STEP INTO THE LIGHT - AND OUT TO THE WORLD
Change a light, change the world
with Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
Energy Saver's commitment to educating and helping utility customers determine the best available energy efficiency products and applications for their business. Energy Savers is currently a non-utility program implementer of the Emerging Communities Energy Efficiency Program (ECEEP). ECEEP is funded under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission. The Energy Savers energy efficiency program offers a variety of energy efficiency solutions and includes the following services:
· Energy Efficient Technology
· Energy Surveys for Commercial and Industrial Facilities
· Energy efficient Lighting Retrofits
· Direct Install Program Implementation
COMMERCIAL: LIGHTING
High-efficiency lamps, such as T-5 and T-8 fluorescent lamps with electronic ballasts, provide the same or improved illumination as do fixtures with T-12 lamps and magnetic ballasts. Combined with de-lamping and high-efficiency reflectors, retrofit savings can approach a factor of two. Depending on usage patterns, installation costs, and other factors, paybacks for many lighting retrofits are often three years or less. Additional benefits of energy-efficient lighting include lowered cooling costs since less waste heat must be removed by the air conditioning system.
A wide range of compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) fixtures are now available whose characteristics are far superior to earlier models. Modern versions typically have zero hum, long-life electronic ballasts, excellent color rendering, are four times more efficient than incandescents, a lifetime of up to 10,000 hours, and bulk prices of less than $3 apiece. Since a CFL outlasts a typical incandescent by a factor of 10 or more, their upfront costs are now about the same. Lifetime savings of a 25-watt CFL over a 100-watt incandescent is 750 kWh—and maintenance costs are reduced as well. The ENERGY STAR program lists over 1,400 CFL bulbs that are “qualified” as high-performance by their criteria (which include lifetime, efficiency, and surface temperature limits), as well as about 10 percent of that number that have been deemed “unqualified.” These are shown by manufacturer and model number at www.energystar.gov/ia/products/prod_lists/cfl_prod_list.pdf.
Light emitting diodes (LEDs) last a long time (ten years or more) and are quite energy efficient. Accordingly, they are ideal for use in exit signs. Since exit signs operate for 8,766 hours in an average year, efficiency improvements can result in substantial savings. Old-style exit signs used 40 watts of power and bulbs had to be replaced often. ENERGY STAR qualified exit signs use less than five watts per face; over 500 that meet this criterion are listed at www.energystar.gov/ia/products/prod_lists/exit_signs_prod_list.pdf.
In general, lighting distribution is more efficient and visually comfortable in light-colored spaces, especially those in which the ceilings are white. This applies across a wide range of buildings from chicken coops and schools to offices and industrial facilities. In each of these cases, lighting quality improvements by the addition of white paint are frequently accompanied by improved productivity.
Whenever feasible, retrofit lighting design strategies should be combined with daylighting controls to maximize energy efficiency. Such controls may locate a sensor outside to measure the amount of light entering spaces through windows or skylights, or be placed above the work plane to dim electric lights in response to the amount of natural light falling on key surfaces. Furthermore, a task/ambient lighting design strategy that provides an appropriate level of general light and task-level light where it is needed reduces the overall electricity load required for lighting. Good designs also enhance working and learning environments.
The ability to control the daylight entering a building is critical to a daylighting design’s success. Studies show that school classrooms with skylights designed with manually-operated internal louvers result in a dramatic increase in student performance. At the same time, it is important to minimize glare caused by uncontrolled daylighting. Daylight tends to penetrate from a window into an interior space about 1.5 times the head height of the window. Light shelves and similar devices reflect natural light onto white-colored ceilings, which both controls for glare and allows diffuse light to illuminate the interior space. For such spaces, it’s best to install dimmable light fixtures and associated daylighting controls.
Older industrial facilities often incorporate rooftop windows, either vertical or at an angle to the vertical, in a saw-tooth fashion. Sometimes these windows can be opened to enhance ventilation, but their main function is to supply natural light. Oftentimes, they perform this function too well, allowing direct beam sunlight to fall on work spaces below where they cause unwanted glare and produce harsh shadows. One solution is to redirect sunlight up on a light-colored ceiling as illustrated below.
This system uses specular reflectors which can become dusty unless cleaned regularly. A simple way to accomplish this task is to install several copper tubes with holes in them that will direct a blast of compressed air over the reflective surfaces for several seconds at the close of production each day. Enhancements include using specularly-selective glazing to provide adequate daylight with relatively low solar heat gain and installing insulating shutters to limit thermal losses through the roof windows on cold winter nights. In all cases, energy-efficient electric lighting should be controllable so that it can be ramped up as needed when solar daylighting is diminished by cloud cover or for night-time lighting needs.
Occupancy sensors are electronic devices that detect the presence of people. They turn on lights or associated equipment such as computer monitors or copiers when people are detected, and turn things off if no people are detected after a programmable period of time, typically 5 to 15 minutes. Their sensitivities and areas of coverage may be adjusted to a degree, dependent upon on the technology used by the sensor, its location, and control settings.
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Dual technology occupancy sensor (Source: Watt Stopper)
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Ultrasonic sensors are quite sensitive and react to small motions. They are sensitive over large areas, but are subject to false triggering. Passive infrared sensors are less susceptible to false triggering, but their sensitivity drops off with the square of the distance. Some dual technology systems are available that incorporate the virtues of both technologies, but they are somewhat more expensive. In general, ultrasonic occupancy sensors are best used in large areas, infrared in smaller areas.
Mounting occupancy sensors toward the tops of walls is best for smaller spaces like offices, copy rooms, and bathrooms. Ceiling-mounted sensors are best for larger open spaces.
In recent years, the quality and performance of occupancy sensors has become higher while costs have come down. Accordingly, for many applications they can save substantial energy and are quite cost-effective. The trick is to match the right sensor to the right circumstance to maximize energy saving performance while minimizing people hassle and cost. This is a judgment call that is a strong function of the patterns of the people that are using a given space. This is why potential energy savings for various kinds of spaces has such a broad range, as illustrated in the following table.
