LED Panel Lights & Troffers
Easy-install LED alternatives to fluorescent fixtures. Modern LED panel lights & troffers cut energy costs, improve appearance, and reduce maintenance throughout your building.
Common Questions About LED Panel Lights and Troffers
What is an LED troffer light?
An LED troffer light is a rectangular or square light fixture that fits into a modular dropped ceiling grid . These luminaires, usually available as 2x4 LED troffer lights or 2x2 LED troffer lights to fit common grid spacings, are used predominantly in commercial and institutional environments, such as offices, schools, and hospitals, and are designed to replace traditional fluorescent troffers. Being LED, they offer increased energy efficiency, longer lifespans, and better lighting quality compared to their fluorescent counterparts.
What is the difference between panel lights and troffer lights?
The primary difference lies in their design and appearance:
Panel Lights: These are typically flat, edge-lit fixtures that provide a sleek and modern look. They emit light evenly across the surface, giving a contemporary aesthetic.
Troffer Lights: These are box-like fixtures recessed into the ceiling. While traditional troffers used fluorescent tubes, modern LED troffers are designed with integrated LEDs, providing a more unified light distribution.
How many Watts is an LED troffer light or panel light?
The wattage of an LED troffer light or LED panel light can vary based on its size and design. Typically, a 2x2 LED troffer might range between 20 to 50 Watts, while a 2x4 LED troffer could be between 30 to 75 Watts. Always check the product's specifications as power consumption can differ based on the components used and the light's intended brightness and efficiency.
What is a center basket LED troffer?
A center basket LED troffer has a unique design where the LEDs are housed in a "basket" or contoured diffuser in the center of the fixture. This design diffuses the light output, reducing glare and providing a more uniform light distribution. The basket design also adds an aesthetic touch, making the fixture more visually appealing.
Where to use LED panel or troffer lights?
LED troffer lights are ideal for indoor spaces requiring general ambient lighting. Common places include:
- Offices and conference rooms
- Schools and educational institutions
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Retail stores
- Libraries
- Corridors and hallways in commercial buildings
How to choose LED troffer or panel lights?
When choosing lights for your suspended ceiling grid or other typical troffer or panel light installation, consider the following:
Size: Ensure the light's size matches the ceiling grid. ELEDLights carries the most common sizes. If you have a unique grid size, reach out to us; we have access to the catalogs of most major lighting manufacturers and can provide you whatever you need, backed by the high level of customer service ELEDLights customers are used to.
Brightness: Determine the needed lumen output based on the space's size and intended use. If you're not sure what brightness would work best for your ceiling height, room size, and application, contact ELEDLights. Our team can calculate exactly what you'll need to complete a lighting upgrade you'll be pleased with.
Color Temperature: Choose a color temperature (measured in Kelvins) that suits the ambiance you desire—warm colors for cozy settings and cooler colors for work or task-oriented areas. Warm colors are denoted by lower Kelvin numbers, such as 2700K or 3000K. Neutral colors fall in the 4000K range. Cool colors are 5000K and up. If you don't see the color temperature you need, reach out to ELEDLights. We can source it!
Efficiency: Check the lumens per Watt to gauge energy efficiency. Here, higher numbers are better, if efficiency is the top priority for you. If color rendering is also an important consideration, keep in mind that you'll sacrifice some efficiency to get higher color rendering. Color rendering is denoted by the color rendering index (CRI) number of the light. If accuracy of color rendering is less important, you can go with 80 or under. If it is more important, you'll want to look above 80. If you're not sure what CRI you need, contact ELEDLights and tell us about your application.
Dimmability: If you want adjustable brightness, opt for a dimmable model. We also have "Control Ready" models that come with a plug-and-play port for the addition of sensors to allow for even greater control over your lighting.
Lifespan: Look for troffers with longer rated lifespans for reduced maintenance.
Warranty and Certifications: Ensure the product has a good warranty and necessary certifications (like DLC, UL, or Energy Star) to guarantee quality and safety. DLC listed troffers are also eligible for money-saving financial incentives offered by many utility companies.
Remember, consult with lighting professionals before you buy to ensure you're making the best choice for your specific needs. The lighting pros at ELEDLights are happy to provide consultation at no cost. Hit us up with your questions and needs!
LED Panels & Troffers Buyer's Guide
Everything you need to know about upgrading your ceiling lighting to high-efficiency LED panels and troffer fixtures.
What Are Troffer Lights?
