Prices on the Rise for Fluorescent Lighting

A blow to non-LED lighting solutions in the market occurred recently when Sylvania, GE and Philips all announced that they were raising prices for their fluorescent lamp products, including CFL’s.  This is the second price increase in the past 3 months for these particular products.  This is due to the reduced amount of rare earth oxides that China is making available for export; a move that has led to the drastic rise in prices for these materials. 

Rare earth elements contain phosphors, which are substances that radiate visible light when energized.  An increase in global demand and restricted supply across multiple industries has been the cause for limited supply to the lighting industry itself; an industry which uses less than 10% of the Chinese export quota for these materials.  China’s economic growth is creating a greater need for them to use these rare metals for their own products. 

Overall, consumers can expect the price for all fluorescent bulbs to increase by 25% as of August 1, 2011.  These rare earth elements are also an important component of some incandescent and halogen products and will affect their pricing as well, raising them by as much as 10%. 

Consumers, however, should not worry about this price increase.  The need for fluorescent and incandescent bulbs has waned in recent years due to the emergence of LED technology.  LED bulbs are more cost effective and safer than common lighting solutions and do not utilize any of the phosphors or mercury that standard bulbs do.  A move towards energy efficiency has prompted companies to explore alternative means of lighting, thus making LED lights poised to take over the lighting market in the near future.

New Tek Partners is one such company that offers relief for those looking to part ways with their expensive and outdated lighting solutions.  With their cutting LED technology, New Tek Partners can offer lights that last up to 10 times longer, use less electricity and need to be changed less often than ordinary lighting solutions.  Whether you desire street lamps, tube lamps or simple LED bulbs for your home, New Tek Partners has a lighting solution to cover every need.