Range of savings from the use of occupancy sensors
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Type of Space |
Range of energy savings (%) |
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Private office |
13 - 50 |
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Open-plan office |
20 - 28 |
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Classroom |
40 - 46 |
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Conference room |
22 - 65 |
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Corridors |
30 - 80 |
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Storage areas, closets |
45 - 80 |
Occupancy controls are also quite useful in hotels and motels where they permit thermostat adjustments on the heating and cooling system as a function of occupancy. For additional information, visit www.ladwp.com/energyadvisor/PA_10.html.
Efficient parking lot lighting fixtures can reduce the energy use on the site without compromising safety or illumination. “Hockey puck” fixtures, which use 175-watt metal halide bulbs, require fewer poles, cut down on light pollution, have better color rendering, and use 70% less electricity than “cobra head” fixtures using 250-watt high-pressure sodium bulbs.
Source: Engineering
Use timers and daylight sensors and controls in parking lots.
This fall purchase ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent lights (CFLs)
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From local utilities to corporate distribution centers, ENERGY SAVERS has a product package that delivers superior performance and savings.
Lighting retrofit saves money and energy, reduces heat - which saves on cooling cost and reduces maintenance cost.
CONSIDER LIGHTING RETROFIT
Look around. It may be time to upgrade your existing lighting system. Lighting upgrades provide many advantages, including: lowering energy costs, enhancing property values, improving productivity, and meeting environmental standards.
Following a thorough energy audit, our lighting experts will design the best program for you by recommending upgrade strategies using custom-designed lighting solutions. At ENERGY SAVERS (ES), our goal has always been to design an integrated system that not only saves you energy but also maintains and improves your lighting levels.
ES has made a company-wide commitment to combine quality, state-of-the-art products with the highest level of customer service. Our nationwide routing system and scheduling capabilities ensure that the work will be started and completed on time, every time.
A broad range of financing alternatives makes payment easy. At ENERGY SAVERS, we provide a choice of comprehensive payment plans. You can budget your costs on a fixed monthly fee, or pay as the work is performed. In many cases, the total energy savings resulting from the retrofit will cover the costs of the initial project!
ES provides on-site replacement warranty service. We have the most comprehensive system warranty for fluorescent systems in the industry. With up to three-year extended coverage for OCTRON® T8 fluorescent lamps and full five years for the QUICKTRONIC® electronic ballasts, you will be provided with unmatched assurance that your lighting will perform brilliantly. For all of your lighting needs call us at 1-818-270-6319 in California and 1-847-274-3100 in Illinois.
CONSIDER LIGHTING RETROFIT
Look around. It may be time to upgrade your existing lighting system. Lighting upgrades provide many advantages, including: lowering energy costs, enhancing property values, improving productivity, and meeting environmental standards.
Following a thorough energy audit, our lighting experts will design the best program for you by recommending upgrade strategies using custom-designed lighting solutions. At ENERGY SAVERS (ES), our goal has always been to design an integrated system that not only saves you energy but also maintains and improves your lighting levels.
ES has made a company-wide commitment to combine quality, state-of-the-art products with the highest level of customer service. Our nationwide routing system and scheduling capabilities ensure that the work will be started and completed on time, every time.
A broad range of financing alternatives makes payment easy. At ENERGY SAVERS, we provide a choice of comprehensive payment plans. You can budget your costs on a fixed monthly fee, or pay as the work is performed. In many cases, the total energy savings resulting from the retrofit will cover the costs of the initial project!
ES provides on-site replacement warranty service. We have the most comprehensive system warranty for fluorescent systems in the industry. With up to three-year extended coverage for OCTRON® T8 fluorescent lamps and full five years for the QUICKTRONIC® electronic ballasts, you will be provided with unmatched assurance that your lighting will perform brilliantly. For all of your lighting needs call us at 1-818-270-6319 in California and 1-847-274-3100 in Illinois.
Our Services
Our specialty is one-stop service to design and implement energy-efficient lighting retrofits for commercial, industrial and public buildings, parking garages and other indoor and outdoor spaces. Your total solution for energy efficient lighting and motors.
Our processes are based on industry best practices and consist of:
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Initial "walk-through" survey
This will assess if further work is warranted by your energy saving potential.
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Detailed lighting audit and user needs assessment
We prepare an accurate accounting of all lighting sources and their use, giving a complete picture of current energy consumption and costs. We establish how the current lighting responds to the needs of the users and what changes are desired or mandated.
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Economic analysis of design alternatives
We propose and analyze possible improvements:
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Retrofit,
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Relighting, or
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Redesign.
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Our designs are based on the latest industry recommendations and best practices. We consult current standards and regulations.
For each design alternative, we establish the life-cycle cost, cash flow projection, payback period and Return on Investment (ROI). In consultation with you, the client, we recommend the best alternative. We provide design documentation.
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Implementation
We manage the project from start to finish, including procurement of materials, labour (licensed electricians), site supervision and commissioning.
Applications for lease financing, rebates and incentives
Many owners and managers find it worthwhile to delegate to us the completion of documentation required to obtain financing (leasing) or Funding Assistance.
We lowered our clients' operating costs by thousands of dollars.
Benefits of a Lighting Retrofit project:
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Lighting Energy cost can be reduced by up to 70%.
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Increased Lighting Quality can result in increased productivity, and safety.
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Cooling loads are reduced.
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Reduced maintenance costs.
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Asset values of property increase.
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Savings are measurable and verifiable.
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Support from leading manufactures of lighting-related products.
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Reduced air pollution from fossil-fuel power plants due to reductions in energy consumption.
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Lighting Retrofir Calculator
Use this calculator to estimate your energy and cost savings associated with a lighting retrofit.
