
LED system performance is more affected by interactions between system components than most conventional lighting systems. The failure of any system component—not just the array of LED packages, but also the electronics, thermal management, optics, wires, connectors or seals, for example—can lead to product failure.
Lifetime and Reliability is the latest in DOE's growing library of SSL Technology Fact Sheets, which are available for free at www.ssl.energy.gov/factsheets.html.
long they last can be challenging. In response, the U.S. Department of Energy has come out with a new SSL Technology Fact Sheet, which are available for free at www.ssl.energy.gov/factsheets.html.
(Thanks to IES for the original post)