LED lighting application is gradually maturing. In order to continue lowering costs for LED lighting products, there is a growing trend of manufacturers adopting High Voltage (HV) LEDs to simplify the power supply design. A large chunk of commercial and street lighting already uses HV LED components, according to Epistar. The company views is very optimistic of future HV LEDs development in the lighting market. In the company’s product portfolio, mid voltage and high voltage LED chips makes up 10 percent of the company’s lighting products.
The cost structure for lighting sources, components, and power supply modules is roughly the same. Over the past few years, power prices have rapidly declined along LEDs. Chip manufactures believe that room for further price drops is limited. Therefore, the industry has a goal of turning towards low cost power supply modules. By using HV LED components, power supply modules can replace driver IC, and has advantages in lowering prices and luminaire design.
Aside from HV LEDs commercial lighting applications, outdoor street lighting has also begun introducing HV LED components. Damage to street lights, most often occur in the power supply module, is costly to replace and repair. Many within the industry have therefore begun to introduce HV LED components into street lights due to its ability to simplify power module design and cut down on costs.
Epistar believes that the trend of HV LED components being adopted into commercial lighting, indoor and outdoor lighting is starting to take shape. With the market currently replacing traditional light sources, HV LEDs are the main application market for G9, GU10, A-bulbs, and PAR lamps. Street lights have already begun expanding introduction of HV LED components.