What are full spectrum LEDs?
Full spectrum LEDs are LED light sources that emit a broad spectrum of wavelengths. They generate a light spectrum that is so similar to natural sunlight that, for example, a plant illuminated with a full-spectrum LED is perceived by the human eye in almost identical color to the conditions outside in nature. This is why they are also called “daylight lamps”.
This is based on the CRI (Color Rendering Index) defined in accordance with DIN 6169 as the quality factor of the light source. This is used to determine how natural a color appears. While natural sunlight has a CRI of 100, full-spectrum LEDs achieve a CRI of up to 99. Although halogen and incandescent lamps can also achieve a CRI of up to 100, full-spectrum LEDs score points with significantly lower energy consumption and therefore lower electricity costs. They also prove to be much more durable and robust compared to conventional light sources. Most products can also be used in any commercially available luminaire.
What other advantages do full-spectrum LEDs offer?
Full-spectrum LEDs also offer a number of other advantages over conventional LEDs that can be used in a wide variety of professional areas. Fashion designers, artists, dentists and ultimately the customers themselves benefit from natural light in their workspaces. They also create a more productive working environment. It is also very helpful in everyday life to have an authentic perception of color at your disposal. You have probably already noticed that an item of clothing has a completely different color effect in the artificial light of the changing room than in daylight. If you want to judge the freshness of food, you can also assess this much better under optimum lighting.
But full-spectrum LEDs are not only superior to other light sources in terms of optics. Its health benefits have been proven, as daylight has real benefits for the body and mind. Developed for military technology, they were used by the US Navy in the early 20th century, where they proved their effectiveness in preventing illness. Natural lighting has a positive effect on the psyche and mood because it potentially promotes the production of serotonin and melatonin. The mood-enhancing effect is already being used to support the treatment of depression and other illnesses.
A sufficient daily intake of natural light helps to ensure healthier and more restful sleep, which is a cornerstone of our health. Although artificial light from LED lamps cannot replace sunlight, it helps to compensate for potential deficiencies caused by frequent indoor use and the winter season.
People and nature also benefit from this new technology in agriculture. This allows crops to be grown and cultivated all year round regardless of weather conditions, ensuring greater yields and minimizing the ecological disruption they would experience in the wild. Initial pilot projects in which various vegetable varieties are grown all year round in halls under the illumination of full-spectrum LEDs have been very promising. Installed in SunElemets greenhouses and controlled by a switching cycle, they can create optimum conditions for growth and yield.
