Light emitting diodes, or LEDs, are widely used today in a variety of devices – they are often integrated in remote controls and toys, and are commonly used for street and traffic lighting. However, so far, LEDs have not become popular in the mainstream consumer market, probably because LED light sources emit strange ‘disturbing’ colors, and because they are significantly more expensive than traditional incandescent light bulbs. LSG says its new LED product line solves both of these issues, delivering a combination of high energy efficiency and light quality in a "cost effective" way.

MR16 - energy-efficient LED lamp by Lighting Science

According to the company, the unique design of their products optimizes the lamps’ thermal management, guaranteeing a life cycle of up to 50,000 hours. These lamps are also said to consume 80 percent less energy than common light sources, whilst keeping up the equivalent light output. LSG’s current portfolio consists of six different styles of light bulbs, which come in both cool and warm white, and in narrow and wide beam distributions. “The unrivaled performance of our new LED lamps will significantly reduce lifetime operating costs for customers,” said Govi Rao, Chief Executive Officer of Lighting Science Group. “Our technological leadership allows us to offer the most environmentally friendly solutions without compromising performance.”

The company hopes LED lamps’ reduced energy consumption rates will be the key to their future success. According to a recent research, conducted by “productdose.com”, consumers will be looking at $738.40 less in total spending when converting from standard incandescent lamps to LED-based light bulbs. Another research, reported by the Optoelectronics Industry Development Association, concluded that by the year 2025, “rapid adoption of LEDs in the United States alone can eliminate a cumulative 258 million metric tons of carbon emissions, save $115 billion in total electricity costs, and avoid the construction of 133 new power plants.” Such a scenario is not unlikely, especially since there is increasing pressure to establish legislation that would completely outlaw the use of incandescent bulbs.

R16 - LED light Replaces 40-45 watt standard incandescent and halogen lamps (Credit: Lighting Science)

LSG’s new line is 100 percent recyclable and unlike compact fluorescent bulbs, contains no hazardous materials, such as mercury and lead. The new products, which are offered at prices ranging from $40 to $110, are at the heart of the company’s “EcoAdvantage” Initiative, which encourages customers to “go green all the way” using LED lighting solutions.

Some have criticized LSG, saying the current cost of LED bulbs is still too high to attract the majority of the consumer market, since it is necessary to use more than one LED light source to produce enough light for a single room at home or for an office. However, LSG expects that the prices will drop significantly in the upcoming years, and says it is not worried about the starting costs. The announced range of LSG’s LED light sources is currently showcased at the “Light and Building” Exhibition, taking place in Frankfurt, Germany. 

Be sure to check out our coverage of Sony’s “XEL-1” – the first commercial Organic LED TV to go on sale. For more information on LSG’s products, you can go to the company’s official website.