Cree launches another lower-cost LED

LED lighting company Cree has unveiled another new LED that it's touting as a cost breakthrough.

The new XLamp XT-E announced today by Durham-based Cree, like the XLamp XB-D announced last month, offers twice the amount of light for the same price as the prior generation of LEDs.

So what's the difference?

Lighting companies that want to pay less and get the same amount of light for their fixtures -- by using fewer LEDs -- should gravitate to the XB-D, said spokeswoman Michelle Murray. Those willing to pay the same amount for twice the light are more likely to go for the XT-E.

Size also is a difference. While the XB-D is a smaller LED than its predecessors, the XT-E is the same size and so can be easily incorporated into existing designs.

LED lights are a tiny but fast-growing segment of the lighting market. They cost more up-front but save money in the long run because they are more energy-efficient and last longer. In addition, Cree's new generation of LEDs is narrowing the gap in up-front costs.

The XT-E is available immediately.

Cree has about 2,000 workers in Durham and more than 5,800 worldwide. The company produces its own light fixtures as well as making components that other companies use in their lighting products.