GE Lighting, now a part of Savant, has unveiled a new range of LED retrofit lamps that offer superior performance compared to many other solid-state lighting (SSL) products. These new lamps, marketed under the GE Sun Filled brand, are designed to deliver high-quality lighting, with a focus on improved color rendition. Currently, the lamps are available in two options: a 60W-equivalent A21 lamp providing 800 lumens and a 65W-equivalent BR30 reflector lamp delivering 700 lumens. What sets these lamps apart is their 97 CRI (Color Rendering Index), which provides near-perfect color accuracy, significantly better than most LED replacement lamps on the market.
One standout feature of these new lamps is the elimination of the blue peak typically seen in the spectral power distribution (SPD) of most SSL products. Most LED lights rely on a 450-nanometer blue pump, which creates a noticeable energy peak. However, this blue peak is absent in natural sunlight and traditional incandescent bulbs. GE Lighting has addressed this by removing the blue peak, a significant advancement in lighting technology.
The technology behind these lamps traces back to Seoul Semiconductor’s SunLike LEDs, which were first introduced in 2017. Unlike conventional LEDs that use a blue pump, SunLike LEDs are based on a violet pump, combined with a unique three-phosphor mix originally developed by Toshiba Materials. This results in a more uniform SPD, providing a smoother and more natural lighting experience. Additionally, the enhanced phosphor mix allows these lamps to render red tones more accurately, with an R9 CRI value above 80, which is a marked improvement over standard LED lamps.
Another key benefit is the potential impact on sleep quality. Blue light has long been linked to sleep disruption, as it can suppress melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. While the peak sensitivity for circadian disruption is now believed to be around 480 nanometers, the elimination of the 450-nanometer blue peak in these lamps can still reduce sleep interference to some degree.
In terms of practical use, these lamps offer a noticeable upgrade in light quality, especially for home environments. The enhanced color rendering and reduced blue light make them ideal for residential settings, where people often seek comfortable and natural lighting. However, this premium quality comes at a slightly higher cost, with prices for the retrofit lamps expected to be around $15. They are available in both 5000K daylight and 2700K soft-white color temperatures, giving consumers options for different lighting preferences.
Currently, the lamps are available in select Lowe’s stores in California and Nevada, and can also be purchased on Amazon. GE Lighting’s reputation for quality lighting solutions continues with these products, following a long tradition of offering both mainstream and premium lighting options. Back in 2013, for example, GE Lighting introduced the Reveal line of BR30 and A-lamps, which offered 90 CRI, marking the brand’s commitment to high-performance lighting.
Since Savant’s acquisition of GE Lighting, the company has maintained a balance between honoring GE’s legacy and moving forward with new innovations. Savant has embraced the intellectual property acquired from GE while also rebranding some of its connected lighting products, such as transitioning from the C by GE brand to Savant’s Cync brand earlier this year.
In summary, GE’s Sun Filled LED retrofit lamps offer a significant leap forward in lighting technology, delivering exceptional color accuracy and reducing blue light exposure. These lamps are a premium choice for consumers looking to improve the lighting in their homes, even if it comes at a slightly higher price.