DOE Releases New Round of Solid-State Lighting R&D Plan, LED Efficacy Target 250LM/W

　　The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently released the 2014 version of the Solid-State Lighting R&D Plan (MYPP). MYPP is updated annually, highlighting the current state of solid-state lighting development and providing important goals and plans for the industry's development over the next few years. It can be regarded as a barometer and guiding light for the LED industry. Therefore, timely understanding of the trends will play a key role in comprehensively understanding the industry and gaining a market advantage.

Installation Volume and Penetration Rate Rising Rapidly

　　In 2013, the number of LED lighting installations in the United States reached 105 million units, with energy savings of $1.8 billion, more than double that of 2012. In 2013, the penetration rates of LED indoor and outdoor lighting installations in the United States reached 1.3% and 5.8% respectively. In 2014, with the impact of the 40W and 60W incandescent lamp ban policies, the penetration rate of indoor LED lighting is expected to accelerate.

　　Packaging and lighting product prices continue to fall

　　As the luminous efficacy of LED packaging products improves, prices continue to fall. In this new version, the DOE revised the LED efficiency target to 250 LM/W, with a price of $0.5/klm. In addition, LED A-lamp prices have dropped significantly. Currently, non-dimmable A19 LED bulbs replacing 60W incandescent lamps in the US can be priced as low as $10, while dimmable ones can be as low as $13. Prices are even lower in regions covered by subsidy policies.

　　Performance improvement

　　Both Cree and Philips have released luminaire samples with luminous efficacy exceeding 200 LM/W. Therefore, by 2025, the average luminous efficacy of LED lighting products should reach 200 LM/W, with a market penetration rate of 60%, in order to achieve the US energy-saving target of 217 TWh.

　　In addition, the report also discussed the lifetime, reliability, and sustainability issues of solid-state lighting products.