A Little Light Conversation (Bulbs, Dimmers and Solar LEDs)

The Energy Information Administration estimates that about a fifth of the electricity used by homes and commercial businesses in 2011 was for lighting—461 billion kWh! That’s about 12% of total U.S. electricity consumption…for lighting. In 2013, the Energy Independence and Security Act established efficiency standards for light bulbs, which effectively phased out 100 W incandescent bulbs in 2012, 75-W incandescents in 2013, and 40- and 60-watt in 2014. With these bulbs, less than 5% of the electricity used is converted to light, the rest is converted to heat. Newer and far more efficient bulbs are now available in a wide range of technologies, colors, shape, brightness, lifespan and cost. But, it is a baffling new world out there for the consumer. At our February meeting, with a focus on the average residential consumer, we’ll present a lineup of speakers to shed light (oh had to do it) on bulb technologies, lighting controls and even solar LEDs.

Phil Jones of EMS Environmental will open our meeting with a brief historical perspective to put current lighting technology in context and then walk us through lamp technologies (incandescent, fluorescent, CFLs, halogen and LEDs) and their pros and cons. He’ll explain the keys to lighting efficiency–inherent efficiency, operating level and duration. He’ll also address design opportunities and considerations for getting the most from these new technologies while saving energy.

Jason Jennings, Chris Salvestrini and Amy Miller of Lutron (a world leader in lighting controls, with headquarters right here in the Lehigh Valley) will present the Benefits of Lighting Control. Topics will include Why dim? Methods of lighting control (switching vs. dimming vs. sensing), lighting control challenges (different types of light sources) and applications of lighting control (implementing lighting control in the home). Lutron reports its lighting controls have reduced electricity use by more than 9 billion kWh!

Don Brown, Illuminations Inc., will present a case study of a project recently completed at Kutztown University that uses solar LED lighting for a remote commuter parking lot. He’ll show the installation and discuss advantages of using solar and LED fixtures. If you’d like to see the installation, it’s parking lot (B2) on North Campus Drive, next to the athletic fields. From Rt 222, turn Luckenbill Road then right onto North Campus Dr. Here’s a campus map.

All presenters will be bringing examples to demonstrate their talk, including bulbs, controls and fixtures. So gather your questions and please join us Tuesday, February 26 for a little light conversation!

After the meeting, plan to stick around and chat with friends old and new. We’re also interested in your ideas for MAREA speakers, activities and services. Light snacks will be served. Hope to see you there. For questions, contact Vera Cole,[masked] or [masked].

Presenters

Phil Jones directs the Green Business Solutions division at EMS Environmental, Inc., which helps clients reduce their energy and environmental footprints through energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy production. He has over 25 years experience analyzing processes, energy and resource-use for a variety of industries. Phil serves on the boards of the Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Association and Lehigh Valley Green Builders Forum. Phil is a LEED-AP and BPI certified Building Analyst.

Don Brown is Specification Sales for Illuminations Inc. Illuminations is a manufacturer’s representative for architectural and commercial lighting fixtures and lighting controls. He has been in the electrical and lighting industry for over 35 years with extensive experience in exterior lighting. Don has followed the use of LEDs as a light source and sold led fixtures for seven years embracing the technology, photometric performance and energy savings it uses provide.

Jason Jennings has worked at Lutron for the last 9 years. He is currently an Engineering Project Leader and has worked on controls for CFLs and LEDs for the past 3 years. Chris Salvestrini has worked at Lutron for the last 15 years. He is currently a Design and Development Leader and has worked on controls for CFLs and LEDs for the past 5 years. Amy Miller is a Project Electrical Engineer on sensors and has worked at Lutron for the last 8 months.

FIRST TIME? You’ll find map and detailed directions here. (Scroll to bottom for map of TEKPark.) And there’ll be signs at the facility. If you need help night of the event, call[masked]-7908. Look forward to meeting you!