About LEDs

LED lighting is the latest technology in lighting. Its structure is different from its predecessors in that it is based on chip technology. As indicated by its name, the LED is a diode that emits light. A diode is a device that allows current to flow in only one direction. Almost any two conductive materials will form a diode when placed in contact with each other. When electricity is passed through the diode the atoms in one material (within the semiconductor chip) are excited to a higher energy level. The energy is released as the atoms shed electrons to the other material with the chip. During this energy release light is created. The color of the light from the LED results from the ingredients (materials) and processes that make up the chip. There are a plethora of advantages of LEDs, some of which are: High-levels of brightness and intensity High-efficiency Low-voltage and current requirements Low radiated heat High reliability (resistant to shock and vibration) No UV rays Long source life Can be easily controlled and programmed

The key strength of LED lighting is reduced power consumption. This means that LED fixtures use 50% less energy than CFL fixtures. Their operating temperatures are lower, thereby less energy for heat dispersion. LEDs are also 100% recyclable, containing no toxic metals, hazardous mercury or halogen gases. One shortcoming of LEDs is that they are generally more expensive than CFLs or incandescent lighting. However, lighting companies claim that LED fixtures generally pay for themselves in less than 2 years with minimal maintenance over the life of the product. The return on the investment can be up to 10 times the initial cost of the product.

Comparing 3 light sources

LED lighting is an alternative to incandescent light sources and CFL lighting. LED lighting, said to be the next big thing, can play a mammoth role in protecting the environment. The following looks at different aspects of lighting and compares them across the three light sources.

Incandescent Life Efficacy (Lumens per Watt) Color Rendering Index Color Temperature Dimming RGB Initial Cost Radiated Heat UV Radiation Power Converted to visible light Contains Mercury Instant On Operated at low temps Durability Size Directional Fixture Optical Efficiency* 1,000 hrs+ ~10 100 2800-3000 Easy No Low High (85 btus/hr) Minimal ~8% No Yes Yes Fragile Medium No 50

CFL 10,000 hrs+ ~50-60 80+ 2700-6000 Poorly No Medium Medium (30 btus/hr) Yes ~20% Yes No No Fragile Large No 50

LED 50,000 hrs+ ~70-90 80-90+ 2700-6000 Varies Yes High Very Low (3.4 btus/hr) None ~20-50% No Yes Durable Small Yes ~70-80

LED lighting fixtures are divided on the basis of Lumens. Lumens is the unit for measurement of the amount of light generated as opposed to Watts which measures the energy being used to produce light. The table below shows a comparison of the three light sources (incandescent, CFL and LED) and the wattage (energy) required to produce the same lumen output (amount of light). Power Consumption (Wattage) CFL 8-12 13-18 18-22 23-30 30-55 Brightness Lumens 400-500 700-900 1100-1750 1800+ 2780

Incandescent 40 60 75-100 100 150

LED 6-9 8-12.5 13+ 16-20 25-28

Customer Profile
SSKs LED lighting portfolio comprises for lighting for home, office, portable fixtures, industrial fixtures, streetlights, floodlights as well as niche lighting such as those for displays in showrooms. In Jamshedpur, Mr. Pius target sector is industrial lighting as well as lighting for homes. He undertakes setting up for

the lighting in the homes himself. LED lighting is becoming quite popular in the swanky areas such as C. H. Area. A substantial part of his revenue (almost 80%) comes from the industrial sector. He aims to target the B2B sector in its entirety before expanding further.