For a free comprehensive custom lighting retrofit analysis for your commercial facility, please call us toll free (847) 274-3100 or email renewableenergy2@msn.com. We will need an inventory of the lighting fixtures you currently operate, hours of operation for each lighting fixture group and at least 12 of the most recent electricity bills for your facility.
Your approximate savings are:
| Estimated energy savings per year: |
1086.24 kilowatt hours |
| Estimated savings per year: |
$135.78 |
| Estimated cost of lighting retrofit job: |
$370.00 |
| Estimated investment payback in months: |
32.70 months |
Update any fields to evaluate another scenario.
| Light retrofit type |
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| Existing bulb wattage |
watts |
| Retrofit bulb wattage |
watts |
| Number of bulbs per fixture |
bulbs |
| Number of light fixtures |
fixtures in facility |
| Hours of use per day |
hours |
| Electricity cost |
. cents per KWH
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| Cost of retrofit per fixture |
$ . Materials (Bulbs, Ballast) Per Fixture
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$ . Labor Per Fixture
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$ . Disposal/Recycling Per Fixture
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Other calculators are available here:
»Residential lighting fixture savings calculator
»Energy Star compact fluorescent lamp savings calculator
Lighting retrofit rebates
Utility Company Rebates
Many utility companies throughout the United States are currently funding rebate programs for lighting retrofits and other energy saving strategies. These rebates offset the costs of your lighting upgrade significantly.
Rebate programs are constantly changing and are often confusing. ENERGY SAVERS takes the confusion out of the program allowing you to maximize your return on investment.
Southern California
Most industrial and commercial facilities in Southern California are not even aware that their utility companies have allotted a rebate for them - which is lost if not used. There is a reason for this. Utility companies generally do not advertise their rebate programs, and hence, the you only learn about the potential rebates when energy saving companies like us approach you.
As specialists in this area, ENERGY SAVERS assures its clients the procurement of the highest possible utility rebate, be it from the electric company, the gas company or a Government or State sponsored program.
Over the past decade we have assisted in acquiring millions of dollars in utility rebates nationally to upgrade inefficient lighting systems. We work closely with utility companies across the Southern California (and the nation). Our relationships in Southern California include Southern California Edison (SCE), Southern California Gas, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (lADWP), Anaheim Utilities, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), and others.
Nationwide:
We'll help you decipher the language of rebates from your local utility company. Many have rebate programs that aren't ever advertised. You have to know to check! See our comprehensive list of links to utility companies around the nation. We'll work with you to assist you in making the right product choices (to be eligible for rebates), and to make sure you're getting the most from your local rebate program.
California Electricity Deregulation
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 CALIFORNIA
- On March 21, 2002, and retroactive to September 20, 2001, the California Public Utilities Commission voted 3-2 to end Californians' right to choose their own electricity suppliers. Consumers in California who entered into electricity supply contracts with competitive power providers prior to September 20, 2001 will be permitted to keep those deals in force until the expiration of the contract term. Although electricity supply cost savings are no longer available in California, Good Energy can help consumers of electricity save money on their power costs by implementing electricity demand management programs such as lighting retrofits, peak shaving and load monitoring. Call us today toll free at (866) 955-2677 to schedule your no-obligation free consultation to learn how we can help your business save money on power costs.
- Jan/00: As of January 15, 2000, the PUC reports 209,752 direct access customers (2.1%) out of 10,157,716 possible utility distribution customers. The direct access customers represent 13.8% of the total load. Almost one-third of the demand by large industrial customers is being served by competitive companies, whereas only about 2.1% of residential load is on direct access.
- June/99: As of May 31, 1999, the PUC reports that 135,493 CA consumers (about 1.3%)have switched electricity providers. The breakdown by customer class is: 92,904 residential consumers or about 1.1%; 26,942 small commercial (2.8%); 11,652 large commercial (5.9%); 1,002 large industrial (20.6%); 2,977 agricultural (2.5%); and 16 unknown. About half of the consumers who have switched suppliers have opted for "green" power, electricity generated from environmentally acceptable methods, such as wind, solar, and geothermal.
- Oct/98: Based on CPUC data, New Energy Ventures, a retail electricity marketer, calculated it has won about 40 % of the 13,648 gWh load being served by non-utility energy service providers.
- April/98: The CA PUC issued the final order to open the retail market on 3/31/98; all consumers in investor-owned territories could choose alternative electricity suppliers.
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Illinois Electricity Deregulation
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ILLINOIS On January 2, 2007, Commonwealth Edison, AmerenCIPS, AmerenIP, (formerly Illinois Power), and AmerenCILCO, (formerly CILCO), entered the post-transition stage of the Illinois energy deregulation process. Illinois’ Electricity Supply Auction, which occurred in September 2006, has set rates for most businesses through May 2008. For the first time in over two decades, customers in the Ameren service territory are faced with massive utility cost increases, which will put electricity supply costs in line with regional levels.
Illinois businesses can benefit by choosing an electricity supply contract from one of several competing retail electricity providers that can offer a better price than the price set by the auction, and better contract terms than those offered by the default tariffs. By quickly finding and comparing the available rates and contracts, Good Energy can help you choose the competitive electricity supplier best suited to your Illinois business.
If you are a commercial or industrial energy consumer in one of the Ameren service territories or in the Commonwealth Edison territory, Good Energy is ready to help assess your energy rate and provide competitive energy supply options for your business.
For your free no-obligation electricity rate analysis, please download the following form and follow the included directions:
» Illinois Electric Account Usage Data Release Form
» Click here for general Illinois energy information including links to Illinois electricity deregulation resources. |
WHY LIGHTING RETROFIT PAY IN TODAYS MARKET
Ten years after the utility-rebate peak, today's lighting-products market presents a bounty of opportunities for lighting designers and electrical contractors. Lighting-product specifiers face ever-changing pricing structures, almost-daily technological advances, and the uncertainty of utility deregulation.