Troffer lights are rectangular or square light fixtures designed to fit into drop ceilings (also called grid ceilings or T-grid systems). Traditionally, they've housed fluorescent tubes. But modern LED versions (either as full fixture replacements or retrofits) offer major improvements in energy efficiency, brightness, and reliability.
What's the Difference Between Troffer Lights and LED Panel Lights?
Though the terms are often used interchangeably, there are subtle distinctions:
Why Choose LED Panel or Troffer Lighting?
Upgrading from fluorescent lighting to LED panels or troffers means:
Energy Savings – Use up to 60% less power than fluorescents
Low Maintenance – No tubes or ballasts to replace
Long Lifespan – Most rated for 50,000+ hours
Better Light Quality – Instant-on, flicker-free, and high-CRI
Rebate Eligible – DLC-listed options often qualify for utility incentives
Types of LED Ceiling Panel Lights
In the world of commercial lighting, the ceiling is your canvas—and LED panel lights are the brushstrokes that transform spaces with clean, efficient brilliance. At ELEDLights, we offer the three dominant fixture types that fit every ceiling and design need, making upgrades seamless and stylish.
Recessed LED Troffers
These classic fixtures slide effortlessly into existing drop ceiling grids, reinventing the familiar fluorescent troffer with sleek LED efficiency. Available in standard sizes—1x4, 2x2, and 2x4 feet—they deliver uniform light and simple integration without disrupting your ceiling's rhythm.
Flat Panel Lights
Choose between edge-lit or backlit designs, each crafted for distinct light diffusion and aesthetics. These versatile panels can be recessed flush within the ceiling, mounted on surfaces for a modern profile, or suspended for architectural flair. Their slim silhouettes create a gentle, even glow that elevates workspaces and hospitality environments alike.
Edge-Lit Frame Lights
A sophisticated solution for spaces seeking a refined look with flexible installation. Edge-lit frame lights combine thin, illuminated frames with the option to insert custom ceiling tiles, blending function and form.
Panel Sizes: What to Choose
No matter the size of your ceiling grid, there is a light panel for the job:
Mounting Options
LED panels and troffers can be installed in several ways:
- Recessed into T-grid ceilings (standard)
- Surface-mounted with bracket kits
- Suspended from ceilings with cable kits
- Drywall ceiling installations using frame kits
If you're searching for a 2x4 LED flat panel light surface mount solution, we offer kits to convert any recessed panel into a surface install.
Edge-Lit vs. Backlit LED Panel Lights
Choosing between edge-lit and backlit largely depends on how you want the light to perform and what ceiling space allows. Let's break it down simply...
Edge-Lit Panels
- Ultra-thin profile (1/2 inch)
- Light dispersed from panel edges
- Sleek appearance
- Slightly higher cost per fixture
Back-Lit Panels
- Thicker profile (~1 inch)
- Light dispersed downward
- Lightweight, easy-install
- Lower cost (~30% savings)
Edge-Lit Frame Lights: A Premium Grid Ceiling Solution
If your project calls for top-tier performance and appearance, check out Edge-Lit Frame Panel Lights:
- Illuminates just the edges of the ceiling tile for a modern look
- Mounts easily in 2x4, 2x2, and 1x4 grid ceilings
- Compatible with 0–10V dimming systems
- Rated for damp locations like restrooms and locker rooms
- DLC Premium listed for max rebate eligibility
- Great for hotels, offices, retail, healthcare, and other professional interiors
Color Temperatures for LED Panels
From cozy, warm, inviting spaces to sterile, high-concentration environments, panel lights are versatile enough to meet the needs of them all – just choose the right color temperature (CCT).
💡 Many panels come with CCT selectable options, so you can decide during installation.
Real-World Use Case Study
Sensaphone Upgrades with LED Panels
When Sensaphone, a remote monitoring device company in Delaware County, PA, needed a lighting upgrade, they turned to ELEDLights. Their existing fluorescent lighting was outdated, incomplete, and expensive to maintain—some areas were even left in the dark.
We provided high-efficiency LED panel lights that dramatically improved light levels across their office, production space, and IT work areas. By taking advantage of the PECO Ways to Save rebate program, we helped Sensaphone save 54% on fixture costs—instantly.
ELEDLights also handled fluorescent tube recycling, ensuring safe & compliant disposal and a smooth transition to modern lighting.
With our help, they:
- Saved 54% on fixtures through utility rebates
- Improved brightness across production and IT spaces
- Recycled their old tubes through our safe disposal service
The result: A bright, modern workplace and long-term energy savings.
