This makes automotive led light panels inexpensive

Most automotive and inexpensive led lighting panel are based on the ballast resistor model. They work fine in automotive because the voltage variations are smaller than those found in the marine environment and also to the fact that most LEDs in the automotive world are used for turn signals or brake lights. These signals are not on for a long period of time so heat is not a problem. One can also use a resistor that will handle 14V while maintaining an acceptable current level for the LED generate enough light. This makes automotive led light panels inexpensive, but unsuitable for the marine environment.

Now that we know that a ballast resistor is not suitable for our environment, what do we do next? Let's start with what we have learned so far. We know that a resistor is a passive device that can't maintain an even current with a changing voltage. So, what are our other options?