Outdoor Lighting of Colorado's Blog » LEDs

Say Goodbye to 2011… – and Energy-Inefficient Incandescent Bulbs

outdoorlightingofcolorado — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 01:38:27 +0000

: Incandescent Light Bulbs Are Being Phased Out

Happy New Year from Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Colorado! As we bid the year 2011 goodbye, we can also do the same for the energy-inefficient incandescent light bulbs.

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 goes into effect on January 1, 2012, and the stated purpose of the act is “to move the United States toward greater energy independence and security, to increase the production of clean renewable fuels, to protect consumers, to increase the efficiency of products, buildings, and vehicles, to promote research on and deploy greenhouse gas capture and storage options, and to improve the energy performance of the Federal Government, and for other purposes.”

A popular misconception is that all incandescent light bulbs will be banned. The act will be phased in beginning in 2012 through 2014, and it will require a 25-percent increase in light bulb efficiency. In addition, various specialty bulbs such as appliance bulbs, colored lights, plant lights, and 3-way bulbs are exempt from these requirements. So too are incandescent bulbs currently less than 40 watts or more than 150 watts. Many manufacturers and stores still have 100W bulbs in stock – so it may take quite a while before these bulbs are no longer available.

The good news is that there are many new energy-efficient bulbs available including the “high-efficiency” incandescent bulbs (also called energy-efficient halogen bulbs), the compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs), and of course the Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs). LEDs are definitely the future in lighting, and their price is gradually decreasing as their quality continues to improve as well.

During the next month we plan to launch a second company that will meet the “eco” needs of homeowners and small business owners alike – including the demand for green products in the home and the workplace. So stay tuned and until then – Happy New Year!

Cody the Airedale Says That It’s Starting to Look a Lot Like Christmas

outdoorlightingofcolorado — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:57:23 +0000

: Cody – Santa Claus

With two snow storms during the last week, Cody the Airedale, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives’ (OLP) Director of Security and Fun, says that it’s starting to look a lot like Christmas. In fact, OLP and many other Colorado contractors have already started to install Christmas lights for homes, businesses and communities – in preparation for the lights to be turned on during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Is your home going to be ready for the holidays? OLP’s holiday lighting service includes the design, installation, take down and storage of dazzling holiday displays. In other words, your holiday lighting will magically appear year after year without you having to climb ladders ever again.

Along with a digital photo of your house, we can use our holiday lighting software to show you how your house will look after dark with the design in place.

OLP has the latest in LED technology including snowfall lights, LightLinks, wreaths and garland, mini-lights, C7s and C9s, and amazing 3D sculptures of all sizes. If you prefer the look of the traditional incandescent lighting, we can provide that as well.

If you are a do-it-yourselfer, we can also sell any of these products on a retail basis – and many of these products can be seen at our main office. A very important thing to assess at this time is whether your home or business has available and easily accessible outlets that have remaining capacity to handle the additional load of the holiday lighting.

If we can help you with any of your holiday lighting needs, please give us a call or send us an email.

How Do You Maintain a Solar Photovoltaic LED Lighting Installation?

outdoorlightingofcolorado — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 21:46:40 +0000

: Genesee Entrance Monument – Solar PV LED

Outdoor Lighting Perspective’s solar photovoltaic (PV) LED lighting system has been operational at the Village of Genesee’s entrance monument for two years now. A few weeks ago we completed the Year Two annual maintenance for the system – and it continues to illuminate the monument nightly with the free energy captured by the sun.

The solar PV LED system consists of the following: a 3.7W LED lighting fixture supported by a strut to provide downlighting (Genesee is dark-sky compliant); a solar mast that supports the 16- by 20-inch solar PV panel and equipment bay; the equipment bay contains the solar gel battery and system controller. Every solar PV LED lighting system should be checked and maintained on an annual basis, and this is especially true for a mountain installation where the site can experience very high wind loads.

To see some of the issues we faced at this year’s maintenance visit, please watch the video below:

As you could see in this video, we did have to replace the LED fixture on this visit because the electronics had become corroded due to moisture entering the fixture. We suspect that a seal had failed perhaps due to the buffeting by the high winds. The on-site checklist that we follow for this type of maintenance is shown below:

Confirm that the current levels of the solar array and load do not exceed the controller ratings.
Tighten all terminal connections. Inspect for loose, broken or burnt wire connections. Be certain that no loose strands of wire are touching other terminals.
Test that the LED fixture is working.
Inspect the equipment bay for signs of dirt, insects, moisture, and/or corrosion.
Ensure that the air flow around the controller is not blocked.
Check that the controller functions and LED indicators are correct for the system conditions at that time.
Clean the PV array and reconfirm that the array is oriented correctly.
Re-confirm that the correct battery type is indicated.
Check and re-tighten as needed the ground wires by the fixture as well as by the PV array.
Inspect and re-tighten as needed the mounting system for the fixture.
Re-touch paint as needed on the solar mast and equipment bay.

