LED lighting purchase principle

At the "2013 Renewable Energy Development Vision Summit Forum," Researcher Xiao Daiji from the Institute of Economic Research at Academia Sinica emphasized that energy conservation should not rely solely on policy support. For instance, when offices switched to LED bulbs in the past, many of them were of poor quality, leading to a need for replacement. This shows that even well-intentioned initiatives can fall short if product quality is overlooked.

Xiao pointed out that while some energy-saving products may not be perfect, they shouldn't be promoted without proper evaluation. He noted that the issue isn't with the LED technology itself, but rather with the overall product quality. Consumers often buy complete systems, which may include subpar components designed to cut costs rather than improve performance, ultimately failing to deliver the expected energy savings.

Jianfeng Ren, chairman of Yanyuan Optoelectronics, stressed the importance of high-quality LED lamps. He explained that a 3.5-watt LED lamp can match the brightness of a traditional 40-watt incandescent bulb, maximizing energy efficiency. He advised consumers to look for products certified by the Energy Bureau to ensure both quality and compliance with energy standards.

Ren also highlighted that energy conservation is just as crucial as renewable energy development. If Taiwan fully adopted LED lighting, it could save enough electricity equivalent to one year's output from the Linkou Power Plant. He added that many consumers mistakenly blame LED lamps for failures, but in reality, the problem often lies in the circuit system, not the LED itself.

He further suggested that certain LED products, by eliminating the power supply unit, can reduce energy consumption by up to 20-30%. This innovation could significantly enhance the effectiveness of LED lighting in the future.

Xiao Daiji also raised concerns about the solar photovoltaic industry. While Germany is currently the main market for solar panels, many of these panels are produced in Taiwan and mainland China. However, due to lower electricity prices in these regions, the energy used in manufacturing often outweighs the energy saved through solar use. This highlights the need for a more sustainable approach to green technologies.

In conclusion, he called for a broader strategy in promoting energy conservation and renewable energy. While government support and subsidies are important, the focus should shift toward making the entire industrial process greener—from production to consumption and disposal. This holistic approach ensures that products are truly sustainable from their "birth" to their "grave."