TruthfulLies
1st December 2011 - 01:53 PM
Based on semiconductor technology, LEDs have many advantages over traditional light sources, such as the widely used incandescent light bulb and the new (and energy efficient) compact fluorescent light. LED use less energy, last longer, are smaller, and can change more rapidly. That do not contain mercury. Its disadvantage, as with many new technologies such as solar energy is higher initial cost for the user.
LED see almost every time we go. California has required LED traffic lights since 2002 and for pedestrian signals since 2004. Estimates of savings in energy and operating costs are in the range of 90% and, moreover, as the bulbs last longer, require less maintenance.
However, due to the peculiarities of LED, white LED light applications (such as lighting) have long been inaccessible or unavailable. Recent advances could have solved the problem. Several manufacturers have launched the street and parking lighting LED. The evidence of these lamps, including street lighting in San Francisco and the supermarket parking lot lighting in West Sacramento, were sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. Local agencies may be able to secure government funding to install LED lights.
San Jose is using stimulus funds to install LED street lights in the neighborhood of Hillview North, who is eligible for funding, as it is a low-income area. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Block Grant program is the source of funds.
Due to problems of cost and technology, LEDs do not yet meet the conditions for domestic use, except in certain situations decorator lighting conditions or accountant. However, we can expect wider applications in a few years.