Side-Lit vs Backlit LED Panel Lights: What’s the Difference (and why Backlit is Better)?

If you’re upgrading your facility’s lighting, you’ve probably come across two main types of LED panel lights: Side-Lit and Backlit. Both are popular lighting options in commercial and industrial lighting, but understanding their differences can aid you in making the right choice for long-term performance, maintenance, and energy savings for your own property.

Here’s a breakdown of how they compare, and why Backlit LED panel lights are often the smarter investment.

Comparing Backlit and Side-Lit LED Panel Lights

Feature	Side-Lit LED Panel	Backlit LED Panel
Light Source Position	LED chips are positioned along the edges, shining light through a light guide plate (LGP).	LED chips are placed directly behind the diffuser for stronger, direct illumination.
Brightness & Efficiency	Slightly lower efficiency due to light refraction in the LGP.	Higher luminous efficacy with minimal light loss, delivering stronger brightness per watt.
Installation & Maintenance	More delicate internal structure, requiring careful handling.	Easier to install and service, with no light guide plate to replace.
Cost Efficiency	Higher production cost due to complex LGP design.	More affordable without sacrificing performance.
Light Uniformity	Softer diffusion, sometimes less consistent in brightness.	Uniform, bright illumination, suitable for large areas like warehouses, offices, and schools.
Lifespan & Durability	Shorter lifespan and higher risk of yellowing and darkening over time.	Longer lifespan due to better heat dissipation and simpler structure.

Why are Backlit LED Panel Lights Better?

For facility and property managers, lighting isn’t just about brightness, but also about efficiency, reliability, and long-term savings. As such, Backlit LED panel lights will often outperform Side-Lit models in the following key areas:

✅Higher energy efficiency: Backlit panels deliver stronger illumination using fewer watts, lowering energy costs.

✅Simpler maintenance: Without an internal light guide plate, servicing and replacements are easier and more cost-effective.

✅Enhanced durability: Built with better heat dissipation and solid housing, making them ideal for continuous commercial use.

✅Greater cost savings: Their efficiency and lifespan reduce long-term operational and replacement costs.

💡Upgrade to LED with BRITE and Save More Today!

At Brite, our mission is to deliver lighting that combines performance, reliability, and energy efficiency, while achieving sustainability goals and minimising costs. That is why our Brite Backlit LED Panel Lights are optimised to deliver maximum brightness with lower energy usage, helping commercial and industrial spaces save on costs while reducing their environmental impact.

Contact our in-house lighting professionals today to learn more about our LED panel solutions, and let's upgrade your facility with lighting that’s built to last and perform.

Click here to contact us

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