Can you describe to the layperson what an LED light is? Are they better than fluorescent lights?
How far has LED technology come since it launched, and where do you see it headed?
The first LEDs were used as indicator lights like on our stereos and computer equipment, and only came in dim red and green colors. Now LEDs are produced in all colors, even white. That means LEDs can be used in lighting systems. There are already many LED flashlights, and some LED light bulbs are being sold in department stores. They are still usually pretty expensive. While they produce more light than incandescent light bulbs for the same electrical power, they are just beginning to catch up to more efficient fluorescent lamps.
How can people incorporate LED lights in their homes and what are the benefits?
LEDs are starting to be sold for under-cabinet lighting, display lights, and outdoor walkway lights. The Lighting Research Center (LRC) at RPI has written a report about LED consumer lighting products.
Because LED lighting systems are so new, much of the appeal is simply the “coolness” factor of having a high-tech light in the house. LEDs are still evolving and becoming more efficient, and lighting systems are doing a better job at cooling the LED chips. A main benefit of LED lighting will be long-lived lighting systems with good efficiency. We won’t have to change light bulbs as often and possibly for some locations at all.
The RPI report on consumer lighting products can be found at www.lrc.rpi.edu/programs/nlpip/lightingAnswers/consumerLED.