In recent years, fluorescent lamp/ballast combinations have moved front-and-center in sales-and in the regulatory ring. Manufacturers now package fluorescent lamps and ballasts to emphasize an optimized system.
Spurred by cost savings, utility rebates, and demand-side-management incentives, building owners retrofit existing fluorescent lighting systems with more energy-efficient ones. Utility rebates prompted many end-users to upgrade their lighting systems. Now, despite the reduction in utility incentives and energy rebates, retrofits continue to happen. And it is no longer necessary for energy users to wait-and-see if utility deregulation will lower rates enough before doing a lighting retrofit. Many retrofits can be financed in such a way that the energy savings more than pay for the cost of the new lighting system; in some cases building owners even experience a positive cash flow.
Electrical contractors can take heart from this news because proposing viable retrofits is one way to make money. The table on page 32 shows eight fluorescent retrofit lighting projects and includes specific savings and advantages, such as the additional benefits of higher quality lighting and lower cooling and maintenance costs. Three in the group do not involve a rebate program.
The result of any retrofit project should be what is called an energy-efficient quality-lighting installation. "Quality lighting" means making use of the best light source and the best performing/most aesthetically pleasing luminaire for the task. Note that the statement does not necessarily mean the most energy-efficient light source. This will be explained later.
Tried-and-true energy savers The following products have wide applications in retrofitting commercial/institutional structures: electronic and variable-output ballasts, and T-8 fluorescent lamps and compact fluorescent lamps.
Ballasts-Perhaps the most exciting development involves the increasing variety of light output and wattage options with electronic ballasts. Ballasts used to have only a single output, but now three other output categories can be specified.
1. Low-output ballasts have a ballast factor below 0.85 (85% of rated lamp output), which allows reductions in wattage and light output in overlit spaces.
2. High-output ballasts have a ballast factor above 1.0, which allows fewer lamps to be used per fixture to achieve desired light levels.
3. Dimming and 50%/100% switching ballasts allow the output to be adjusted to meet fixed or variable output requirements.
The first two categories are available at no additional cost, but switching and dimming ballasts carry additional cost premiums.
Also, remember that a single electronic ballast can run up to four lamps, which can lower overall system costs. Three- and four-lamp ballasts are more efficient than two-lamp ballasts, and they allow fewer ballasts to be used on a project where fixtures are tandem-wired to share ballasts. Advantages of electronic ballasts compared to traditional magnetic type include lower weight, less audible noise, reduced flicker, and longer life.
Electromagnetic-type ballasts have their proper applications also. They are nearly as efficient as electronic ballasts but cost less. For example, they are selected in hospitals and other spaces containing sensitive monitoring equipment that woulld be susceptible to any high frequency electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) generated by electronic ballasts. The hybrid ballast design is a core and coil ballast with electronic circuitry to disconnect the cathode heater winding after the lamp ignites, thereby saving about 6 W per two-lamp ballast during operation.
T8 lamps-The combination of T-8 fluorescent lamps and electronic ballasts is recognized as the most efficient system today. In addition, the triphosphor coating of the T-8 lamp has much better color-rendering properties than the older halophosphors used in the T-12 lamps.
Compact fluorescent lamps (CFL)-CFL light sources are an economical substitute for lower wattage incandescent lamps in applications that do not need a precise beam pattern, but where long burning hours are required, such as corridors, stairwells, lobbies, and reception areas.
Available in a range from 5 W to about 50 W in various tube configurations, the CFLs offers efficacy advantages combined with high color rendering characteristics. More recent versions of the CFLs have a four-pin base, operate on rapid-start ballasts, and are dimmable. All of these characteristics are worth noting.
In trying to achieve appropriate light levels in a renovation, consider using reflectors if the existing fixtures are to be retrofit. Reflector material selection criteria include evaluating lighting performance, environmental considerations, cleaning requirements, and appearance factors.
A retrofit case history A typical small office suite provides an opportunity to show a good retrofit lighting design. This office consists of a reception room, a conference alcove, two offices and three desks (one is a Computer Aided Design workstation) for intensive computer-based tasks.
This office's general lighting was retrofitted with 2 by 4 fluorescent troffers, each with two T8 lamps that are shielded with a deep-cell parabolic louver. A two-level electronic ballast serves the lamps. These new troffers are located exactly where the old recessed troffers (using T12 lamps) were installed.
Parabolic louvers offer effective control of disability glare while being relatively efficient. Deep-cell parabolics, with louvers 3- to 4-inches deep, generally have the best glare control and most attractive appearance, but they have a slight sacrifice in fixture efficiency. Medium-depth parabolics, with louvers about 3-inches deep, compromise between efficiency and appearance. Shallow-cell louvers (2 inches or less) are too open and don't hide the lamps well.
Parabolic louvers come in several finishes, with the standard semispecular finish the most popular. This finish minimizes hot spots on the louver while offering enough surface brightness to make the fixture appear to be lit.
One drawback of a deep-cell parabolic louver is that light output from fixtures adjacent to a wall does not fall on the upper portion of the wall, thus creating a dark strip at the ceiling line around the room. One way to eliminate this strip is to specify a perimeter cove in the office area using the same 1-inch diameter T8 lamp.
A designer who wants to affirm a more elegant solution may choose to use the new T5 lamp for this perimeter lighting application. A T5 linear fluorescent lamp fits into fixtures up to 40% smaller than T8s. The nominal 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-ft lengths (actual dimensioning is metric) are ideal in valances, coves, and wall washers. With efficacies of up to 104 lumens per watt, the lamp has a 20,000-hour-rated life and a 97% lumen maintenance. At least two ballast manufacturers offer efficient electronic ballasts in one and two lamp configurations. The compactness of the ballasts even make stagger mounting possible in tight coves, eliminating socket shadows.
