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 pointed out that energy conservation should not rely solely on policy support. For example, many government offices once replaced traditional bulbs with LED lights, only to later discover poor quality and replace them again. This highlights the need for better oversight and product standards.

Xiao believes that although some energy-saving products are not perfect, they shouldn’t be outright dismissed. The issue isn't necessarily with the LED technology itself, but rather with the overall product quality. Consumers often buy complete systems, which may include substandard components designed to cut costs rather than improve performance. This can lead to inefficiencies and fail to meet energy-saving goals.

Jianfeng Ren, Chairman of Yanyuan Optoelectronics, emphasized that a 3.5-watt LED bulb can provide the same brightness as a 40-watt incandescent lamp, maximizing energy savings. He stressed the importance of purchasing LED products certified by the Energy Bureau, ensuring both quality and compliance with energy efficiency standards.

Ren also highlighted that energy conservation is just as important as renewable energy development. If Taiwan fully adopts LED lighting, it could save the equivalent of one year's electricity production from the Linkou Power Plant. He noted that many consumers misunderstand LED failures, often blaming the light source when the real issue lies in the circuit system. Overall, he believes LEDs still hold great potential for future energy savings.

In addition, he mentioned that certain LED products can skip the power supply stage, potentially saving 20% to 30% of energy. This innovation could further boost efficiency and reduce consumption.

Xiao Daiji also raised concerns about the solar photovoltaic industry. While Germany remains a major market, many panels are produced in Taiwan and mainland China, where electricity costs are lower. However, the energy consumed during manufacturing can offset the benefits of using these panels, raising questions about their true environmental impact.

He suggested that the government should go beyond subsidies and procurement to promote green industrial practices across the entire lifecycle of products—from production to disposal. This holistic approach would ensure sustainable development and long-term energy efficiency.