Imagine sticking a few dozen notebook computer displays up into the ceiling to replace the fluorescent tube bulbs that are already there, and you get an idea of how MaxLite’s Direct-Lit LED Flat Panels might look.

The panels (pictured) are designed to work within a typical drop ceiling, where they can be retrofitted to work with existing building controls, motion sensors, timers and daylight harvesting systems. MaxLite offers a five-year warranty on the technology, which is rated to last up to five hours. The lights are supposed to operate with a color rendering index of 85, and they come in warm white and cool white models (color temperature of 3500K or 5000K). They are approximately 35 percent more energy-efficient than the company’s existing edge-lit LED panel technology.

The Direct-Lit LED Flat Panels are available in three different sizes:

• 1 foot by 4 feet (45 watts)
  
• 2 feet by 2 feet (45 watts or 60 watts)
• 2 feet by 4 feet (60 watts)