By adding this installation detail, personnel in the office can select any one of four different light levels: full output recessed lighting with perimeter lighting, full recessed lighting with no perimeter lighting, half output recessed lighting with perimeter lighting, and half output recessed lighting with no perimeter lighting.
Flexibility in lumen output can bolster a small office where efficient performance of each employee is especially important.
As an example of where the most efficient light source should not be selected, let's look at the use of a 90-W PAR38 halogen lamp vs. a 20-W screw-in CFL reflector lamp for display lighting in the reception area. The flood version of the 90PAR/H/FL has a center beam candlepower (cp) of 4500 cp vs. perhaps a center beam of 800 cp for a typical 20 W CFL.
To produce the same "punch" on a display, six CFLs would be needed to match the concentrated output of a single halogen PAR lamp. The CFL has a wide-beam spread, but a concentrated light beam is what is desired in this application. A designer or specifier could also think of using either an MR16 low-voltage halogen lamp or a low-wattage metal-halide PAR lamp, both of which provide a concentrated beam.
Watts Killing Your Cash Flow?
Electricity bills can murder profit margins. As a building owner or manager, you are always watching your operating costs.
REDUCE YOU OPERATING COSTS by implementing the installation of:
Energy Efficient Lighting
Photocell
Ocupancy Sensor
Skylights
Energy efficient motors and HVAC
Fresh Air Intake and circulation (reduce indoor pollution)
Attic Fans
Insulation (consider wool)
Thermal Immaging
Thermal windows
Shading of structure - Natural or artificial
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What proportion of your energy bill pays for lighting your building?
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15% ?
25% ?
35% ? |
In a typical office building in the USA, 30 to 40% of energy is consumed by lighting. Commercial and institutional buildings are similar.
Now there is good news: you can cut down on costs and increase the valuation of your property!
Energy Efficient Lighting
We will work with you to design and implement energy retrofits for commercial, industrial and public buildings, parking garages and other indoor and outdoor spaces
The energy savings help to finance your project. And with lease financing, your savings start the first day.
Here are a few more examples from our project portfolio:
   
Lighting Upgrade Projects
We lowered our clients' operating costs by thousands of dollars.
Fluorescent lighting retrofits
Installation of high frequency efficient ballast in fluorescent lighting fixtures (50,000 units, saves 36 kWh per unit installed).
INCENTIVES, GRANTS and REBATES
Smart Lights is funded by grants from the California Public Utility Commission. The program is administered by the cities of Berkeley and Oakland through the non-profit organization Community Energy Services Corporation. Additional rebates and grands vary by municipality and utility company service area.
Results: 91325, Commercial sector*
Lighting
Lighting Fixtures
Read our Product Guides for energy-efficient product information and purchasing tips!
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Sliding scale tax credit: $0.30/sq. ft. for 25% savings. |
25%-50% energy savings must be achieved for lighting for tax credit.
Program: Energy Efficiency for Commercial Buildings. |
U.S. Department of Energy
Incentive details online |
* This information has been submitted by utility companies and water agencies. Unless indicated otherwise, incentive programs are ongoing, or available until funding is depleted. Always contact the program implementer for full eligibility requirements and details.
The Energy Policy Act of 2005
What the Energy Bill Means to You
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT), signed by President Bush on August 8, 2005, offers consumers and businesses federal tax credits beginning in January 2006 for purchasing fuel-efficient hybrid-electric vehicles and energy-efficient appliances and products. Most of these tax credits remain in effect through 2007.
Buying and driving a fuel-efficient vehicle and purchasing and installing energy-efficient appliances and products provide many benefits such as better gas mileage – meaning lower gasoline costs, fewer emissions, lower energy bills, increased indoor comfort, and reduced air pollution.
Some consumers will also be eligible for utility or state rebates, as well as state tax incentives for energy-efficient homes, vehicles and equipment. Each state’s energy office web site may have more information on specific state tax information.
About Tax Credits
A tax credit is generally more valuable than an equivalent tax deduction because a tax credit reduces tax dollar-for-dollar, while a deduction only removes a percentage of the tax that is owed. Beginning in tax year 2006, consumers will be able to itemize purchases on their federal income tax form, which will lower the total amount of tax they owe the government.
Automobile Tax Credits
Individuals and businesses who buy or lease a new hybrid gas-electric car or truck are eligible for, and can receive, an income tax credit of $250-$3,400 – depending on the fuel economy and the weight of the vehicle. Hybrid vehicles that use less gasoline than the average vehicle of similar weight and that meet an emissions standard qualify for the credit. “Lean-burn” diesel vehicles could also qualify, but currently available diesel vehicles do not meet the emissions standard. There is a similar credit for alternative-fuel vehicles and for fuel-cell vehicles.
If individuals and businesses buy more than one vehicle, they are eligible to receive a tax credit for each. If a tax-exempt organization buys such a vehicle, the retailer is also eligible to receive another credit. Companies that buy heavy-duty hybrid trucks are also eligible for a larger tax credit. Currently, there is a $2,000 tax deduction for hybrid vehicles for the remainder of 2005.
This tax credit is for vehicles “placed in service” beginning January 1, 2006, but because there is a waiting list for many hybrids, consumers can receive the tax credit if they arrange to purchase the vehicle this year as long as they do not take possession of the vehicle until January 1, 2006. This tax credit will be phased out for each manufacturer once that company has sold 60,000 eligible vehicles. At that point, the tax credit for each company’s vehicles will be gradually reduced over the course of another year.
Home Energy Efficiency Improvement Tax Credits
Consumers who purchase and install specific products, such as energy-efficient windows, insulation, doors, roofs, and heating and cooling equipment in the home can receive a tax credit of up to $500 beginning in January 2006.
The EPACT also provides a credit equal to 30% of qualifying expenditures for purchase for qualified photovoltaic property and for solar water heating property used exclusively for purposes other than heating swimming pools and hot tubs. The credit shall not exceed $2000.
