Coming Soon: A Brighter Way to Buy LED Lights

Studies show that using high quality light emitting diode (LED) lights can offer significant benefits.  In addition to energy savings, LED lights have been shown to last longer than incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, perform well at low temperatures, and require less maintenance.  And thanks to continued innovations on the part of manufacturers, these bulbs aren’t just for flashlights and exit signs anymore.  With the increase of new LED technology and unwavering emphasis on energy efficiency, these lights are being used in a variety of applications, from street lights to refrigerated cases.

But not all LEDs perform equally.  In fact, some tested in the recent Department of Energy’s CALiPER program (designed to evaluate LED products already on the market) do not meet the manufacturer’s energy efficiency and light output claims. In addition, they aren’t necessarily more efficient than conventional light sources in every case.   Well designed LED lighting can be highly efficient for many applications, but there are some situations where they are not the best choice.  And since they have historically been expensive, choosing the wrong one for a given application can be a costly mistake.

Given the newness of this technology and the many issues still to be resolved, purchasing LEDs may be a challenge. 

Emerging Technologies Sheds Light on LED Standards

Today, Emerging Technologies, together with utility energy efficiency program managers, is at work on a program that helps take the guess work out of LED purchases.   Working together, California’s three Investor Owned Utilities (IOUs) – Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas & Electric – are creating a program in which customers will receive rebates for choosing LED lights that meet stringent technical and energy efficiency criteria.

The IOUs are currently developing the standards and incentive levels, and the program is slated to be available in 2009. LED products that meet these technical and energy efficiency specifications – validated by third-party testing -- will be included in the rebate program.

The Emerging Technologies Coordinating Council continues to test and stay abreast of the latest innovations in LED technology, which is improving and becoming more economical daily. Some of the ETCC’s recent LED studies include tests for the following applications:

•    Task lights
•    Jewelry cases
•    Accent lighting
•    Street and area lights
•    Refrigerated cases
•    Under-cabinet  lighting
•    Cove lighting
•    Parking garages