Since a number of commercial lighting products will be eliminated from the market in 2012 with the new Department of Energy standards, similar substitutes will be sought out. There are currently a number of energy-efficient alternatives to the banned fluorescent lights that are equally equivalent in performance, like T8 and T5 lamps. However, direct alternatives for the incandescent lights are limited. Besides infrared-coated halogen lamps, there are not many substitutes. Even some of the infrared-coated lights will be eliminated with the new standards. Manufacturers will be faced with the push to develop a new product with improved efficiency over the next three years.
Just a few days ago, the DOE awarded $37 million in stimulus funds for research and development to advance the LED market and improve manufacturing technologies. Perhaps the industrial lighting companies that received the money will create more viable substitutes for the soon-to-be-banned incandescent lights.
As the Department of Energy continues to enforce stricter standards for commercial lighting, we will make sure to provide you with the latest products in energy efficiency. We added an energy-efficient lighting section to our website last August to make it easier for you to find information as the industry changes.
by Emily Widle
Emily graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a degree in journalism. She enjoys scouring the news to report on the latest in the lighting industry as well as bringing valuable remodeling tips and exemplar home projects to light.
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