All You Need to Know About Edge lit vs Direct lit LED Panel Light

Table of Contents

Introduction

Both backlit and edge-lit LED flat panel lights are increasingly favored for commercial and office settings due to their modern technology that allows for ultra-thin designs. These innovations offer flexibility in how spaces are illuminated. But what distinguishes edge-lit from backlit LED panels, and what are the pros and cons of each type? Some brief comparisons are as follows:

Edge-Lit Panels: LEDs are placed on the sides of the panel to allow for a thinner profile. This type of flat-panel LED light is more expensive comparing with the back-lit LED panel lights.

Back-Lit Panels: In this type of LED flat panel light, the LEDs are placed at the back of the frame rather than at the edge. This enables the LEDs to shine directly through the diffuser. Back-lit panels can be less expensive than edge-lit panels–another reason why they have become so popular.

 Let’s explore these differences between edge-lit vs direct-lit LED panel lights detailed step by step below.

Different Structures

The initial models of LED panels were edge-lit, where the light is emitted from the sides of the panel and then passes through a light guide panel (LGP) before being refracted downwards into the room. Although this method is not the most efficient way to distribute light, it is cost-effective to manufacture and transport. The primary advantage of edge-lit LED flat panel lights lies in their slim profile, which enables versatile mounting options, including under cabinets or on concrete ceilings.

LED Edge Lit Panel Light

Structure of Edge lit LED panel light

Edge Lit LED Panel Light Dimmensions

In contrast, backlit LED panel lights have the light source positioned at the back of the panel, necessitating some space between the light source and the panel itself to achieve uniform brightness across the panel’s surface. Consequently, backlit panels tend to be thicker than their edge-lit counterparts, with current technology allowing for a thickness of 35mm or less.

LED Back Lit Panel Light

Direct lit LED Panel Light Structure

Direct lit Panel Dimmensions

Luminous Output

Backlit LED panel lights are consistently more efficient than edge-lit models. In edge-lit fixtures, the light from the LED chips must traverse the entire volume of the diffusing panel. Conversely, in backlit panels, the light from a matrix of LED chips only needs to pass through the thickness of the diffuser material. This results in lower light losses within the fixture and, consequently, a higher delivered lumen output.

Direct Lit LED panel light strip

Another reason many people favor edge-lit flat panel lights is their ability to redirect light effectively. This type of dispersion creates an extremely even, “shadowless” light that is highly valued. In many office settings and other commercial spaces, edge-lit panels provide the ideal lighting solution. They ensure even illumination across the room, lighting up work surfaces uniformly and minimizing dark shadows that can obscure visibility.

Edge lit LED panel light strip

The Size of Edge-lit vs direct-lit LED Panel Lights

Both Edge-lit and direct-lit LED Panel Lights come in different sizes to allow for adaptable installation in ceiling grids:

Rectangle: 300×600mm
Rectangle: 300×1200mm
Rectangle: 600×1200mm
Square: 300×300mm
Square: 600×600mm/620×620mm

Edge-lit and direct-lit LED Panel Lights Size

Besides the above mentioned standard dimensions, edge-lit LED panel lights are more flexible with customized lighting designs to meet various applications. For example, round flat LED panel lights, triangle LED panel lights, and frameless LED panels are usually designed in edge-lit type LED panel lights.

Customized Lighting Designs Edge-lit LED Panel Lights

Optional Functions and Accessories of Edge-lit vs direct-lit LED Panel Light

Our Edge-lit and direct-lit LED Panel Lights both come with some additional functions for different applications. These additional functions such as tunable white, IP65 waterproof, additional emergency kits, etc, they available at your request according to specific projects.

Additional Functions and Accessories of Back Lit LED Panel Light

Additional Functions and Accessories of Edge Lit LED Panel Light

Installations of Edge-lit vs direct-lit LED Panel Light

Both the edge-lit and back-lit LED panels are suitable for flexible different installations such as ceiling recessed, suspension, ceiling mounted, clip-in, etc according your projects.

Installation of Edge-lit and direct-lit LED Panel Lights

Cost of Edge-lit vs direct-lit LED Panel Light

Two significant trends are currently shaping the LED panel light market. Firstly, the lumen output of LED panel lights is continually increasing, enhancing their brightness and appeal. Simultaneously, the unit cost of these lights is decreasing, with some panel lights now available at surprisingly low prices.

There’s a wide array of LED panel lights offered online at exceptionally low prices. However, when purchasing any type of LED luminaire, it’s essential to choose lighting suppliers with a solid reputation who can provide complete, certified photometric performance data for their fixtures. Often, inexpensive lighting fixtures are priced low for a reason. Some less reputable manufacturers may use cheap LED strips, assemble them into frames, and attach diffusers—a process contributing to the fierce competitiveness in the LED panel market.

Despite the availability of some fixtures without guaranteed build quality or performance, there remains a high demand for these products. Unfortunately, this often leads to buyer’s remorse later on.

When installed, direct-lit and edge-lit LED flat panel lights might appear similar. However, unmounted, the direct-lit panels reveal their light sources protruding from the back. These LEDs shine onto a diffusing medium at the front of the panel.

Given that many facilities are looking to replace older, bulkier ceiling troffers with thinner, more efficient LED flat panels, direct-lit LED panels increasingly seem like a better choice, especially from a cost-effectiveness standpoint.

Summary

When deciding between direct-lit and edge-lit LED flat panel lights, the best choice often depends on the specific needs of your application. Some offices or commercial buildings may favor the sleeker design and lighting effects provided by edge-lit panels. Conversely, other businesses may prioritize cost savings over design and find that direct-lit LED flat panel fixtures meet their needs just as effectively without the additional expense.

Direct Lit and Edge Lit LED Panel Light

Still unsure about which LED flat panel light to choose? Feel free to reach out to us directly. We’re here to assist you in selecting between edge-lit and direct-lit LED flat panels, or to provide any other guidance you might need to ensure you have the perfect lighting for your upcoming project. We’re eager to hear from you and help launch your project successfully!