Over the last decade, LEDs have evolved greatly. Not only has their light output increased, but also their efficiencies and price points have changed drastically. There are so many benefits to using LED fixtures, but one of the largest is the benefits to nature and the environment. Here are some of the ways that LEDs have really stepped up to the plate to make our world a little brighter.
LEDs were originally very “blue” and caused mass issues with circadian rhythms, disturbance of wildlife, and low visibility. As LEDs have evolved, the blue light has decreased dramatically, and the light output of LEDs has increased in Lumens per Watt efficiencies. This means the same wattage that originally put out only 50 LpW can how put out over 130 LpW. The lower wattage and better efficiencies mean a lower power requirement for the same or better light output.
The lower blue also means better visibility. Better visibility means more safety and security for people at night. It also means that when someone is walking or driving, there is better visibility for seeing the environment around them, lowering accidents and increasing their ability to accurately see what is around them. Best of all, it seems that 4K light color is providing as good or better visibility with even lower blue spectrum as there is little to no Lumen loss, and in some fixture lines, even a Lumen increase.
The lower power requirement also allows for better dark sky compliance. Typically, old-style HPS lights had refractors to push the light in all directions, causing a ton of light pollution. High wattage was also required since there was a low Lumen per Watt efficiency. Today, the LED optics allows for aimed light for task-specific lighting, directing the light to the area it is required. This keeps from light being cast in areas where it is not needed, specifically up light and causing light pollution.
These lower wattage, higher Lumen output lights also provide more cost savings for solar-powered LED lights since the lower wattage means less solar requirements and / or higher light levels with the same power requirements as provided before. This also means that solar LED lights can meet dark sky requirements, be a renewable alternative to grid-powered lights, and provide additional safety and security without affecting wildlife and migratory patterns.