Technology Fact Sheets
This page contains links to fact sheets describing solid-state lighting, its characteristics, applications, and issues relating to its successful introduction into the marketplace.
Learn more about wattage and lumens in the Establishing LED Equivalency fact sheet.
SSL Basics
Establishing LED Equivalency
Provides guidance for comparing products based on LED or other light source technologies (2 pages, October 2011)
LED Frequently Asked Questions
What retailers, energy efficiency advocates, and consumers need to know to make informed buying decisions (2 pages, May 2011)
Using LEDs to Their Best Advantage
Exploration of the unique attributes of LEDs, which may make them the right choice for some applications (4 pages, January 2008)
SSL Applications and Product Categories
LED Replacements for Four-Foot Linear Fluorescent Lamps
Comparison of LED linear replacement lamps to fluorescent lamps in terms of light output, distribution, color quality, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. (4 pages, May 2011)
LED T8 Replacement Lamps (Suggested Specification)
Provides benchmark information on fluorescent T8 lamps and a suggested minimum performance specification for LED T8 replacement lamps (2 pages, April 2010)
LED Replacements for Incandescent Omnidirectional Lamps
Overview of white-light LED replacement lamps, and how they compare to traditional incandescent omnidirectional lamps (4 pages, October 2009)
LED Outdoor Area Lighting
Review of the concerns and potential for LED luminaires in outdoor area lighting applications (6 pages, June 2008)
LED Portable Desk/Task Lighting
Description of LED desk/task lighting application and comparison with fixtures using traditional light sources (2 pages, February 2008)
LED Kitchen Undercabinet Lighting
Overview of the advantages and disadvantages of using LEDs in undercabinet lighting products (2 pages, February 2008)
LED Recessed Downlights
Comparison of the energy and lighting performance of downlights using different light sources (2 pages, January 2008)
SSL Performance Characteristics
LED Color Characteristics
Reviews the basics of light and color, and discusses a variety of metrics applicable to LEDs for general illumination (4 pages, January 2012)
SSL Standards and Guidelines
Review of the key performance and safety standards applicable to SSL-based lighting products (2 pages, October 2011)
Light at Night and Human Health
Discussion of potential health implications of light at night (LAN) exposure and how it may affect lighting practice and design (2 pages, January 2010)
LED Luminaire Reliability
Outline of the issues concerning long-term performance and reliability of LED luminaires, and suggestions for interpreting LED product life claims (4 pages, October 2009)
LED Luminaire Efficacy
Overview of luminaire efficacy and the technical reasons for its applicability to LED-based lighting fixtures (2 pages, September 2009)
Energy Efficiency of White LEDs
Overview of lighting energy efficiency in general, and the rapidly evolving status of white LEDs (2 pages, June 2009)
Thermal Management of White LEDs
Review of the role of heat in LED performance, and methods for managing heat in LED system design (2 pages, June 2009)
Understanding Photometric Reports for SSL Products
Overview and discussion of typical elements in IES LM-79 photometric reports for LED luminaires and LED integral replacement lamps (4 pages, June 2009)
Lifetime of White LEDs
Overview of lumen depreciation, measurement of LED useful life, and features to look for in evaluating LED products (2 pages, September 2009)
Dimming LEDs
Overview of dimming technology and the prospects for dimming LEDs in residential applications (2 pages, February 2008)