LED Manufacturers Are Showing Increased Competition

LED manufacturers are showing increased competition with their LED lighting products as countries are banning the import and manufacturing of 100 watt and higher white incandescent bulbs. Manufacturers such as Philips said its newest LED bulb, which is estimated to be sold as of the fourth quarter this year, is a 23 watt Endura LED bulb that can save 75% more energy than standard 100 watt bulbs, has a luminous flux of 1700 lumens, and meets the requirements set by Energy Star. Bo Ginseng, general manager of Philips Taiwan, said its LED watts are improving and achieving international recognition. Philips 60 watt LED bulb, which was put out two years ago, was awarded an L Prize by the US Department of Energy (DOE) and recently it displayed its 75 watt model at the Lighting+Building Exhibition in Frankfurt, Germany. Bo also said the 60 watt version will be on sale in Taiwan as of this May and will be priced at NT$1,300 (US$44). Other firms such as GE have just announced the release of a 100 watt LED along with 13 and 9 watt versions as well, with the 100 watt version having a luminous flux of 1600 lumens, multi-directional even spread lighting, and a lifespan of 25 thousand hours. Meanwhile, Taiwan LED industry sources said Taiwan manufacturers will be able to make the bulbs easily but whether they will sell in Taiwan will still be a big test. Source: DIGITIMES