Six of the twenty collegiate teams competing in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011 will be lighting up their futuristic, energy-efficient solar houses with Lighting Science Group’s (OTCBB: LSCG) high-performance and ultra-efficient LED lighting products. Parsons The New School for Design and Stevens Institute of Technology, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Old Dominion University and Hampton University, Middlebury College, The Southern California Institute of Architecture and California Institute of Technology, and Florida International University have spent nearly two years creating houses that blend affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency, coming to the conclusion that Lighting Science Group’s LED lighting solutions would give their homes a competitive edge in the ten Department of Energy sponsored competitions that will take place September 23-October 2 in Washington, D.C.
“The nature of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon competition and our partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. charges the Empowerhouse design team to deliver the right amount of high quality lighting at the best value to a homebuilder and homeowner. It’s reassuring to know that Lighting Science Group is an active participant in the Department of Energy’s Lighting Facts program, and that Lighting Science Group provides a wide range of solid state lighting products for retrofit and new construction. Lighting Science Group products are a natural fit for Empowerhouse,” said the Parsons The New School for Design and Stevens Institute of Technology team.
These findings aren’t isolated—independent tests show that the lumen (light) output of these LED bulbs is unrivaled—outperforming comparable products by 25-30%. In addition, the bulbs are more energy efficient than equivalent CFLs, contain no mercury, are “instant on,” are completely recyclable, and offer outstanding light quality.
Every year an estimated 425 million 60 watt incandescent light bulbs—veritable energy hogs—are sold in the United States alone, representing approximately 40% of the domestic light bulb market. Searching for a better option, the Middlebury College team said, “Lighting Science Group’s LEDs are reasonably priced, provide a wide range of color temperatures, and use very little energy. They fit our mission of affordability, durability, and efficiency. Lighting Science Group makes an excellent LED bulb that is economical over its lifetime. It is a perfect substitute for your average 60 watt incandescent bulb.”
To the Middlebury College team, Lighting Science Group epitomizes choice without compromise: “What most people fear about non-incandescent light bulbs is their color temperature. CFLs have given alternative bulbs a bad name because of the harsh light they produce. The Lighting Science Group bulbs we ordered and tested produce a warm light that is basically indistinguishable from incandescent light.”
From the Solar Decathlon to the International Space Station to the Times Square Ball to other installations in major cities across the world and now in homes, Lighting Science Group’s LED solutions are increasing energy independence and saving consumers, businesses and governments significant amounts of energy and money. Summarizing the sentiments of the six teams using Lighting Science Group products at Solar Decathlon 2011, the Florida International team stated: “Lighting Science Group recognizes the importance of expression through light and has embraced a leadership role in new technology to explore possibilities.”
“Lighting is the low-hanging fruit in reducing energy consumption: it accounts for 22% of the United States’ energy use; up to 60% of the power used in commercial buildings; and 15% of household electricity use,” said Jim Haworth, chairman and chief executive officer of Lighting Science Group. “With rising energy costs nationwide, companies and homeowners alike are searching for ways to save energy—our ENERGY STAR approved LED bulbs offer a rapid and practical path to significantly reduce their lighting maintenance, replacement and energy costs. With Lighting Science Group’s LED products, everyone can have a winning energy solution.”