As with any type of lighting system, annual and preventive maintenance will ensure that the lights will be on when you need them.

Outdoor Lighting Product Highlights – 2011 Colorado Fall Home Show

outdoorlightingofcolorado — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 22:29:02 +0000

OLP of Colorado Exhibit

Just in case you missed the 2011 Colorado Fall Home Show, not to worry – I have included the highlights and a short video tour of Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Colorado’s exhibit including all of our new product introductions.

As an attention-getter, the new LED Snowfall lights were unequalled and they drew young and old alike.

LED Retrofit for Gas Lantern

The Solas Ray LED retrofit kit for gas and electric lanterns also drew a lot of interest as did the new Lighting Control Automation(TM) upgrade for internet-based lighting control with a SmartPhone or tablet.

For more information, please watch the short video tour below:

I hope that you enjoy the tour – and please contact us if you have any questions about these new products.

Come See Us at the 2011 Colorado Fall Home Show

outdoorlightingofcolorado — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 18:06:09 +0000

The 2011 Colorado Fall Home Show is the only home show that is being held through the end of this year – so please come on down and visit the Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Colorado exhibit (#514) at the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver. Discounted coupons for attending the show are available by clicking here.

SHOW DATES AND HOURS

Friday, September 9 (10:00 am to 8:00 pm)
Saturday, September 10 (10:00 am to 8:00 pm)
Sunday, September 11 (10:00 am to 5:00 pm)

LED Snowfall Lights

Our exhibit will be showcasing the latest in holiday and Christmas lighting products (LEDs, snowfall lighting, kinetic laser, garland, etc.); smart phone and internet-based Lighting Control Automation(TM); and the latest in LED and halogen landscape/architectural lighting. In addition, we will also have an LED fixture on display that simulates the look of a gas carriage lighting fixture.

We hope to see you at the show – please stop by and say hello.

GE Lighting Revolution Tour Is Coming to Denver

outdoorlightingofcolorado — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 00:34:02 +0000

The GE Lighting Revolution Tour is coming to Denver (Auraria Campus) on Wednesday, July 6th, 2011. As part of a 45-city tour throughout the U.S. and Canada, GE is showcasing the latest in lighting technology including LED, Ceramic Metal Halide, linear fluorescent, and compact fluorescent bulbs.

: BB07 Path Light Powered by GE Vio LEDs

On display in the GE exhibit is their Vio LED technology that powers Outdoor Lighting Perspectives’ (OLP) copper path lights (BB07s and BB07.5s) as well as the BB04 flood lights and BB08 deck lights. OLP’s BB07 path light uses two of the Vio 3.6W LEDs – and by far it is the brightest and truest color path light available today. In fact, GE had some of these OLP fixtures on display at their exhibit at last May’s Light Fair in Philadelphia.

: BB08 Deck Light Powered by GE Vio LED

The Vio LEDs are available with a (Color Rendering Index) CRI of 70 or 85 and at three different color temperatures (3000K, 3500K, and 4100K). The LEDs are rated to have a 70% lumen depreciation after 50,000 hours of operation – and are totally mercury free.

To see the truly amazing lighting effect with this new LED technology, plan to visit the GE exhibit when it comes to Denver or contact Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Colorado for a complimentary evening lighting demonstration.

Can Line Voltage Lamp Posts be Converted to Low Voltage?

outdoorlightingofcolorado — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 01:45:55 +0000

Retrofit Low Voltage Quartz Halogen Column Lights

In many of the older neighborhoods in Denver and along the front range, line voltage column lights or lamp posts had been used to illuminate the entrance walkway or driveway to a home. Over many years of time, this underground wiring has become corroded, frayed and/or cut – rendering the lighting fixtures inoperable.

One solution of course would be to trace and identify the defective wiring and either fix it or replace it completely. However, trenching and burying new line voltage wiring (18-inches deep in conduit or 24-inches deep for direct burial) can be very costly, not to mention the disruption and damage to the mature landscaping.

Fortunately, there is a much more cost effective solution for restoring power to these line voltage lamp posts and column lights – and that is by installing a low voltage transformer by the house – and running new low voltage wiring (6-inches deep) to the fixtures. The above photo shows an Outdoor Lighting Perspectives (OLP) installation along the 6th Avenue Parkway in Denver. In addition to not having any power to the columns, the existing fixtures were beyond repair as well. OLP installed two of its copper/brass BB-14 lanterns with 35W quartz halogen bulbs to replace the old fixtures. Not only did the homeowners save money by not having to replace the line voltage wiring, they will also be saving money over time by using more energy efficient bulbs.