Improvements must be installed in or on the taxpayer’s principal residence in the United States. Home improvement tax credits apply for improvements made between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2007.
Business Tax Credits
Businesses are eligible for tax credits for buying hybrid vehicles, for building energy- efficient buildings, and for improving the energy efficiency of commercial buildings (as outlined in the Energy Policy Act of 2005).
Biodiesel/Alternative Fuels
Small producer biodiesel and ethanol credit. This credit will benefitsmall agri-biodiesel producers by giving them a 10 cent per gallon tax credit for up to 15 million gallons of agri-biodiesel produced. In addition, the limit on production capacity for small ethanol producers increased from 30 million to 60 million gallons. This is effective until the end of 2008.
Credit for installing alternative fuel refueling property. Fueling stations are eligible to claim a 30% credit for the cost of installing clean-fuel vehicle refueling equipment, (e.g. E85 ethanol pumping stations). Under the provision, a clean fuel is any fuel that consists of at least 85% ethanol, natural gas, compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, or hydrogen and any mixture of diesel fuel and biodiesel containing at least 20% biodiesel. This is effective through December 31, 2010.
Buildings
Credit for business installation of qualified fuel cells, stationary microturbine power plants, and solar equipment. This provides a 30% tax credit for the purchase price for installing qualified fuel cell power plants for businesses, a 10% credit for qualifying stationary microturbine power plants and a 30% credit for qualifying solar energy equipment. This is effective January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2007.
Business credit of energy-efficient new homes. This provides tax credits to eligible contractors for the construction of a qualified new energy-efficient home. Credit applies to manufactured homes meeting Energy Star criteria and other homes, saving 50% of the energy compared to the EPACT standard. This is effective January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2007.
Energy-efficient Commercial building deduction. This provision allows a tax deduction for energy-efficient commercial buildings that reduce annual energy and power consumption by 50% compared to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 2001 standard. The deduction would equal the cost of energy-efficient property installed during construction, with a maximum deduction of $1.80 per square foot of the building. Additionally, a partial deduction of 60 cents per square foot would be provided for building subsystems.
Energy-efficient appliances - This provides a tax credit for the manufacturer of energy-efficient dishwashers, clothes washers, and refrigerators. Credits vary depending on the efficiency of the unit. This is effective for appliances manufactured in 2006 and 2007.
Below is a table of anticipated tax savings and energy savings for energy-efficient home improvements (as of November 2005):
|
Product Category |
Product Type |
Tax Credit Specification |
Tax Credit |
|
Windows |
Exterior Windows |
Meet 2000 IECC & Amendments |
10% of cost not to exceed $200 total |
|
Skylights |
Meet 2000 IECC & Amendments |
10% of cost not to exceed $200 total |
|
Exterior Doors |
Meet 2000 IECC & Amendments |
10% of cost not to exceed $500 total |
|
Roofing |
Metal Roofs |
Energy Star qualified |
10% of cost not to exceed $500 total |
|
Insulation |
Insulation |
Meet 2000 IECC & Amendments |
10% of cost not to exceed $500 total |
|
HVAC |
Central AC |
EER 12.5/SEER 15 split Systems EER 12/SEER 14 package systems |
$300 |
|
Air source heat pumps |
HSPF 9 EER 13 SEER 15 |
$300 |
|
Geothermal heat pump |
EER 14.1 COP 3.3 closed loop
EER 16.2 COP 3.6 open loop
EER 15 COP 3.5 direct expansion |
$300 |
|
Gas, oil, propane water heater |
Energy Factor 0.80 |
$300 |
|
Electric heat pump water heater |
Energy Factor 2.0 |
$300 |
|
Gas, oil, propane furnace or hot water boiler |
AFUE 95 |
$150 |
|
Advanced main air circulating fan |
No more than 2% of furnace total energy use |
$50 |
* Source: ENERGYSTAR.gov
** The IRS will determine final tax credit amounts. As more information becomes available, it will be posted on our web site.
Motors Retrofit and HVAC
Multi stage motors and compressors - Fresh air intake and air replacement |
California Lighting Rebates
Alameda Municipal Powershow programs
Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Lighting, Lighting Controls/Sensors
Custom Rebates: $0.10/kWh for Lighting. Lighting: $2.50-$100 per fixture. Lighting rebates are available for T8 fluorescent lamps and electronic ballasts, compact fluorescent, high-pressure sodium lamps, metal halide lamps, occupancy sensors, and other energy saving products. A pilot program provides higher rebates based on the annual kWh savings for advanced energy efficiency technologies like LED parking lot lights, and LED recessed light fixtures.
Commercial New Construction Rebate Program
Lighting, Lighting Controls/Sensors
$0.10/kWh for lighting systems; $0.04/kWh for daylighting. Rebates are available for proposed buildings that exceed Title 24 by at least 10%.
Anaheim Public Utilitieshide programs
Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs
Lighting, Lighting Controls/Sensors
Lighting/Other: $.075 per kWh reduced or $200 per kW peak demand reduction. Free Dusk to Dawn Lighting. Efficient Exit Sign Program: 50% of the installed cost or $30 per fixture. Maximum Incentive: Efficient Exit Sign Program: $10,000 per project.
Green Building and New Construction Rebate Program
Lighting
New Construction Incentives offers up to $400 per kW saved for each measure including lighting.
Small Business Energy Management Assistance Program
Lighting, Lighting Controls/Sensors
T8 Fluorescent lights, electronic ballasts and controls: 75% of the cost; Maximum Incentive: T8 Fluorescent lights, electronic ballasts and controls: $5,000.
Burbank Water & Powerhide programs
Energy Solutions Business Rebate Program
Lighting
Lighting- Greater of $0.05 per kilowatt-hour saved over one year. Maximum Incentive: Each incentive will may not exceed 25% of the installed cost of a measure. The annual customer rebate total may not exceed $100,000.
