Light Emitting Diode (LED)
Overview
"A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor light source. LEDs are used as indicator lamps in many devices and are increasingly used for other lighting. Introduced as a practical electronic component in 1962, early LEDs emitted low-intensity red light, but modern versions are available across the visible, ultraviolet and infrared wavelengths, with very high brightness."[1]
Since the early 2000s, a mix of efficiency measures, quality of light color and increased efficiency of manufacturing practices, have caused a significant expansion of LED use. Philips released its first LED lamp bulb in 2009,[2] followed by the world's first 60 W equivalent LED lamp in 2010,[3][4][5] and a 75 watt equivalent version in 2011.[6] Since a number of other manufacturers have followed. For example, by 2019 electricity usage in the United States had decreased for at least five straight years, due in part to U.S. electricity consumers replacing incandescent light bulbs with LEDs due to their energy efficiency and high performance. [7]
Modern LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last about 25 times longer.[8] For energy projects in development contexts, low-cost, efficient LEDs made small solar products practical. LED lights in solar lanterns and solar home systems now replace kerosene lamps in many off-grid homes, which also cuts black carbon pollution.[9]
In developing countries, increased lighting in Urban environments can also significantly increase safety. One assessment of projects in the Carribbean, found that LED street lights can make public spaces safer for women and girls, and let small informal businesses stay open later in the evening.[10]
Further Information
References
- ↑ Wikipedia.org: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light-emitting_diode
- ↑ Template:Cite web
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- ↑ WWF. Green tips. https://www.worldwildlife.org/resources/tips/green-tips/ (accessed November 2026), via the Climate Insights Directory.
- ↑ Vulturius, G. and Tuhkanen, H. (2020). Matchmaking power: expanding climate finance for off-grid solar electricity. Stockholm Environment Institute. https://www.sei.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/sei-db-off-grid-solar-vulturius-2020.pdf , via the Climate Insights Directory.
- ↑ Green Climate Fund (2025). Scaling up the Deployment of Integrated Utility Services (IUS) to Support Energy Sector Transformation in the Caribbean (Phase 1): Gender assessment. https://www.greenclimate.fund/sites/default/files/document/fp275-gender-assessment.pdf , via the Climate Insights Directory.
