LED Panel | Pros and Cons of Edge-Lit and Back-Lit
July 02, 2024
The LED pane is commonly available on the market. Based on its structural principle, these lights can be divided into two types: edge-lit and back-lit. Both work on the same principle: to produce luminous lighting by driving the power supply through voltage and current to the LED chips. They differ in their product structure, light form, and luminous principle.
The edge-lit LED panel has a luminous structure, as shown in Figure 1. The LED chip emits light that enters the LGP from the side and is then released onto the panel's surface through the LGP.
Figure 1
The edge-lit LED panel has several advantages (pros) in this way:
1. The panel's height can be made smaller for a thinner look and lower packaging and transportation costs.
2. The LED chip is located close to the aluminium frame of the panel. The heat generated by the chips can easily reach the front of the panel through the outer frame. The heat dissipation rate will be faster in areas with better air circulation.
3. The panel will be robust because of the inclusion of a light guide panel (LGP). The LGP supports the outer frame of the panel light, making the entire panel more structurally stable.
However, relatively speaking, there are some cons:
1. The energy efficiency is relatively low. By placing the LED around the LGP and guiding the light downward, the export efficiency is lower than the straight-down type, resulting in the overall energy efficiency not being high.
2. The price of an important part of the LGP is high, increasing costs. According to the different lumen requirements of the LED panel, different LGPs need to be configured, and the quality requirements are high.
3. The reliability performance is below expectations. Because of the LGP, reflective ink and reflective film in the side luminous panel lights are always at a relatively high temperature. Panels are easy to age and turn yellow, reducing the light output and greatly reducing their life.
For the backlit LED panel, the luminous structure is like the one below (Figure 2). The light emitted by the LED chip is emitted directly down through the astigmatism of a diffuser plate.
Figure 2
Backlit panel light has greater pros:
1. High energy efficiency. The light emitted by the LED chips is directly irradiated through the diffusion plate, improving the luminaire system's energy efficiency.
2. Reduced Costs: The LGP has been cancelled, resulting in a decrease in the panel's overall cost.
3. The interior space is spacious, and the design offers greater flexibility.
4. The weight of the back-lit panel is lighter, and fewer materials can improve the production capacity.
And it also has several cons:
1. The diffusion plate should not be too close to the LED chips to ensure uniformity and avoid glare. If it is too close, a luminous point may be visible on the surface. Consequently, the height of the entire panel light should be high, increasing the thickness of the panel light.
2. The backlit model has a relatively large gap between the diffusion plate and the back cover. The panel body is mainly supported by the corners of the frame, making it less stable than the edge-lit panel light. The diffusion plate and the back cover are not strong enough to withstand any extrusion, and the panel may get damaged easily during transportation if compressed.
Summary
Both edge-lit and back-lit panel lights have their advantages and disadvantages. The type you choose should be based on your practical needs to ensure you select the most suitable model. There are many excellent and professional LED panel China manufacturers. We encourage you to communicate and consult with us regularly. By sharing knowledge and resources, we can work together to develop better products for consumers.