: LED vs. Incandescent Post Light Comparison

By using GE Vio LED technology, OLP can now provide a 50,000 hour lighting retrofit solution for new or existing lamp posts or column lights. In the photo, the fixture powered by GE Vio LED 7.2W total (left) is shown next to a regular 40W incandescent bulb. Fixtures having a frosted lens or globe work best as it allows for a better diffusion of the light.

So if you currently have any lamp posts or column lights that are having power issues, you may want to consider the less expensive option of retrofitting them to low voltage LED or quartz halogen – and saving additional money on your monthly electric bill.

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Colorado Is A Certified ReDirect Guide Green Business

outdoorlightingofcolorado — Fri, 27 May 2011 01:02:43 +0000

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Colorado has been certified by and included in the online and print versions of the ReDirect Guide - the Denver/Boulder/Fort Collins regional guide to green businesses, resources, information and discounts. Each company selected for the Guide is personally screened by a ReDirect Guide staff person to ensure that its products and company practices are truly green. We’re certainly proud to offer our customers the latest in energy savings lighting (LED, induction fluorescent) as well as lighting energy audits.

You can pick up a print copy (on recycled paper) at these Colorado front range locations. The Guide contains a wealth of information on green products and services for your home and business, as well as upcoming environmentally conscious community events. In addition, the directory also contains a section of educational articles – and OLP of Colorado was proud to have sponsored the article on LED Outdoor Lighting that can be found on page 85.

OLP of Colorado is listed under two categories in the Guide – Energy Audits on page 168 and Landscape Contractors on page 203. We’re truly proud to be a part of this Colorado green directory – the longest running certified sustainable business network in Colorado.

Come See Us at the CAI Spring Showcase & Trade Show

outdoorlightingofcolorado — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 01:27:10 +0000

Come see us at the 2011 CAI Spring Showcase & Trade Show – Friday April 29th from 7 am to 4 pm (Booth # 104) at the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum – 7711 E. Academy Blvd. in Denver. The theme of this year’s event is Traveling Through Time with Your HOA.

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives (OLP) of Colorado will be exhibiting the latest in ceramic metal halide, LED, and induction fluorescent lamp/fixture technology for a wide range of typical HOA lighting applications including area lighting (street, park, walkway); signage/monument lighting; and stairwell/building lighting.

The new induction fluorescent technology offers increased performance life (up to 100,000 hours) with dramatically lower operational (up to 50-percent energy savings) and maintenance costs. Further, it offers a vast improvement over High-Intensity Discharge (HID) fixtures with respect to nighttime visibility and color rendering.

One of the new programs that OLP of Colorado is offering is a Free Energy Savings Assessment – so that HOA’s and building owners can assess retrofit and replacement payback periods for different lamp technologies. So if you are involved with a community or an HOA, please plan to stop by and see us.

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives Launches New Commercial Lighting Program

outdoorlightingofcolorado — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:46:35 +0000

Induction Fluorescent Retrofits

Two weeks ago I had the privilege of attending a new and exciting commercial lighting training class at our company headquarters in Richmond, Virginia. The class focussed on new “green” lighting technologies (LED and induction fluorescent) for commercial applications such as area lighting (street, park, walkway, etc.), parking garage lighting, and wall and warehouse lighting. Almost all of these lighting applications can be found at apartment/townhome communities, business parks, parking garages, auto dealerships, warehouses, restaurants, etc.

Our company will be offering Free Energy Savings Assessments (Lighting Energy Audit/Payback Period) – and show how replacing outdated outdoor lamps (especially High-Intensity Discharge (HID) (high pressure sodium, metal halide) lamps) with our new LED and induction fluorescent retrofits can save a client up to 50% in their electrical bills.

Induction flourescent lighting has an extremely long performance life of up to 100,000 hours (over 22 years!) – that’s 5 to 8 times longer than the typical HID lamps. This technology offers a very high system efficiency with dramatically lower electrical bills and operational maintenance costs, and much better nighttime visibility. Additionally, federal government tax deductions provided through EPAct (Energy Policy Act of 2005) for reducing building energy usage are in effect through the end of 2013 for interior applications such as parking garages, warehouses, and other commercial buildings. Additionally, many electric utilities such as XCEL Colorado offer rebates for new green lighting installations or retrofits. OLP of Colorado will assist you in identifying all of the rebates, tax deductions and/or credits for which your particular project may be eligible.

: Induction Fluorescent Lighting Compared to HPS

The photo above clearly demonstrates the excellent Color-Rendering Index for induction fluorescent lighting as well as its overall efficiency. Whether it’s for a completely new lighting installation or a retrofit opportunity, induction fluorescents are becoming more widely used.

While LEDs are part of everyone’s current vocabulary, induction fluorescents are less well-known. However, that is about to quickly change because …

Induction Fluorescents = Twice the Life & Half the Price of LEDs!

You can learn more at SwitchYourLights.com.