Returning to EcoLight Tech Asia 2015 show grounds for the second consecutive year, something was distinctively different at the show that runs from November 19 to 21 this year. The show hosted by NCC Exhibition Organizer and Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) added two new energy saving technologies to its show this year—solar panels and air conditioning technologies. 

Four Sweoo show girls pose with a PEA official (center left) and other participants at the show. (All photo credits belong to LEDinside)

The show ground was evenly divided by the three energy saving technologies, with lighting taking up the most visible space in the middle, solar taking the left wing, and air conditioning technologies to the right. Mitsubishi’s booth sums up the main energy conservative concept at this year’s show, the company showcased its visible LED portfolio including high bay LEDs, LED tube lights, solar panels, and air conditioning products. 

Gunkul's solar LED products displayed at the show.

Large Chinese electronic manufacturer Haier displayed many of its air conditioning products at the show. Buyers at the booth.

Mitsubishi displayed its solar panel at the lighting show. The company also displayed its other products including LED lights and airconditioners.

Several interesting observations seen at day one of the LED show include manufacturers that seemed to have taken the opportunity to sell their products at discounted prices of nearly 50% at the show. With certain LED bulbs being retailed as low as 89 Thai baht in Unistar Opto and Racer booths, while Sweoo took the opportunity to sell LED T8 tubes at a discounted price of 100 Thai baht.

Top: Racer products being sold at a discount price. Center: Unistar Opto products on sale at EcoLight Tech Asia 2015. Bottom: Sweoo selling LED T8 tube lights for 100 Thai baht.

Some innovative products were spotted at this year’s show. TP Halo showcased LED grow lights, and insect repellant lights in the wavelength of around 500 nanometers. Soitec showcased a new retail display concept, which involves a squared box where products can be placed in the center, and information is showcased on a transparent screen. The company declined to explain the display material and technology used for the square box display. Eve Lighting also displayed their first solar LED garden lamp at this year’s show.

Top to bottom: TP Halo's LED grow lights and insect repellant lights displayed at EcoLightTech Asia 2015. Center: Soitec's LED display box. The photo does not do the product any justice. Bottom: Eve Lighting's solar LED lights for gardening.

A couple of companies including Seiko Solutions, a subsidiary of watch maker Seiko, showcased its energy management solution, GreenTalk. Seiko Solutions branch in Thailand is very new, and was established just in January 2015, said Takeshi Hirakawa, Manager, System Department, Seiko Solutions. The company is relatively optimistic about the market potential for energy management solutions, as energy costs increase in Thailand over the last two years. At the highest point in mid 2014, the Southeast Asian country’s electricity costs per kilowatt hour (kWh) reached about 4.5 Thai baht, but has declined in 2015 to around 3.0 Thai baht per kWh, said Seiko representatives.

Other LED manufacturers gave very mixed responses, mainly since electricity costs in Thailand are charged on a float rate, and depends on energy consumption. Factories and manufacturers that consume more energy, are usually charged a higher rate of 5.0 Thai baht to 6.0 Thai baht than the average household’s 3.0 Thai baht to 4.0 Thai baht, said Edward Lu, Manager, Marketing department, Pan Asia Supply.  Lu, who had been in the Thailand for over 22 years, observed energy prices were actually climbing up this year. Following the uptick in energy prices, it can be foreseen that energy efficient products including LED lights will be increasingly important in the Thai market. 

(Author: Judy Lin, Chief Editor, LEDinside)