In a world increasingly focused on energy efficiency and sustainability, LED lighting stands out as a beacon of innovation. The shift towards LED lighting is a global phenomenon that has significantly impacted England. Adopting LED technology is reshaping the lighting landscape, offering substantial energy savings and environmental benefits.

Consumers are switching to LED bulbs for longevity, brightness, and remarkable energy efficiency. LED lights consume up to 80% less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs, significantly reducing energy bills and carbon footprints (Energy Saving Trust). Government initiatives like the Green Home Grant Scheme have further incentivised this adoption (GOV.UK).

This blog explores the latest statistics on LED lighting in England, highlighting key trends, market dynamics, and future outlook. With support from leading electrical suppliers like Meteor Electrical, the transition to energy-efficient lighting is more accessible than ever. Discover how LED lighting is transforming the way we illuminate our lives.

The LED Light Market in England

The light bulb industry in England has seen significant changes over the years. The electronic light market experienced a notable drop in 2020, with a decline estimated at around £907 million, primarily due to high production costs (Statista). However, the future of LED lighting looks promising. Industry experts predict substantial growth in the LED light bulb sector over the next five years (BIS Info Tech).

The adoption of LED lighting has surged. As of 2023, LED lighting is now present in 18% of all British households, up from 14% in 2020 (Energy Saving Trust). This increase reflects the growing preference for LED lights over traditional lighting options.

The UK's lighting market faced setbacks recently, with the value of the electric lighting market dropping to £907 million and the import value of lights and fittings reaching £1.3 billion (Statista). Despite these challenges, the demand for LED lighting continues to rise due to its improved light output and quality. Many consumers are switching to LED lights for their energy-saving benefits and long lifespan (ECA Today).

The number of lighting manufacturers in England has fluctuated, with 2012 seeing the lowest number at 661 enterprises. By 2018, this number had increased to 740 (Statista). Despite lower electric lighting sales, the market has the potential for significant growth as consumers seek high-quality, energy-efficient lighting products.

Signify Commercial, formerly known as Philips, remains a leading lighting brand in the UK, although its turnover dropped to £134.8 million in 2020 (Statista). Thorn Lighting also experienced a turnover decrease, generating £109.2 million in 2020, down 10% from 2019 (Statista).

The lighting market experienced a 16% decline in 2020 but is expected to grow by 12% between 2021 and 2024, driven by high demand for LED lighting (Electrical Review). The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruptions in the lighting supply chain, especially with the shutdown of manufacturing plants in China (Litetronics). However, efforts to restore supply chains have been successful, allowing England’s light manufacturers to innovate and meet the demand for energy-efficient, environmentally-conscious lighting fixtures.

Check out our blog on why you should switch to LED lighting! 

The Rise of LED Lighting in England

Despite setbacks in the lighting industry, the shift towards LED light bulbs in England has been significant. LED lighting has a rich history in the UK, supported by various government-backed campaigns to increase awareness and adoption.

In 1907, an English engineer, Captain Henry Joseph Round, first reported light emission from a solid diode. It took ninety-five years for white LEDs to become commercially available for residential use in 2002, with initial costs ranging between £80 and £100 per bulb (The Lightbulb).

London leads the UK’s lighting market, holding a 20% share, while other regions each hold a 10% share (TechSci Research). Market experts forecast an annual growth rate of 1.6% for the LED lighting retail industry, expected to reach a value of £2.7 billion by 2027 (IBISWorld). The growing environmental consciousness and legislative measures to enhance energy efficiency drive the demand for energy-efficient light bulbs.

The European lighting market was valued at £15 billion in 2021, with projections indicating it will reach £28.6 billion by 2027. The UK ranks second among European countries in this market (iMarc Group). The increasing demand for LED-efficient lighting in commercial and residential spaces presents a lucrative opportunity for LED lighting manufacturers to push for high-grade products and increase market value (TechSci Research). 

Despite high household demand, the commercial sector holds the largest market share for lighting at 70%, followed by residential and street lighting. In 2018, the commercial lighting sector's market value was estimated at £1.82 billion (REOGMA). By 2025, LED light products are expected to grow by approximately 20%, increasing their market share to 70% in the UK due to the rising demand for energy-conserving light products (REOGMA).

Government legislation significantly impacts the demand for efficient lighting. The UK government implemented the Green Home Grant Scheme, encouraging residents to opt for LED lighting over conventional fixtures (Electrical Review). In 2012, the UK banned incandescent lightbulbs following the EU directive, which is projected to save the region £108 million between 2010 and 2020 (The Guardian). In 2021, the UK also started phasing out halogen bulbs to cut carbon emissions by 1.26 million tonnes annually (BBC).

Currently, LED lightbulbs account for two-thirds of the lights sold in England, and experts predict that LEDs will comprise 85% of all light bulbs sold by 2030 (BBC). Market surveys show that 25% of consumers seek online advice for purchasing energy-efficient lighting products, with half of them looking to replace conventional bulbs with LEDs (REOGMA).

LED lights, including LED fairy lights, consume up to 80% less energy than incandescent lights, making them a highly efficient option for energy-conscious consumers in the UK.

Benefits of LED Lighting

LED lighting offers numerous benefits, making it a superior choice for both residential and commercial use. Here are some key advantages:

Energy Efficiency: LEDs are extremely energy-efficient, using up to 80% less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs. This significant reduction in energy consumption translates to lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint (Energy Saving Trust).

Low Heat Emissions: Unlike incandescent bulbs, which waste 90% of their energy as heat, LEDs emit very little heat, making them safer and more efficient (Stouch Lighting).