City of Lompoc Utilitiesshow programs
Commercial Lighting Program
Lighting
City of Lompoc Utilities offers rebates to its commercial customers for upgrading their facilities with energy efficient lights. The City will rebate up to 30% of the cost of retrofitting lighting systems in existing facilities. Rebates are also available for exit signs. No rebate will be issued until a pre & post installation inspection of retrofit is performed by City staff and until verification that old lamps, ballast and or fixtures have been properly disposed of at the City of Lompoc Landfill or Hazardous Waste Disposal Facility.
City of Palo Alto Utilitiesshow programs
Commercial Advantage Energy Efficiency Program
Lighting
Lighting Fixtures: varies by fixture and lamp. Maximum Incentive: $100,000 per CPAU fiscal year (July 1 - June 30)/Custom: 50% of project cost.
Glendale Water and Powerhide programs
Large Business Energy Efficiency Program
Lighting
Varies by energy savings and estimated project cost - Labor and Materials costs for approved retrofit projects: 25% of paid labor and materials costs for approved retrofit projects. Maximum Incentive: $100,000 per customer, per fiscal year.
Small Business Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Lighting, Lighting Controls/Sensors
Up to $2,000 for improvements, including energy efficient lighting.
IID Energyshow programs
Commercial Rebate Program (Commercial Check Me)
Lighting
Varies depending on type and efficiency. Maximum Incentive: $100,000 per customer per year. Additionally, any rebate for selected measures may not exceed 50% of the total installed cost for such measure.
LADWPhide programs
Non-Residential Custom Performance Program
Lighting
Lighting: $ 0.05 per kWh saved
Modesto Irrigation Districtshow programs
Commercial New Construction Rebate Program
Lighting
Systems Approach (Lighting): $350 per kW reduced or $.04 per kWh reduced.
Custom Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Lighting
Lighting: $350 per kW reduced or $.04 per kWh reduced, whichever is greater.
Non-Residential Energy Efficiency Program
Lighting, Lighting Controls/Sensors
Compact Fluorescent Fixtures: $12.50 - $35; Linear Fluorescent Fixtures: $25 - $95; Pulse-Start Metal Halide Fixtures: $7.50 - $75; T8 Or T5 Linear Fluorescents: $3.50 - $7.50/lamp; Delamping: $3 - $7/lamp; Accent/Directional Lighting: $1 - $35; Channel Signs $2.25 - $3/foot; High Efficiency Exit Signs $11.25 - $20/fixture; Occupancy Sensors/Clocks: $5 - $33/sensor.
Pacific Powershow programs
Energy FinAnswer
Lighting, Lighting Controls/Sensors
Lighting Energy Savings Limit: 50%-75% of savings
FinAnswer Express
Lighting, Lighting Controls/Sensors
T-8 Lighting Fixtures: $6-$35; T-5 Lighting Fixtures: $25-$110; CFL Fixtures: $10-$20; High Intensity Discharge Upgrades: $25-$120; LED Lighting: $2-$10/ln. ft.; Occupancy Sensor: $25-$40. Maximum Incentive: 50% of energy efficiency project cost.
Pasadena Water and Powerhide programs
Pasadena Water and Power
Lighting, Lighting Controls/Sensors
Pasadena Water & Power offers the Energy Efficiency Partnering (EEP) program for its non-residential customers to save energy in their facilities. Under the EEP program, any permanently installed energy-saving retrofit project may qualify for a rebate incentive. The more cost-effective and energy-saving the project is, the higher the rebate. For each kWh that the new project saves in comparison to the existing equipment's kWh usage, the customer will receive $0.11 (for a minimum of six months, and up to 36 months). If the project also reduces the coincidental summer or winter peak load by 10 kW or more, the customer will receive an additional $100 for each peak kW that has been reduced (for a maximum of three years). The total standard rebate received may not exceed 50% of the project's cost. The various rebate categories i9nclude Lighting projects.
PG&Ehide programs
Non-Residential Energy Efficiency Rebates
Lighting, Lighting Controls/Sensors
Lighting: $0.05 / kWh saved; Lighting: $0.05 / kWh saved; Lamps: $1-$20; Occupancy Sensors: $15-$55/sensor; LED Exit Sign: $15-$27.
Redding Electricshow programs
Residential and Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Lighting, Lighting Controls/Sensors
Lamps: $2 - $12 per lamp; Maximum Incentive: Lighting: $5,000
Riverside Public Utilitiesshow programs
Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Lighting
Lighting: $0.05/kWh reduced; Lighting Rebate amount cannot exceed 25% of the lighting product/lighting equipment cost.
Roseville Electricshow programs
Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Lighting, Lighting Controls/Sensors
Compact fluorescent Lamps: Up to $5; Hardwired fluorescent fixtures: Up to $22; High Efficiency Exit Sign: $30 per sign; T5 and T8 Fluorescent lamps: Up to $7.50; Lamp Removal: Up to $9 per lamp; Lamp Removal: Up to $9 per lamp; Lamp Removal: Up to $9 per lamp; Induction Lamps: Up to $50 per fixture; Sensors: Up to $22; Bi-level Fluorescent fixture: $25 per fixture; Custom Lighting Retrofits: $400/kW reduced.
New Commercial Construction Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Lighting, Lighting Controls/Sensors
Owner incentive: $150/kW- 450/kW, dependent on timing of funding request; Maximum Incentive: Owner incentive: $67,500 prior to plan check, $45,000 prior to breaking ground, and $33,750 prior to project completion.
