LEDs are unquestionably the lighting of the future - and increasingly the present. Invented in 1962, light emitting diodes were revolutionary because they did not rely on heat in order to generate light. Early LEDs were only able to generate low intensity red light, and used only as indicators on electrical equipment. But solid-state lighting technology has developed to such an extent that LEDs are now found across a huge range of applications, from traffic lights to televisions and signage to street lighting.

The reasons are simple. With key features of low energy consumption, high energy efficiency (producing more light per watt than incandescent bulbs) and long life (up to 100,000 hours), LEDs make sound financial and environmental sense. Incandescent bulbs are already being replaced in the home by energy saving alternatives, and LEDs could themselves be an alternative to compact fluorescent lighting as the next generation source of domestic light.

They also have the advantage of natural colour, cool light, slow failure and the fact that they give off no discernible or unmanageable heat. Small mass means they are more shock and damage resistant than filament bulbs.

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