Once every two years the good folks over at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) put out an edge-of-your-seat, rollercoaster thrill ride with a succinct, gripping title:  “Energy Savings Forecast of Solid-State Lighting (SSL) in General Illumination Applications.” 

Okay, so the title is nowhere close to being succinct, and some of the jargon can be a little over the top.
The energy savings that are detailed in the report are nothing to joke about or take lightly (excuse the pun), however. In fact, the new report shows that energy savings will total approximately $630 billion over the next 20 years as the switch is made to solid-state lighting systems. That is no laughing matter!

To compile the new report, the DOE developed an innovative research model that is more accurate and complex than in previous years. Part of the reason the new research is more accurate is the technology has been in use for some years now, so the data is richer and has more depth. As a result, the new report has added granularity compared to previous years, an aspect which has given the DOE the ability to identify the usage scenarios and applications in which LED has the most impact.

If you were a little uncertain about what granularity means, don’t worry; you aren’t alone. Granularity basically refers to the level of detail in a report. Since the new DOE report has more granularity than it did in years past, it can now illuminate the impact of various types of lighting installations on energy savings.

Considering linear and low/high bay fixtures are the mainstay of most commercial lighting applications, the switch to LED technology in this area will result in the greatest energy savings over the next 20 years, according to the DOE report. Some of the most common uses for linear fixtures and low/high bay fixtures include retail settings, warehouses, large commercial buildings, gymnasiums and industrial facilities.

High bay fixtures are typically utilized in areas with extremely high ceilings, more than 25 feet or so. One of the most important things to consider when choosing a high bay light fixture is how well it illuminates not only the working floor but also the vertical surfaces.  This is essential in warehouses, where it is frequently necessary to identify and remove items off a shelf.

As the name indicates, low bay fixtures are commonly used in areas with lower ceilings. Since the workspace is smaller, a lower level of light is adequate. This is a product area where the implementation of LEDs has the potential to make a huge impact, not only in terms of cost savings but also for the simple pleasure of being able to avoid that annoying buzz produced by most fluorescents.

The second highest amount of energy savings will originate from residential applications, as homeowners choose LED A-lamps and directional lamps in favor of other sources. As the ‘A’ in the name refers to the shape of the bulb, these look like the standard image of a light bulb that is conjured in most peoples’ minds when they hear the words. 

The energy savings are far from conventional, however. A typical ENERGY STAR®-qualified nine watt omnidirectional A-lamp can deliver more than an 85 percent energy savings over its 25,000-hour lifetime, compared to a standard 60 watt incandescent.

With a wide variety of reflector designs, special finishes and housings available, it’s possible to customize a unique, tailored solution to accommodate even the most challenging business environment.  For a consultation about how the integration of LEDs can have a drastic, positive impact on your business, give me a call at (910) 742-7029, or send an email to [email protected].  You can also visit us online at www.WilmingtonWinlectric.com.    
 
Joe Marston is a seasoned entrepreneur and the president of Wilmington Winlectric, a leading distributor of lighting solutions and electrical supplies. Offering reliable guidance and trusted insights, Wilmington Winlectric serves clients in the industrial, commercial, and residential markets. Wilmington Winlectric is a locally-based provider of consultation services as well as lighting solutions, controls and electrical equipment. To find out how Wilmington Winlectric can benefit your business, call (910) 790-1909, email [email protected], or visit www.WilmingtonWinlectric.com.