News Updates for the Week of September 9

1.      Deadline for Commercial Energy Code Adoption Nears - According to a DOE mandate, all states are required to adopt a new commercial energy code that meets or exceeds ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2010 by Oct. 18, 2013. Many states have complied and the remaining ones will soon follow. The newest version of the landmark energy efficiency building standard was published in August 2010. When adopted and implemented by states, 90.1-2010 is estimated to result in an 18.2% savings in energy cost when compared to the 2007 version. http://www.iccsafe.org/gr/Pages/adoptions.aspx

2.      LED Lighting System Technology Trend & Market Forecast (2012~2020) - The LED lighting system market is expected to kick into high gear around 2013 and start to grow rapidly from 2015. In terms of revenue, the market is expected to reach $55 billion by 2020, from a mere $93 million (2012), with a high growth rate of 92.4 percent CAGR. For more information on this report: http://www.solarnenergy.com/include/inquiry/eng_solar.php?report_id=828

3.      Smart Lighting Market (2013 - 2018) - Smart lighting is an advance technology in lighting that makes use of intelligent lighting control systems to intelligently control light based on various parameters like occupancy, movement, color temperature, amount of natural/daylight etc. Market is growing at a phenomenal way and main drivers for this growth are energy efficiency, development in electronics and sensor technology, eradication of incandescent lamps, favorable government policies and evolution of novel wireless technology. LED-based products which are based on wireless technology are being launched at a large scale at present. http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/smart-lighting-market-985.html

4.      Global Solid State Lighting Market Worth $56.79 Billion by 2018 - The SSL Market by types includes Light emitting diodes (LED), Organic light emitting diodes (OLED) and Polymer based light emitting diodes (PLED). Global SSL Market is expected to reach $56.79billion by 2018, at an estimated CAGR of 18.7% from 2013 to 2018 with backlighting and general lighting application contributing to the global SSL applications market with a share of 87% in 2012 and is expected to record high growth in coming years. APAC is the leading region in the overall SSL Market with 50% of market share in 2012; followed by North America at 23.9% and Europe with 19.9%. http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/solid-state-lighting-market-1234.html

5.      Global LED Displays, Lighting and Fixtures Market (2011-2016) - The global LED market has witnessed rapid growth due to the demand for efficient displays, lighting, and fixtures along with the rising awareness levels about energy conservation. The major segments in the lighting market are general lighting, automotive lighting, signs and billboard lighting, with general lighting accounting for approximately 75% of the total lighting market. The construction of new green buildings as well as retrofitting the existing buildings in order to make them green is increasing the demand for energy-efficient lighting fixtures and, in turn, driving the lighting fixtures market. http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/led-displays-lighting-fixtures-market-516.html

6.      The Future of Commercial Efficiency Programs and LED Lighting - Dan Mellinger, PE, LC, Lighting Strategy Manager for Efficiency Vermont, recently published a whitepaper that discusses the future of commercial efficiency programs and LED lighting. It addresses the significant opportunity that remains, despite years of fluorescent upgrades and the importance of controls and design.  http://www.lightnowblog.com/2013/08/the-future-of-commercial-efficiency-programs-and-led-lighting

7.      Explore CLTC’s New Website - The CLTC site is now faster and easier to use, making it one of the best online resources for those engaged in lighting research, development and commercial innovation.  New features include responsive Web design, so whether you are checking events from your smart phone, reading a case study on your tablet, or watching a video on your laptop, content in automatically optimized for your device. http://cltc.ucdavis.edu/article/cltc-new-website

8.      DOE's SSL R&D Program - The U.S. DOE expects to issue a solid-state lighting R&D funding opportunity announcement (FOA) this fall covering all three focus areas: Core Technology Research, Product Development, and Manufacturing. www.ssl.energy.gov/projects.html

9.      Energy-Efficient Lighting for Commercial Markets - LED Lighting Adoption and Global Outlook for LED, Fluorescent, Halogen, and HID Lamps and Luminaires in Commercial Buildings: Market Analysis and Forecasts by Navigant Research. The market for commercial lighting is on the verge of a major transformation. Falling prices and improving quality for light-emitting diode (LED) lighting has begun to drive widespread adoption of this technology. The speed of this transformation promises to be faster than previous transformations to new lamp types, as this one technology appears likely to surpass all others in nearly every metric of quality and efficiency.

http://www.navigantresearch.com/research/energy-efficient-lighting-for-commercial-markets

 

