How Many LED Panels per m2

LED panels are increasingly used for lighting in offices, schools, shops, and even homes. A common question is: how many LED panels do you need per square meter to optimally illuminate a space? In this blog, we provide a comprehensive answer.

Why Use LED Panels?

LED panels offer numerous advantages over traditional lighting. They are energy-efficient, durable, and provide even light distribution. Additionally, they have a long lifespan and contribute to a modern aesthetic. However, to fully benefit from these advantages, it is essential to use the right number of panels.

Factors That Determine the Number of LED Panels per m²

The number of LED panels needed per square meter depends on various factors:

• Light requirement per space: Workspaces such as offices require more light than a living room.

• Brightness of the panel: Measured in lumens (lm). The higher the lumen output, the fewer panels are needed.

• Ceiling height: Higher ceilings can lead to more light loss, requiring additional panels.

• Color temperature: Cooler white light (e.g., 5000K-6000K) may appear brighter than warmer white light (2700K-4000K).

• Room reflection: White walls and light floors reflect light better than dark surfaces.

Calculation Example: How Many LED Panels per m²?

To optimally illuminate a space, consider the lux value. Lux is the amount of light that falls on a surface and is measured in lumens per square meter (lm/m²).

Recommended lux values:

• Office space: 300-500 lux

• Retail space: 500-800 lux

• Workshop: 750-1000 lux

• Living room: 150-300 lux

Suppose you have a 20 m² office and want to achieve 400 lux. That means you need a total of 20 m² x 400 lux = 8000 lumens.

If you have LED panels of 40W with a light output of 4000 lumens per panel, then:

8000 lumens / 4000 lumens per panel = 2 panels needed for 20 m²

So per m², you need 0.1 panels, or 1 panel per 10 m². This number may vary depending on the factors mentioned earlier.

Ideal Placement of LED Panels

The placement of LED panels is just as important as the number. Here are some guidelines:

• Distribute the panels evenly across the ceiling to avoid shadow formation.

• For offices: place the panels directly above workstations for optimal lighting.

• For large spaces: combine LED panels with other light sources such as LED spotlights for additional illumination in darker corners.

• Avoid glare: use a dimmable driver or a panel with a lower UGR value (Unified Glare Rating) if necessary.