LEDs head into the spotlight

Dull, blue and expensive. These are the three most common misconceptions about the UK LED lighting market. Read them and then sweep them aside, because now is the time to start benefiting from the array of recent developments which are contributing to the LED market’s blinding growth.

The past 12 months have seen an explosion in the diversity of LEDs in size, shape, light output and colour spectrum, and the use of LEDs in lighting is growing at 44% year on year, with a 9.8% growth for LEDs overall.

“The LED lighting market is huge and increasing constantly,” explains Mark Crabtree, sales director of UK electricity reduction company Enviroglow.

Crabtree says that the right light can now be found to suit almost any store and need, doing away with any previous misgivings about their use. “In our experience, we find retailers believe that LED light is cold in colour and feel. But with the increased colour spectrum of LEDs available now, this is not the case,” Crabtree asserts.

“Store owners can also think that the light levels from LEDs, given the much lower wattage, will be poor. This was the case with early generations of LED lights which were perfect for decorative and marker lighting, but if used to light a room the entire ceiling would need to be studded with them to be able to see well enough to avoid bumping into things. The latest generations raise the stakes. Now, for example, a few downlights can be used to achieve the equivalent of 25w-100w illumination. This means that LEDs are more than worthy of real consideration for general retail lighting,” Crabtree continues.

Efficiency has also come on in leaps and bounds, with good quality LEDs now using about five times less power than a 20w halogen bulb, and all that with a lifespan of up to 50 times longer.

This enviable longevity also means that the lights require far less maintenance, and ‘re-tubing’ costs are effectively eliminated.

And as a growing number of studies are now demonstrating, the improved quality of lighting offered by LEDs can have a valuable impact on sales. Well-designed LED lighting can create a more pleasant in-store environment and enhance the look of merchandise, potentially boosting sales. The recent trial by lighting specialist Philips just goes to show what a difference well chosen lighting can have on how appealing food can look, and how customers respond to it.

Driving down costs

The cost of installation has traditionally functioned as another barrier to take-up. However, noteworthy improvements have also been made here of late, too.

The growth in demand and on-going investment in developments have driven costs down in recent years, with continued price reductions of about 10% a year expected until at least 2015.

Paul Cheema has just had LED lighting installed in his new Kwiksave-branded store in Chelmsley Wood on the outskirts of Birmingham with cost-saving his main goal. “LEDs still cost about a third more than conventional lighting, but at the end of the day you are shaving two-thirds off your energy bill for lighting,” he explains.

And let’s not forget that energy prices are only heading in one direction - upwards. Last month saw four of the UK’s major energy suppliers hike prices ahead of winter, and you can be sure that other providers will soon follow suit. “As time goes by, with purchase costs reducing and energy costs increasing, the balance of the cost versus saving equation is only moving in one direction,” Crabtree adds. “Electricity prices will continue to rise, as energy-saving solution costs will continue to fall.”

And if you can’t, or don’t wish to shell out for the cost of installation in one go, the good news is that most of the UK’s key suppliers offer a range of leasing agreements to pay for the work.

Remember that financing for energy efficiencies is also available from companies such as The Carbon Trust. You may also be eligible for Green Deal financing, which allows you to pay for the work via the savings made on your energy bill. Check out www.gov.uk/green-deal-energy-saving-measures to find out more.

If you have a good relationship with your electrician you could even think about having the work carried out in stages, as Premier retailer Dennis Williams of Broadway Convenience Stores in Edinburgh, is doing.

Dennis is introducing LED lighting bit by bit, starting with the rear of his store, where he has just invested in augmenting his fresh produce range.

“I’ve got five in already, and I’m planning to buy in a couple a week, rather than paying for one big outlay. I have a good agreement with my electrician, who has them in stock, which allows me to do this,” he explains.

Should you wish to take this approach it’s a good idea to determine which lamps will have the best return on your investment and install these first. Replacing lights that are on more hours a day will have greater savings and replacing those that are harder to get to will save you time as LEDs need changing less often.

Having a good relationship with your electrician or a reputable supplier will also ensure that you don’t fall into the ‘bad LED’ trap.

The internet is awash with companies claiming to make and install LED lighting and, unfortunately, not all are reputable, with cheap products producing poor results.

Says Andrew Fletcher, managing director of Carbon Control: “There are many different qualities of LED and it really depends on who you buy from. There is a lot of rubbish available on the internet. The quality of the chip and the silicone within the LED is really important. ‘Bad’ LEDs, for example, will produce a more blue glow, when what you want is a ‘warm white’ colour.”

Crabtree agrees. “Any guarantee is only as good as the company behind it,” he says. “If the technology that runs the light is cheap, you will very likely not get the savings or, worse, the units will ultimately fail,” he adds.

Paul used Swindon lighting specialist Microlights for his LED installation. “Lighting a retail store is so different from lighting a bar or car showroom, and getting the lighting levels just right is key to creating that warm, welcoming glow, as opposed to a chilly blue.”

Fletcher also recommends first talking to a known or reputable electrician before having any work carried out. “Electrical wholesalers have really stepped up their efforts to educate the industry of late, and a good electrician should know what’s what,” he adds.

If you need help finding a suitable supplier and installer, check out the Carbon Trust’s Directory of Accredited Businesses at www.carbontrust.com/resources/tools/green-business-directory.