10.  Intelligent Lighting Controls for Commercial Buildings - The market for lighting controls in commercial buildings has transformed dramatically in recent years. Demand for local controls such as occupancy sensors and photosensors, as well as networked controls, is on the rise as adoption rates of LED lighting begin to climb and controls technology improves and becomes less expensive. The traditional lighting companies have begun offering a complete range of lighting control products, from local sensors to building-wide software. Navigant Research forecasts that global revenue from networked lighting control equipment within commercial buildings will grow from $1.7 billion in 2013 to $5.3 billion in 2020. http://www.navigantresearch.com/research/intelligent-lighting-controls-for-commercial-buildings

11. UL LightSmart App - The LightSmart™ App from UL is a free app designed to help consumers transition their home lighting to energy efficient technology. Available for iPhone, iPad and Android™ users, the app allows users to Save, Find, Shop and Learn. Save by comparing ongoing operating costs of various replacement bulbs. Find the right amount of light, or lumens, and the right color for your home. Shop for new light fixtures and get expert advice from ALA showrooms. Learn about the regulations affecting the phase-out and availability of traditional incandescent light bulbs. http://www.ul.com/global/eng/pages/offerings/industries/lighting/index.jsp

12.  Consumer Reports CFLs vs. LEDs vs. Incandescents - CFLs and LEDs last much longer than incandescent bulbs. Consumer Reports tests both to see if they look as good and perform as well as traditional lightbulbs. Check out the video to see the results. http://www.consumerreports.org

13. DOE Issues Proposed Rule for Metal Halide Lamp Fixtures - DOE has committed to finalizing the proposed rule for metal halide lamp fixtures by January 2014 (two years late) and DOE and OIRA (Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs) will have to remain diligent to meet this deadline. http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/pdfs/mhlf_nopr_tsd.pdf

14.  Osram Says OLEDs Will Find Use in Production Autos by 2016 - With the Frankfurt International Motor Show on tap beginning September 12 in Frankfurt, Germany, Osram is planning to highlight the OLED technology that it has been pursuing specifically for automotive applications. The company now believes that OLEDs will be used in production vehicles by 2016 in rear-facing applications such as brake and tail lighting. http://ledsmagazine.com/news/10/9/2

15.  NGLIA Member Companies Are All Active in the Field of Solid State Lighting - According to the DOE, lighting accounts for 8% of all energy consumption in the USA and 22% of electricity nationwide. LEDs have the potential to reach 200 lm/W; if solid-state lighting replaced all existing lights, the DOE estimates customer savings of $115 billion by 2025. Any private, for profit firm substantially active in solid state lighting research, development, infrastructure, and manufacturing in the United States may be a participant in the Alliance. NEMA is responsible for carrying out the administrative and legal functions of the NGLIA. http://www.nglia.org/be-a-member.html

News Updates for the Week of March 19

1.      New Round of DOE Small-Business Funding Opportunities - The U.S. DOE Office of Science will sponsor another round (Phase 1, Release 3) of Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding opportunities. Topics for this final round of FY12 funding can be found at http://science.energy.gov/sbir and include solid-state lighting (topic 3a, page 3). The full funding opportunity announcement (FOA) is expected on April 3, with pre-applications due May 1. Details of this new process, along with eligibility requirements for U.S. small businesses, will be shared on a webinar on Monday, March 19, at 2:00 p.m. EDT. For more information on the SBIR/STTR webinar, visit the registration page.

2.      DOE Advanced Research Projects Agency Issues $150 Million Funding Opportunity - The U.S. DOE Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA-E) has announced a $150 million funding opportunity that may be of interest to the solid-state lighting community. Anticipated to be split up into anywhere from 60 to 80 awards of $250,000 to $10 million each, the funding opportunity is open to all transformational energy technologies. Notices of intent are due by March 30, and concept papers are due by April 12. PA-E's mission is to identify and fund research to translate science into breakthrough energy technologies that are too risky for the private sector and that, if successfully developed, will create the foundation for entirely new industries. For more information on solicitation number DE-FOA-0000670), visit https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov

3.      Webcast on L Prize^® PAR 38 Competition: A New Start - On Tuesday, March 27 at 1:00 p.m. EDT, the U.S. DOE will host a 60-minute live webcast on the newly reopened L Prize PAR 38 competition. Moderated by James Brodrick, DOE Lighting Program Manager, the webcast will feature a 30-minute presentation from Marc Ledbetter of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, followed by a 30-minute question-and-answer session with attendees. To register for the webcast: registration page To learn more about the L Prize PAR 38 Competition: http://www.lightingprize.org/

