved. They’re becoming more efficient with higher luminous flux per electrical input power. The most recent record is just over 300lm/W which is compared to 16 for regular light bulbs and close to 70 for fluorescent lamps! (Source: nobelprize.org)
With about one-fourth of the world’s electricity consumption being used for lighting purposes, the LED lamp will greatly contribute to saving the Earth’s resources. Plus, they last much longer, therefore diminishing overall material consumption. An LED will last up to 100,000 hours compared to the mere 1,000 hours for incandescent bulbs and just 10,000 hours for florescent lights.
Increase Efficiency with LED Lights
Whether you are looking to increase efficiencies in your business, multi-unit building, and commercial facility or in your own home spending the money on LED lights is worth the investment. Although the initial cost is a little more than regular incandescent light bulbs, one LED bulb will last many thousands of times longer and will need to be replaced much less than regular bulbs.
“LED prices have come down significantly, even in the last year,” commented Chris Vilcsak of Solution 105. “If you have any lights that are on for more than 12 hours a day like parkade or exterior security lights for example, these babies are worth the investment!”
Learn more about LED lights and other ways you can improve your home’s energy efficiency in our blog post “Three Ways to Make Your Home Greener.”