Taiwan’s industry executives are inspired to make bright forecast on the outlook for the LED (light emitting diode) lighting market in light of the emphasis of the new light source technology at latest international lighting fairs, including the one in Hannover, Las Vegas, Guangzhou and Taipei.
They estimated Taiwan’s LED-lighting suppliers would enjoy hefty sales at least this quarter and next thanks to brisk demands, which at home would be fostered by the upcoming implementation of new electricity rates.
Taiwan’s LED-lighting suppliers said they shipped two to three-fold more LED light bulbs in April than they did in March on the island. They pointed out that although LED lamps remain pricier than traditional lamps, their much better efficacy allows users to recoup the upfront cost on the lamps in one to 1.5 years from electricity rates they save.
Taiwan’s industry executives estimated LED lighting would emerge as mainstream light sources in 2015 after burgeoning spread in 2013 and vigorous promotion in 2012.
A government incentive will help facilitate installations of the lamps on the island. The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) recently announced it would offer NT$100 billion (US$3.4 billion at US$1: NT$29) to fund enterprises with plans to purchase energy-saving products, including LED lamps. Also, the government will spend NT$2.7 billion (US$95 million) in three years to replace the island’s 326,000 traditional streetlights with LEDs as part of its effort to save 143 million kilowatt hours of electricity a year.
Based on bright market future, Epistar Inc., which is reportedly the world’s No.1 LED chipmaker in terms of production capacity, is expected to turn profitable this quarter from a minor loss last quarter. Sales of LEDs for lighting applications are estimated to account for 20% of the company’s revenue this year.
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