4.      Smart Lighting 2012 - This Research and Markets report provides an analysis of the worldwide smart lighting market and builds on NanoMarkets' extensive six-year experience of analyzing the solid-state lighting industry. The report shows how new value is being created in the lighting market by adding enhanced electronics and intelligent luminaires and how such product strategies will be able to build on the massive trend towards introducing CFLs, LEDs, OLEDs and other forms of energy efficient lighting. For more information please click on: http://www.researchandmarkets.com/product/b194b4/smart_lighting_2012

5.      Energy-Efficient Lighting Explained - Research and tips for businesses who want to take advantage of the existing policies and technology in the lighting industry to lower their energy use. Lighting is one of the most cost-effective energy efficiency investments. The Daily Energy Report and Real Energy Writers' "Energy Efficient Lighting Explained: A guide for business people who aren't lighting techies":  

• Educates you about your lighting technology options 
• Informs you about the political landscape and controversies surrounding lighting 
• Describes how you can take advantage of current lighting market conditions to cut costs and reduce your footprint.

     For more information: http://www.researchandmarkets.com/product/2b0893/energyefficient_lighting_explained  

6.      The Efficiency Boom: Cashing In on the Savings from Appliance Standards - Appliance, equipment, and lighting standards have been a cornerstone of U.S. energy policy since Congress enacted the first standards in the 1980s. They have significantly reduced U.S. energy consumption, providing large economic benefits for consumers and businesses. Taking into account products sold from the inception of each national standard through 2035, existing standards will net consumers and businesses more than $1.1 trillion in savings cumulatively. The ACEEE report finds that over the same period, cumulative energy savings will reach more than 200 quads, an amount equal to about two years of total U.S. energy consumption. http://www.aceee.org/research-report/a123

 

7.      Home Energy Efficiency Incentives Proposed - Several Congressional bills are in the works that address energy efficiency in the United States, but don't get your hopes up. About the only pending federal legislation that directly addresses tax credits for homeowners investing in energy efficiency upgrade is the Cut Energy Bills at Home Act.  According to the Alliance to Save Energy, the tax credit is based on annual predicted energy cost savings from heating, cooling, hot water and "permanent lighting" in a primary residence. For a minimum credit of $2,000, homes would need to reduce energy costs by 20 percent; for each additional 5 percent savings beyond that, the credit would be worth an additional $500. However the credit could not be greater than either $5,000 or 30 percent of the taxpayer's expenditures.  3/13 Earth Techling

8.      USGBC and Home Depot Launch New Database of Green Building Products - The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), in conjunction with The Home Depot, has launched an online green home products database. The database: www.leed.homedepot.com is a special microsite within www.homedepot.com that features products geared toward green home building, many of which may contribute towards earning LEED points and prerequisites for the LEED for Homes program, making it easier for homeowners and builders to find the products they need.  Currently, more than 2,500 products sold at The Home Depot are listed on the website.

9.      Switch Lighting Debuts 100-watt Replacement - SWITCH Lighting™ www.switchlightingco.com/  announced the launch of the SWITCH100, an A series 100 watt-equivalent LED replacement lamp for select commercial channels. Key features include:

• Lifespan of at least 25,000 hours 
• Uses 20 Watts of input power, and produces 1600 lumens 
• Color temperature of 4100K 
• Can be used in any fixture, recessed or fully enclosed 
• Can be used in any orientation, with no compromise to driver function or lumen output 
• It is dimmable and turns on instantly 3/13 BUSINESS WIRE

10.  Energy Efficiency Incentives Improved - The New York State Public Service Commission set new financial incentives that utilities would be able to receive as a way to encourage electric and natural gas utilities to continue to make investments in energy efficiency programs. The Commission set up incentive pools totaling $36 million for electric utilities and $14 million for gas utilities, totaled over a four-year incentive period. The Commission's decision may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission's Web site at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Number 07-M-0548 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number." 3/15 Post Star

11.  Rebate for CFL Bulbs Raised to $1.40 from $1 Each in Hawaii - The state's main energy efficiency program has boosted the instant rebate for CFLs to $1.40 from $1 for a limited time to encourage residents to replace their old incandescent bulbs. The program is funded mainly through a fee paid by electric utility customers. In addition to the CFL rebate, Hawaii Energy is funding a Blue Planet Foundation program that allows residents on Maui and Hawaii island to trade their incandescent bulbs for CFLs. 3/14 Star Advertiser