Looking to bring your own lighting up to today's standards? Our team can help you design a lighting upgrade and tap into rebates that make it more affordable than you'd think.
Are LED Panel Lights Dimmable?
Yes—most commercial-grade panels support 0–10V dimming, which is ideal for:
- Conference rooms
- Daylight-responsive areas
- Shared-use workspaces
- LEED or energy-optimized buildings
Rebates for LED Panels & Troffers
Most of our 1x4, 2x2, and 2x4 panels and troffers are DLC-qualified, making them eligible for instant or post-purchase rebates.
ELEDLights provides free rebate assistance, including paperwork processing and product matching.
Replace or Retrofit?
The Best Way to Give Your Drop Ceilings a Lighting Makeover
Since the 1950s, suspended ceilings—also known as drop ceilings or false ceilings—have been a mainstay in commercial buildings, offices, schools, and even basements. Their appeal is easy to understand: They reduce heating and cooling costs, improve acoustics, and provide quick access to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems above. But while the ceiling grid itself may not have changed much, the lighting options within it have evolved dramatically.
Today, LED technology lets you achieve cleaner aesthetics, higher color accuracy, and far greater energy efficiency—all within your existing ceiling system. Whether you're looking for a quick budget upgrade or a complete redesign, there are two main pathways for upgrading your drop ceiling lighting: retrofit your existing fixtures or replace them entirely.
Retrofitting: Converting Existing Fixtures to LED
If your current fixtures are still in good shape and well-placed, retrofitting can be a smart, cost-effective solution. There are two primary options here:
- LED Replacement Tubes
This is an affordable upgrade from fluorescent tubes. Plug-and-play or ballast-bypass LED tubes fit right into your existing fluorescent fixture. Ballast-bypass models are the most efficient and reliable choice, since they remove the ballast entirely, eliminating a common failure point and reducing energy draw. - LED Retrofit Strip Kits
These offer a faster install than tubes and greater long-term value. Instead of wiring multiple tombstones, you wire just one external driver, and the LED strips attach directly inside the housing. This setup allows for easy driver replacement down the line—extending the life of the fixture and reducing waste.
Replacing: All-New LED Fixtures for a Fresh Start
Want to update your layout, modernize your look, or just simplify your system? Installing new LED ceiling fixtures gives you more flexibility and ensures that everything will work well and look great for a long time to come.
Why Go with Full Fixtures?
- All New Build: If you have a new construction or gut renovation project going on, new LED fixtures are what you need!
- Redesign Your Layout: Modern LEDs are brighter, meaning fewer fixtures may be needed to provide the same amount of light to the space, potentially reducing energy costs.
- Dimming & Controls: All our suspended ceiling LED fixtures are dimmable, giving you more control over the light levels, and also offer a range of color temperature options to adjust according to the needs of the space.
- Sleek Design: Panel lights blend seamlessly with your ceiling, almost disappearing, and offer uniform illumination that transforms the look and feel of a space.
💡 Our team can provide a free lighting layout based on your space—so you know exactly how many fixtures you need and where to put them.
Panel Lights: The Go-To Choice for Ceiling Grid Makeovers
2x2 and 2x4 LED panels match standard grid ceiling sizes but offer a much sleeker look. The design provides even, shadow-free lighting, making a visible difference in how your space feels.
TIP: While it might be surprising, installing a new fixture can sometimes be easier than retrofitting. With fewer wiring steps than a ballast-bypass tube retrofit, replacements can reduce labor time and simplify the job.
Not sure which approach makes the most sense for your space?
Our team is here to help you find the best path to better lighting. Give us a call at (215) 355-7200 or email lights@eledlights.com to get started.
Unique Applications for LED Panels
While panels and troffers are typically used in grid ceilings, we've seen them used in many ways. These fixtures have been:
- Recessed into drywall bulkheads
- Mounted in corridors with low clearance
- Used to create wall wash effects
- Installed in locker rooms, restrooms, and labs using damp-rated models
Need something specific for a unique application? We've got you covered; our team is ready to source the right product for your job.
Get Help with Your Upgrade
Whether you're upgrading existing troffers, switching to flat panel lights, or looking for premium edge-lit frame lights, ELEDLights makes it easy.
- Expert lighting layouts
- Quantity pricing & fast shipping
- Rebate processing
- Lights for every ceiling type
Call: 215-355-7200
Text: 858-650-9400
Email: eledsalesteam@eledlights.com