In the past, solid-state lighting had limited applications. However, as of 2010, solid-state lights have significantly increased their practical applications. Solid-state lighting can be found in exit signs, traffic lights and flashlights. The market even offers clustered LEDs that are engineered to fit in standard incandescent light bulb sockets.
Solid-state lighting is more energy efficient than other types of lighting available to consumers. It requires a very minimal amount of energy to run solid-state lighting. Much of the energy used to power other types of light bulbs is given off as heat. Unlike other light bulbs, solid-state lights produce a negligible amount of heat; they are relatively cool to the touch.
Solid-state lighting utilizes semiconductors to convert electricity into visible light. Filaments can easily break, since LEDs have no filament, they are more durable and less likely to break from vibration or jarring. According to the Lighting Research Center, solid-state light bulbs are designed to last for well over 50,000 hours, which is longer than any other type of light bulb on the market.