12.  GE Introduces Lumination LED Troffer - GE Lighting Solutions of East Cleveland, OH, has introduced its first commercial product in the Lumination brand line. It is a recessed LED troffer offered in 600x600-cm (2x2 ft) and 300x1200-cm (1x4 ft) versions with a panel thickness of only 14 mm (0.5 in). Both sizes are dimmable and offered in 3000K, 3500K and 4000K configurations. GE Lighting Solutions has stated that it expects to introduce more than ten new luminaires in the next year and a half including linear, suspended-fixture and surface-mounted troffers. http://www.ledsmagazine.com/news/9/3/13

13.  LEDucation 6 Is Expected to Draw More Than 1,200 Lighting and Design Professionals -LEDucation 6 will be held at the Hotel Pennsylvania on March 21st, 2012 in New York located between 32nd & 33rd Streets – across from Madison Square Garden.  Exhibit Hours have been extended and open at 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with LED presentations beginning at 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Online registration will remain open until Monday, March 19th at www.leducation.org

14.  March 27-29 for EE Global 2012 in Orlando - The SOLD OUT Solutions Showcase highlights the latest energy efficiency technologies, services and products from over 40 companies and organizations. Open all three days, you can walk the show floor and interact with global companies. http://www.eeglobalforum.org/

15.  March 30 is Deadline for NAED PAR Surveys - PAR provides members with an up-to-date picture of actual operations throughout the industry. Each year, industry statistics are compiled into a report from a confidential, financial performance survey administered by the Profit Planning Group - an independent third-party research provider. Participants have the option of receiving a personalized report comparing their operation with others of similar size and customer emphasis. Participate in NAED’s 2012 Performance Analysis Report survey before March 30. http://www.naed.org/PAR/

16.  Lighting Industry Launches Global Lighting Association - The global lighting industry has launched the Global Lighting Association, which is designed to be “the voice of the lighting industry on a global basis.” As a grouping of national and regional lighting associations, the Global Lighting Association represents over 5,000 lighting manufacturers and $50 billion annual sales. The primary mission of the Global Lighting Association is to share information. Originally founded in 2007 as the Global Lighting Forum, the new Global Lighting Association represents the same members, but with a renewed focus and a commitment to being active and influential participants in shaping how the world is illuminated. According to the Global Lighting Association, its priorities for 2012 include: energy efficiency, LED performance quality, and innovation. http://www.globallightingforum.org/

17.  LED Retrofit Kits for LED Troffers by Stan Walerczyk - The future of retrofitting recessed 2x4, 1x4 and 2x2 lensed and parabolic troffers will probably be LED kits, not LED T8s. Stan is helping develop specifications and pricing on LED kits and needs input from large end-customers, retrofit contractors, ESCOs, etc. regarding:

• Cost
• Wattage
• Lumens per watt
• Rated life
• Warranty
• Optional dimming
• Optional Kelvin changing
• Integral controls

If you are interested, contact Stan Walerczyk at stan@lightingwizards.com.

News Updates for the Week of November 29

1. Will ESL Light Bulbs Beat LEDs? - New York City-based Vu1 Corporation would like consumers to think so with the announcement that after years in the making, the company’s R30 Electron Stimulated Luminescence energy-efficient reflector light bulb —or ESL bulb for short — has been granted final UL approval and will become available to consumers in early 2011. And if all goes as planned, the ESL will prove to be a formidable contender to the two existing, not-entirely-perfect incandescent alternatives: the CFL and the LED. http://www.vu1corporation.com/eslupdate 11/22 Forbes

2. MIT Study Finds Great Potential Energy Savings Through User-Controlled Efficient Lighting Systems - MIT Media Lab are aiming to provide sophisticated and continuous lighting control that could slash lighting bills by more than half. The experimental control devices being tested are about the size of a business card, and thin enough to slip in a pocket. They monitor the light actually falling on the user’s working space, and contain light sensors as well as controls to adjust both the intensity and the color balance of the light. In the current test setup, this information is used to control an array of LED (light-emitting diode) light fixtures. The tiny controllers not only measure the intensity of the light falling on the workspace from the LEDs, but can identify how much light can come from different fixtures while also separately measuring any ambient light coming in from the windows or spillover light from neighboring work areas. 11/22 Balkans News