Long Lifespan: LED bulbs have a much longer lifespan compared to other light bulbs. A 700-lumen LED bulb can last over 25,000 hours, while a similar incandescent bulb lasts only between 1,000 and 2,000 hours (The Light Bulb). This longevity reduces the need for frequent replacements, saving on maintenance and replacement costs.

Cost Savings: On average, lighting accounts for about 20% of a household’s energy bills. Switching to LEDs can lead to significant savings. For example, replacing a 50-watt halogen bulb with an LED equivalent can cut energy costs by £75 over the bulb’s lifetime (Energy Saving Trust).

Durability: LEDs are highly durable and resistant to shocks and vibrations, unlike incandescent bulbs, which have fragile filaments encased in glass (Stouch Lighting).  

Dimmer Compatibility: Many LED bulbs come with dimmer functions, offering a range of brightness levels without consuming extra energy. This feature enhances flexibility and control over lighting conditions (Stouch Lighting).

Innovative Technology: Modern LED bulbs are continuously improving in terms of lumen output efficiency. In 2010, LEDs had a lumen output of less than 75 lm/W. This figure grew to 107 lm/W in 2020 and is expected to reach 132 lm/W by 2025 and 142 lm/W by 2030, surpassing all other types of bulbs (International Energy Agency).

High Lumen Output: LED bulbs are highly efficient in converting energy into light. Approximately 70% of the energy used by LEDs is turned into light, compared to other bulbs that waste much of their energy as heat (The Light Bulb).

Environmental Impact: LEDs significantly reduce carbon emissions. The UK's initiative to phase out incandescent and halogen bulbs is expected to cut carbon emissions by 1.26 million tonnes annually (BBC).

Consumer Savings: If every UK household replaced their bulbs with LEDs, the savings on energy bills could be substantial. An average household could save around £40 a year on energy costs (Energy Saving Trust).

LED lighting represents a significant advancement in lighting technology, offering numerous benefits that make it an excellent choice for both residential and commercial applications. Its energy efficiency, long lifespan, cost savings, and environmental benefits position it as the lighting solution of the future. 

Learn more about the benefits of LED lighting here:

The Future of LED Lighting in England

The lighting market in England has experienced significant fluctuations over the years, but the future looks bright for LED technology. Here are some insights and updated statistics on how this industry is expected to evolve.

Industry experts forecast a 30% to 40% decrease in the price of LED light bulbs in the coming years. The phase-out of conventional light bulbs is anticipated to boost the demand for LEDs, driving substantial market growth once LED lights capture a 45% market share (REOGMA).

Technological advancements in energy efficiency are set to further increase the market share of LED lighting. Innovations such as occupancy-based LED lighting systems, which can save an average of 24% in lighting energy consumption, are leading the way (REOGMA).

The potential for growth in the LED lighting sector is immense. According to recent market research, the global LED lighting market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.4% from 2021 to 2028, reaching a market size of $127.84 billion by 2028 (Fortune Business Insights).

In the UK, the LED lighting market is expected to see significant growth due to increasing environmental awareness and supportive government policies. The UK government’s initiatives, such as the Green Home Grant Scheme, encourage the adoption of LED lighting, further propelling market growth (GOV.UK).

The lighting market faced setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic, including disruptions in the supply chain and the phasing out of conventional light bulbs. However, the recovery has been strong, with a renewed focus on energy-efficient solutions. By filling the gap with locally manufactured, high-quality LED bulbs, lighting manufacturers can meet the rising demand and promote sustainable practices.

Market surveys indicate a growing consumer preference for energy-efficient lighting. A 2022 survey found that 70% of UK consumers prioritise energy efficiency when purchasing light bulbs, a significant increase from previous years (Statista).

Manufacturers can capitalise on this trend by offering economical LED solutions that cater to the needs of environmentally conscious consumers. The increased adoption of smart lighting systems, which allow users to control lighting through mobile apps and voice commands, is also expected to drive the growth of the LED market.

Overall, the future of LED lighting in England is promising, with significant advancements in technology, supportive government policies, and a growing consumer base eager to embrace energy-efficient solutions. As the market continues to evolve, LED lighting will play a crucial role in shaping a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.

Conclusion

The journey of LED lighting in England reflects a broader global trend towards energy efficiency, sustainability, and technological innovation. From its early beginnings to its current widespread adoption, LED technology has revolutionised the way we illuminate our homes and commercial spaces. The data and trends highlighted in this blog underscore the numerous benefits of LED lighting, including significant energy savings, reduced carbon emissions, and long-term cost-effectiveness.

The LED lighting market in England has shown remarkable resilience and potential for growth, even amid challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and market fluctuations. With government initiatives and increasing consumer awareness driving demand, the future of LED lighting looks bright. The expected decrease in LED prices and continuous technological advancements will further solidify LEDs as the lighting solution of choice.

As we look ahead, it is clear that LED lighting will continue to play a pivotal role in creating a more sustainable and energy-efficient future for England and beyond. Manufacturers and consumers alike are poised to benefit from the ongoing evolution of this innovative technology. By embracing LED lighting, we can contribute to a greener planet while enjoying the practical benefits of improved energy efficiency and reduced costs.

With the support of leading electrical suppliers like Meteor Electrical, the transition to LED lighting is more accessible than ever. Whether for residential or commercial use, LEDs offer a compelling combination of performance, efficiency, and sustainability that is hard to match. As the market grows and evolves, so too will the opportunities to harness the full potential of LED lighting in creating brighter, more sustainable environments.

Check out the key LED lighting statistics in Ireland here!  We also have statistics on Scotland.