Lidl's £17.99 LED panel costs under 1p per hour to run
Lidl's £17.99 LED panel costs under 1p per hour to run

Lidl is adding a new lighting solution to its Middle of Lidl aisle on Thursday, October 15. The LIVARNO LED Light Panel With Adjustable Colour is priced at £17.99, runs on batteries, and measures L42 x W42 x H2.9cm.

The panel uses 22W of power, costing roughly 0.58p per hour to operate continuously based on the current electricity price cap rate. Shoppers can check availability at their local branch on launch day via the Lidl website.

Energy price cap rise

Ofgem's most recent energy price cap rise took effect on October 1, pushing bills up by 4 per cent for a typical household using gas and electricity and paying by Direct Debit. The increase adds approximately £60 annually, lifting the typical yearly bill from £1,663 to £1,723. The independent energy regulator pointed to elevated wholesale gas prices connected to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Comparison with other retailers

The Lidl light could be seen as a budget-friendly alternative to the LAP Remote-Controlled Panel Light at Screwfix, retailing for £49.49. There is little difference visually, though Screwfix provides home delivery.

"The LAP square 600mm x 600mm LED remote-controlled panel light offers versatile and efficient illumination for various indoor settings," reads the product description on the Screwfix website. "This ceiling-mounted LED panel light provides flexible light from warm white for relaxation to neutral white for focused work, with intensity and colour temperature easily adjusted via the included remote control. Ideal for offices, workshops, or large domestic spaces, it delivers 5000 lumens of bright light with efficient 36W power consumption. The durable aluminium body and frame ensure longevity, offering up to 50,000 hours of life. Installation is straightforward with push-in terminals for a quick, tool-free setup."

For a more premium alternative, Tesco offers the Bastia Flush Ceiling Light for £105.95 with free delivery. It is a comparable size to the Lidl light, measuring 45 x 45 x 2.5cm, but lacks dimming functionality.

Delivery options

Tesco provides grocery home delivery, with charges and time slots depending on location and basket size; orders below £50 may attract a £5 minimum-basket fee. Screwfix offers next-day delivery, complimentary on orders of £50 or above and £5 for smaller purchases, while its app-based Sprint service costs £4.99 for qualifying items delivered in as little as 20 minutes.