3. Light at Night: The Latest Science - A panel of leading experts was assembled to explore what today’s science can tell us about light at night. While it remains unproven that typical exposures to outdoor lighting have negative health impacts, this cannot be ruled out without more empirical data and a standard metric for quantifying the relevant light exposures. LED technology holds tremendous potential for energy savings, but it is not yet clear whether its spectral characteristics will offer advantages over other light sources in terms of vision and circadian regulation. http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/publications/pdfs/ssl/ssl_whitepaper_nov2010.pdf

4. Seeing Heat: Utility Generating Thermal Images of Homes from High Up - Cedar Falls, Idaho residents will now be able to look at a thermal image of their home from a comfortable seat at their home computer. It will be possible because of two men who crisscrossed the skies over Cedar Falls through the night, carefully photographing every building in the city with a thermal imaging camera. Cedar Falls Utilities took advantage of a federal stimulus grant program ($3 million for the equipment), to create the thermal images. Homeowners and businesses will be able to look at the results and determine heat loss coming from rooftops. 11/20 Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier

5. Automation Comes to LEED Green Building Program - The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), developers of the LEED green building program, has announced a new program designed to streamline and create capacity for the LEED building certification process. Called LEED Automation, the program enables users to submit documentation and certify LEED projects online through third-party technology platforms. http://www.usgbc.org/Docs/News/LEED%20Automation.pdf

6. UC Davis Turns On Smart Lighting to Save Energy, Be Model for Californians - The University of California, Davis, today turns on a new Smart Lighting Initiative to slash the amount of electricity it uses to illuminate its buildings and grounds. Working with the UC Davis California Lighting Technology Center, the UC Davis Facilities Management team already has installed lighting energy-saving projects including:
• LED overhead lights with two brightness levels, controlled by occupancy sensors, in campus parking structures;
• Bi-level induction lighting, also controlled by occupancy sensors, in campus parking lots and structures;
• Induction lights in streetlight fixtures on the north entry road (Howard Way);
• "Hybrid" bathroom lights that combine LED night lights with conventional lights and occupancy sensors in Emerson Hall and Webster Hall dormitories;
• Bi-level LED overhead lights in Bainer Hall corridors;
• Advanced compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) in Meyer Hall downlights;
• LED desk lamps and bi-level overhead lights controlled by occupancy sensors, daylight sensors and people in Mrak Hall offices; and
• A unique mirrored sunlighting device to bring daylight into interior rooms at the campus’s new winery, brewery and food-processing complex.

The UC Davis Smart Lighting program is expected to cost $39 million. The California Statewide Energy Partnership Program will fund $4 million of the total. The remaining $35 million will be paid for by energy savings of $3 million per year. 11/22 UC Davis News & Information

7. After EISA 2007 There's No Turning Back by Dan Carazo - Everyone of us who champions increased energy efficiency in America – and all its benefits – should lobby our U.S. Representative and U.S. Senator to declare January to be Energy Efficiency Month. A Republican president approved EISA 2007, and a Democratic president signed ARRA 2009, so regardless of our personal political viewpoint, the broad scope of Federal support for energy efficient solutions makes it clear that the current trend toward green electrical is sure to continue to spur further growth for many years. http://tedgreenroom.com

8. Feds Lowers Economic Expectations for 2011 - Top Federal Reserve officials expect the unemployment rate to remain around nine percent at the end of next year and eight percent at the end of 2012, according to internal forecasts that drove the central bank to take new efforts to boost the economy three weeks ago. The 18 top leaders of the central bank expect the U.S. economy to grow at a 3 to 3.6 percent pace next year. 11/23 Washington Post

9. October's Existing-Home Sales Decline - Following two consecutive months of increases, existing-home sales declined in October to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.43 million. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the 2.2% decline compared with September reflects an uneven recovery. 11/23 HCN

10. Acuity Brands Releases Series of LED Educational Videos - Acuity Brands, through its Lithonia Lighting unit, has announced the release of a series of five online instructional videos featuring insights designed to help answer the common questions about commercial ambient and other LED lighting design applications. http://www.lithonia.com/RTLED

11. Scientists Say They Have Solution to TSA Scanner Objections - A cheap and simple fix in the computer software of new airport scanners could silence the uproar from travelers who object to the so-called virtual strip search, according to a scientist who helped develop the program at one of the federal government's most prestigious institutes: the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California. The fix would distort the images captured on full-body scanners so they look like reflections in a fun-house mirror, but any potentially dangerous objects would be clearly revealed, 11/22 Washington Post