Are LED Panels Cheaper to Run Than Fluorescent Tubes?

LED panels will almost always be cheaper to run than fluorescent tube lighting.  In most offices, schools, warehouses, retail spaces, and commercial buildings, switching from fluorescent fittings to LED panels can reduce lighting energy costs by around 40% to 70%. It can also lower maintenance costs as they have a longer lifespan than fluorescent tubes and will improve the overall lighting quality.

Although fluorescent tubes were once the most energy efficient technology available, LED panel technology is even more energy efficient than these tubes delivering a better light output using a much lower wattage.  For businesses with large numbers of fittings operating for long hours, the savings quickly add up when this switch over is made.

Why LED Panels Use Less Electricity

LED panels are more energy efficient because LEDs convert a much higher percentage of electricity into usable light rather than wasted heat.

Traditional fluorescent fittings lose energy through heat and ballast operation.  LED panels use electronic drivers and highly efficient LED chips that require far less power to produce the same level of brightness.  This means that an LED panel can often replace a fluorescent fitting using a significantly lower wattage.

Typical Power Consumption Comparison

Below is an example comparing the energy consumption of a fluorescent fitting to a LED panel with an equivalent level of lumens (brightness):

Traditional Fluorescent Fitting

A standard recessed office fluorescent fitting that uses four 18W fluorescent tubes will have an average power consumption of 72W to 85W.  It can sometimes be higher than the total wattage for the four tubes due to ballast losses.

Equivalent LED Panel

A modern 30W-40W LED panel can provide similar or better brightness as the above roughly reduced the amount of electricity used by 40% to 60%.

Example Running Cost Comparison

Let’s compare a fluorescent fitting and a LED panel running:

• 10 hours per day,
• at an electricity cost of £0.30 per kWh.

Fluorescent Fitting (80W)

0.08kW × 10 hours = 0.8kWh per day

0.8 × £0.30 = 24p per day

Annual cost: around £87.60 per fitting

LED Panel (36W)

0.036kW × 10 hours = 0.36kWh per day

0.36 × £0.30 = 10.8p per day

Annual cost: around £39.42 per fitting

This gives us an estimated saving of around £45 per year when you switch from fluorescent tube lighting to LED panel lighting.

Maintenance Savings Are Also Important

Switching over to LED panels will also lead to saving on maintenance costs over time.

Fluorescent tubes and control gear require regular maintenance to replace the tubes; ballasts and starters when they expire.  Fluorescent tubes on average will last between 10,000-20,000 hours whereas LED panels will last between 30,000 - 50,000 hours or more.  In comparing these two factors it is easy to see how maintenance costs will be significantly reduced in the long term.  This is especially the case for commercial buildings with high ceilings or large installations.

Are LED Panels Better for Offices?

In many cases, yes.  They are widely used within main offices and meeting rooms as they offer low glare; high energy efficiency and a more uniform light distribution.  They can also be paired with dimming, smart lighting controls and emergency backup features which can be useful to save even more money for commercial properties.

Are LED Panels More Expensive to Buy?

LED panels will usually cost more upfront than replacing the fluorescent tubes alone. However, the lower running costs and reduced maintenance cost for LED panels make them a worthwhile investment to save more money than the difference paid initially. Many businesses will see a return on this investment within 1-3 years depending on the operating hours of the building and the size of the installation.

Are LED Panels Environmentally Better?

Generally yes they are.  LED panels use less electricity, contain no mercury, have lower carbon emissions and generate less waste through fewer replacements.

Fluorescent tubes contain small amounts of mercury and they therefore require specialist disposal procedures.

Do LED Panels Need Time to Warm Up?

No they do not.  Unlike some fluorescent lighting LED panels will switch on instantly and reach their full brightness immediately. This is even the case when they are used in colder temperatures.

Summary

LED panels will almost always be much cheaper to run than fluorescent tube lighting. They consume significantly less electricity; require less maintenance and last much longer.

In most commercial environments, switching from fluorescent fittings to LED panels can reduce lighting energy costs by 40% to 70% as well as improving brightness, reliability and workplace comfort.

Although they typically cost more upfront, the long term energy and maintenance savings often make them a highly cost effective upgrade for offices, schools, warehouses, and commercial buildings.