Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been successfully used for many years in niche applications – such as traffic signals, exit signs, dashboard lights, etc. – but expansion into more traditional applications is a work in progress.
CEE is using a variety of mechanisms to help members monitor this technology and evaluate its readiness for efficiency programs in both the residential and the commercial sectors.
To support this ongoing work, CEE recently received a three-year grant from DOE to disseminate solid-state lighting (SSL) information to members and other key stakeholders.
CEE’s work with solid-state lighting comprises three main components: a “vision” for residential lighting, the solid-state lighting category of Lighting for Tomorrow and monitoring test procedure development.
CEE’s vision
CEE has engaged lighting manufacturers and retailers to work with the Residential Lighting Committee to develop a draft “vision” to guide members in program design and facilitate collaborative work through common goals. The vision encompasses the main three technologies that offer efficiency benefits to the residential sector: screw-based CFLs, pin-based CFL fixtures and LEDs.
The Lighting Committee work on the vision statement is the first time the group has considered these technologies, as well as other energy-saving options, comprehensively.
The draft vision is:
Reduce lighting energy use per square foot in the average U.S. residence by 50 percent by 2020 through ...
· Promotion of ENERGY STAR-qualified products
· Increased use of daylighting
· Promotion of enhanced lighting design
· Other approaches (to be determined)
The committee continues to fine-tune the vision statement through monthly meetings, and plans to develop a detailed list of program approaches to accompany it. The aim is to present a near-final version of the work outcome at CEE’s September Industry Partners Meeting.
Lighting for Tomorrow
CEE is addressing LEDs through the Lighting for Tomorrow competition. In this effort, CEE is working with DOE (represented by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) and the American Lighting Association (ALA) to build awareness and understanding in the market about potential residential applications for solid-state lighting (SSL).
For the 2007 competition, manufacturers are encouraged to submit SSL prototypes, with the winning entries promoted through press releases and media placements. Winning designs will be named at the ALA Annual Conference on Sept. 11.
In addition, CEE, ALA and PNNL will host a solid-state lighting workshop in conjunction with the ALA Conference. The objective is to educate ALA-member manufacturers and lighting showrooms about the technology. A similar event was held last fall.
Test procedures
Responding to one of the main challenges in the commercialization of SSL – there are not yet industry-accepted test procedures – CEE is monitoring efforts to develop these.
The work of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), among others, will be critical in providing a basis for comparison among products as the technology develops.
“Solid-state lighting is not quite ready for widespread program promotion,” said CEE Senior Program Manager Rebecca Foster, “but things are moving fast. Test procedures could be finalized by the end of this year, and there are ongoing discussions about the development of an ENERGY STAR specification for LEDs.
“We are keeping members informed about the latest developments and holding conference calls to exchange information. When the time is right to start thinking about program development, we want to be ready.”
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