2026 Panel Light Purchase Experience Sharing

I. What is a panel light?
II. What are the characteristics of a panel light?
III. How to choose a panel light?
IV. Recommended practical models
V. Conclusion

I. What Is a Panel Light?

A panel light, also known as a flat panel light, is widely used in residential spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, and hallways—such as kitchen-bath lights and integrated ceiling lights. It is also commonly applied in offices, malls, and other commercial areas.

Working Principle: Initially, LED was primarily used as backlighting for displays, later evolving into dedicated lighting fixtures. The earliest panel lights adopted the LED backlighting principle: LED light sources at the back emit light that passes through a diffuser plate for direct downward projection (direct-type panel lights). Another type uses side-emitting light guide technology, where LED sources are positioned around the fixture, and light is projected frontward through a light guide plate and reflector plate (side-emitting panel lights).

Common light sources for panel lights include LED and fluorescent tubes, with LED being the most popular choice today.

II. Characteristics of Panel Lights

Shapes and Sizes

Shapes: Round, square, rectangular, and special-shaped (e.g., leaf-shaped, diamond-shaped). Square and rectangular types are the most common.
Standard sizes:
- Square: 1ft×1ft, 2ft×2ft
- Rectangular: 1ft×4ft, 2ft×4ft, 1ft×2ft
- Custom sizes are available upon request, though minimum order quantities may apply.

Light Source (LED)
LED panel lights inherit the advantages of LED lighting: long lifespan, high luminous efficiency, low power consumption, energy saving, and environmental friendliness. Additionally, they feature unique benefits: large light-emitting surface, space-saving design, uniform illumination, sleek appearance, and easy maintenance—making them ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, offices, etc.

Key Structural Components

Aluminum frame: Excellent heat dissipation, premium texture, and aesthetic design.
Light source: Mostly SMD LED beads (common specifications: 3528 and 5050).
Light guide plate: Converts point-source LED light into uniform illumination through optical design.
Diffuser plate: Made of acrylic, PC, etc., to evenly distribute light from the light guide plate.
Reflector plate: Reflects backlight to enhance light efficiency.
Other components: Rear cover (for sealing and heat dissipation), driver power supply (constant current or constant voltage-constant current; constant current sources offer better cost-performance, while constant voltage-constant current sources ensure stability but lower efficiency), and installation parts (wires, brackets, screws) supporting surface-mounted, recessed, or suspended installation.

III. How to Select Panel Lights

Appearance
Choose based on shape (square, rectangular, round, or special-shaped) and style to match your decor. For example, leaf-shaped or diamond-shaped panels add a decorative touch.

Size and Power

Common sizes: 7-inch, 9-inch, 12-inch, or denoted by two dimensions (e.g., 1ft×1ft, 1ft×2ft).
Reference:
- 1ft×1ft (10W): Suitable for 3–8 m² rooms.
- 1ft×2ft (18W): Suitable for 6–12 m² rooms.
  Note: Actual coverage and power may vary by manufacturer due to light source, optical design, and structure.

Optical Performance

Key indicators for daily use (white light): luminous intensity, luminous flux, color rendering index (CRI), and color temperature.
Color temperature: Cold light (5000K+) is preferred for kitchens, bathrooms, and offices requiring high brightness, though a full range of color temperatures is available.

Light Emission Types

Direct-type panel lights: Thicker, use diffuser plates for uniform, high-brightness output.
Side-emitting panel lights: Thinner, rely on light guide plates for uniform light, with lower brightness and higher process requirements.

Heat Dissipation and Structure
LED is highly heat-sensitive, so PN junction temperature and overall heat dissipation are critical. Opt for fixtures with aluminum frames and efficient heat dissipation designs (e.g., high thermal conductivity materials). Poor heat dissipation reduces brightness, accelerates light decay, and shortens lifespan.

Electrical Performance

Driver power: Prioritize high-efficiency constant current drivers with low ripple current and high power factor (PF) for energy saving.
Power selection: Match room size, fixture size, and required brightness.

Materials

Frame: Choose high-strength materials like aluminum alloy, PC, or steel for durability.
Diffuser plate: Opt for high-transmittance materials (e.g., acrylic with 92% transmittance, though slightly less weather-resistant) or PC/PS.

Installation Methods

Recessed installation: Aesthetically pleasing but slightly reduces brightness (common for integrated ceilings, installed with spring clips).
Surface-mounted/suspended installation: Maximizes brightness, suitable for traditional ceilings (may require cutting for recessed fit).

Quality Inspection

Visual checks: Fine workmanship often reflects overall quality.
Sealing: Tight seals prevent dust accumulation, easing maintenance.
Waterproofing: Essential for kitchens and bathrooms (even dry areas) to withstand humidity.

Certifications
Look for ETL/cETL/FCC/CE/RoHS certifications for safety and compliance.

Brands
Recommended brands: GE, Acuity Brands, OSRAM SYLVANIA, Cree Lighting, Panasonic, JCLGL, Philips, etc.
Highlight: JCLGL offers high-quality, cost-effective solutions.

IV. Practical Model Recommendations

[Insert table here with model names, specs, prices, and features]

V. Conclusion

Panel lights excel in areas requiring wide, uniform illumination—kitchens, bathrooms, offices, etc. For homes, they often integrate with kitchen/bath ceiling systems. When selecting:

Prioritize quality, size, color temperature, workmanship, installation type, and smart control compatibility.
Direct-type panels offer higher brightness, while side-emitting panels are thinner and more aesthetic.
Focus on light source quality, driver PF, efficiency, and heat dissipation for optimal performance and longevity.