Light Emitting Diodes (LED's) have many advantages compared to incandescent lamps. They are much more rugged mechanically, since there is no filament to break or burn out, LED's typically last many times longer than incandescent lamps of similar size and brightness. They are very energy efficient and typically require only 10 to 20 percent of the power required by incandescent lamps of similar brightness.

The use of LED lighting is expanding rapidly for a number of reasons, although the upfront cost per unit of LEDs versus traditional light bulbs is higher, the maintenance and operating costs of LED lighting is usually much lower.

LED lighting pays dividends after the installation because time and labor is no longer required for changing light bulbs, and money is saved from the reduced amount of electricity used for lighting.

Lighting technology has changed to such an extent that traditional incandescent lights are no longer the most practical for almost any type of lighting, not even from a cost prospective, Energy-efficient Fluorescent and Compact-Fluorescent lights are the best alternative for most wide-area lighting applications while LED lighting has taken first place in almost all other applications. Other than being very energy efficient, LED lighting works very well for dimming and provides outstanding results in colored lighting and accent lighting, delivering truer and more brilliant colors than any less-efficient lighting methods do.

Other Benefits
The other benefits of LEDs include:
• Lights instantly
• Can be easily dimmed
• Silent operation
• Low-voltage power supply (increased safety)

Written by Ben Zook
Belmont Solar