Power consumption of LED panels: calculation and real savings
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The question comes up every time: is switching to LED panels really worth the investment? A data-driven answer, without rounding in the favorable direction.
How much does a 40W LED panel consume?
The basic calculation
Annual consumption (kWh) = Power (kW) × hours of use
For a 40W LED panel lit 8 hours/day, 250 working days:
- 40W = 0.04 kW
- 0.04 kW × 8h × 250 days = 80 kWh/year
- At the average commercial rate (€0.18/kWh including tax): €14.40/year per panel
For 10 or 20 panels
| Number of panels | Annual consumption | Annual cost (€0.18/kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 panels | 400 kWh | 72 € |
| 10 panels | 800 kWh | 144 € |
| 20 panels | 1,600 kWh | 288 € |
Comparison with fluorescent panels
2×36W fluorescent panel vs. 40W LED panel
| Parameter | 2×36W fluorescent panel | 40W LED panel |
|---|---|---|
| Actual power | 72W (+ ~10W ballast) | 40W |
| Annual consumption (8h/250 days) | 164 kWh | 80 kWh |
| Annual cost | 29,52 € | 14,40 € |
| Annual savings per panel | - | 15,12 € |
| Lifespan | 15,000 h (tubes to be replaced) | 50,000 h (without maintenance) |
For 20 panels: annual savings of €302 on the electricity bill, plus avoided maintenance costs (tubes, labor).
Return on investment
ROI calculation for 20 panels
- Investment cost: 20 × €89 = €1,780 (standard panels)
- Annual electricity savings: €302
- Maintenance savings: ~€100/year (tubes at €3 each, 2 replacements/year/panel)
- Total annual savings: ~€402
- Return on investment: 4.4 years
- 10-year savings: €4,020 - €1,780 = €2,240 net savings
FAQ
How much does a 40W LED panel consume per year?
A 40W LED panel lit for 8 hours a day, 250 days a year, consumes 80 kWh. At the average commercial electricity rate of €0.18/kWh, that is €14.40 per year per panel. For an open-plan office with 20 panels, the annual cost is €288. Replacing 20 72W fluorescent fixtures saves 58% on the lighting electricity bill.
What is the payback period for an LED panel?
When replacing a 72 W fluorescent panel with a 40 W LED panel priced at €89 (Sunshine Panel unit price), the return on investment is approximately 2 to 3 years, depending on the cost of electricity and the number of hours of use. Over 10 years (the lifespan of an LED panel), total electricity savings amount to €160 to €220 per panel, plus maintenance savings (no tubes to replace).
Does a decorative LED panel consume more than a standard panel?
No, the electricity consumption is identical (40 W for both models). Only the luminous flux differs (3,200 lm for the decorative model versus 4,000 lm for the standard model), due to partial absorption by the printed design. The consumption remains the same.
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