About LEDs

LEDs are Light Emitting Diodes and will play an important role in solving  the world's increasing energy woes. 

LED light occurs from a single diode, or an array of diodes, when connected to an energy source. LEDs each contain a semi-conductor "chip" and their color is determined by the material used to make the chip. When a charge is applied to the diode(s), the electrons travel in only one direction. As they leap across the chip, they are attracted to other charged particles and when positive and negative charges combine, elements of energy are emitted in the form of particles of light. 

The incandescent light invented by Thomas Edison over 100 years ago may soon be replaced by LEDs. This is evident as more and more traffic ligfhts are being converted to LED fixtures, automotive manufacturers are choosing them for both interior and exterior lights in new vehicles, and LED flashlights are fast replacing traditional portable lights in popularity. There is good reason. LEDs are brighter, they run cooler, they last far longer and they use 1/10th of the energy of traditional incandescent or even flourescent lights. 

Benefits
LEDs last 133 times longer than incandescent bulbs and 10 times as long as compact fluorescents.
LEDs use only a fraction of the energy of incandescents. 
LEDs are more durable than incandescent lights as they do not have a filament that is easily damaged.
LEDs are cooler as they do not cause heat build-up; producing only 3.4 btu's/hour. Incandescent bulbs produce 85 btu's/hour.
LEDs last for years saving on replacement costs.
LEDs can save 80% of electricity costs in running traffic lights.
LEDs can provide light in remote areas in combination with solar energy requiring fewer panels.