Savings by Designshow programs
(Offered by five Utilities)
Lighting
Lighting/Daylighting systems: $0.05/therm
SCEhide programs
Non-Residential Energy Efficiency Programs
Lighting, Lighting Controls/Sensors
Lighting Controls: $11-$36/sensor; LED Exit Signs: $15-$27; LED Signage: $2-$6/ft; Cold Cathode: $30/fixture; Cold Cathode: $30/fixture; Express Lighting Retrofits: $25-$200/fixture; Customized Lighting Retrofits: $0.05/kWh or $50/kW. Maximum Incentive: Standard Performance Contracting: 50% of cost; $2,400,000/Customized Solutions: Up to 50% of cost/Direct Install Program: $10,000
SDG&Ehide programs
Business Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs
Lighting, Lighting Controls/Sensors
Lighting: $0.05/kWh; $100/Peak kW; Compact Fluorescent Fixtures: $17-$75; Linear Fluorescent Fixture: $25-$200; Induction Fixtures: $35-$125; Pulse Start / Ceramic Metal Halide: $15-$150; LED Fixtures: $50-$200; Lamps: $4-$30; Lighting Controls: $11-$55; LED Signs: $2-$27. Maximum Incentive: Cool Planet Rewards: $15,000 in additional benefits when your business achieves savings of 500,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) or 10,000 therms.
Silicon Valley Powershow programs
Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Lighting, Lighting Controls/Sensors
Lighting: $3.50 - $50/lamp, up to $100 per fixture; Lighting Controls: $15 - $44/sensor. Maximum Incentive: Maximum Customer Directed New Construction incentive per year: $1,000,000 of Public Benefit funds per year. Incentives are limited to eighty percent of the project's cost. If building meets LEED criteria and exceeds Title 24 energy requirements by at least 10 percent, customer can get a rebate of up to $47,500.
SMUDshow programs
Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Lighting, Lighting Controls/Sensors
Lighting: Varies widely by measure; Lighting Sensors: $15 - $44, depending on type of sensor. Maximum Incentive: Lighting: 30% of project cost; cap on actual dollar amount varies by project.
Colorado Springs Utilitiesshow programs
Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Lighting, Lighting Controls/Sensors
CFL bulbs: $1 off; 4-lamp fixtures and 3-lamp fixtures: $15 each; 2-lamp fixtures and 1-lamp fixtures: $9 each; Standard Metal Halide (MH) Retrofits: $30 - $12; Occupancy Sensors: $24.70. To be eligible for rebates, retrofitted fixtures must replace T-12 lamps and magnetic ballasts with T-8 lamps and electronic ballasts. Lighting: Retrofit only. Rebate does not apply to new construction.
Estes Park Light and Power Departmentshow programs
Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Lighting, Lighting Controls/Sensors
Custom: Energy Incentive: $.10 per annual kWh saved; Demand Incentive: $500 per kW saved during Summer Peak Period. Prescriptive: Lighting: $0.054 - $0.083/kWh; Office Lighting/Plug Strips: $2 - $17. Maximum Incentive: 60% of project cost or $70,000 per year.
Fort Collins Utilitiesshow programs
Appliance Rebate Program
Lighting
CFL Program, which is offered in partnership with local retailers.
Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Lighting, Lighting Controls/Sensors
Existing Buildings: Lighting: $0.063 - $0.072/kWh; Lighting Efficiency: $0.05 per 0.1 Watt/sq ft reduction; Daylighting Controls: $0.25/sq ft of building area controlled; Custom Measures: $500/summer kW saved; Maximum Incentive: 60% of project cost $70,000 per customer, per year
Commercial New Construction Incentive Program -
Lighting, Lighting Controls/Sensors
The prescriptive approach provides individual incentives for certain pre-approved efficiency measures installed in a new building. Eligible measures include lighting.
Holy Cross Energyshow programs
Appliance Rebate
Lighting
CFL Light Bulbs: $25 per 5 bulbs; CFL rebates are for actual purchase price or $25.00, whichever is less and is a one-time offer only.
Longmont Power & Communicationsshow programs
CFL Instant Rebate Program
Lighting
Longmont Power & Communications has partnered with local retailers to provide instant rebates on specialty compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. Any Longmont Power & Communications customer who purchases a CFL bulb from Ace Hardware, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Budget Home Center or The Home Depot during this promotion will receive a $2 rebate at the cash register at the time of purchase.
Commercial Cooling Efficiency Program
Lighting, Lighting Controls/Sensors
Varies widely by measure
Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Lighting, Lighting Controls/Sensors
Prescriptive: Lighting: $0.054 - $0.083/kWh; For energy efficient lighting, Longmont Power & Communication offers the LightenUP Program. Incentives vary depending on the types of fixtures and whether the lights are being installed in a new construction, or they are replacing less efficient lights in an existing building. For retrofit projects, rebates range from $0.05 - $0.50.
Loveland Water & Powershow programs
Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Lighting, Lighting Controls/Sensors
For energy efficient lighting, Loveland Water and Power offers the LightenUP Program. Incentives vary depending on the types of fixtures and whether the lights are being installed in a new construction, or they are replacing less efficient lights in an existing building. For retrofit projects, rebates on fixtures range from $0.05 - $0.50/watt reduction.
Mountain View Electric Association, Incshow programs
Energy Efficiency Credit Program
Lighting, Lighting Controls/Sensors
Maximum Incentive:Commercial Lighting: $20,000;
San Miguel Power Associationshow programs
Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Lighting
LED Tube Lights: $35/bulb; Sportlites: $100/fixture. Maximum Incentive: LED Tube Lights: 10 bulbs; Sportlites: 10 fixtures.
Xcel Energyshow programs
Business Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs
Lighting, Lighting Controls/Sensors
High-bay fluorescents: $12-$50/fixture; Hardwired CFLs: $1.50-$8/fixture; Metal Halide: $8-$25/fixture; Fluorescent Retrofits: $13-$22/fixture; High-bay Fluorescents: $85-$210/fixture; Hardwired CFL retrofits: $3-$45/fixture; Metal Halide/Pulse Start Retrofits: $25-$140/fixture; LED Exit Signs: $15/sign; Delamping: $12-$26/lamp. Maximum Incentive - Custom Lighting Redesign: Up to 75% of study cost not to exceed $25,000 and up to $400 per kW saved for implementation. |