Light emitting diode (LED) based exit signs and traffic signals have fulfilled their promise of an energy-efficient, long-lasting, compact, and low-maintenance light source in real-world commercial and industrial applications by saving millions of kilowatt-hours of electricity and thousands of maintenance hours. While a number of technological and economic challenges have combined to limit the availability of LED consumer products beyond these existing niches, this trend is changing: a number of sources have projected that LED-based lighting will gradually replace 25% to 30% of incandescent lighting applications by 2025. The intent of this report is to provide an overview of the market for LED-based lighting systems in the U.S. in order to inform the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (the Alliance) future funding and program decisions regarding this technology.
