Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Induction Lighting Paired With Solar PV Canopy Provides Unmatched Cost Savings


JACKSON, MICHIGAN – May 30th, 2012 – U.C. Davis is making adaptive (bi-level) lighting a requirement for its PV parking canopies, integrating the energy-saving solution into its Campus Standards & Design Guide (CSDG).  As U.C. Davis aggressively moves towards energy efficiency, they chose an off-grid solution and paired EverLast® Bi-Level canopy fixtures under a PV canopy in their South Entry Parking Lot.

"This is great news and really an important next step," says Michael Siminovitch, director of the California Lighting Technology Center and the Rosenfeld Chair in Energy Efficiency at U.C. Davis. The 70 watt EverLast® Bi-Level canopy fixtures are only part of a comprehensive line of advanced induction solutions offered by the manufacturer.  With adaptive controls, lights under the solar paneled structures automatically switch to low mode when spaces are vacant and switch to full light output when occupants are detected.

"We are seeing a growth in photovoltaic (PV) parking canopy applications throughout California and nationwide,” says Professor Siminovitch, “but without adaptive lighting controls integrated into these installations, we are missing a huge opportunity for energy savings."  In a recent press release the California Lighting Technology Center reported that:

The control technology saves an estimated 7% of the energy harvested through the PV canopy when it is paired with induction light sources.  In local retrofits where induction lamps and bi-level controls replace high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps, savings reach about 17%, according to calculations by CLTC’s engineering team.  This translates to 17% more power without any additional solar paneling, a big benefit for facilities.

The design specification states: “All canopy PV installations in parking/area applications shall employ bi-level adaptive lighting solutions consistent with Title 24 section 130.2 (c).” It not only sets the university up to be in compliance with state codes and standards for exterior lighting, but it will also help U.C. Davis meet the goals established through its ambitious Smart Lighting Initiative and the systemwide sustainability goals set by the UC Office of the President (UCOP). CLTC is working with the UCOP to establish the new standard for both new installations and retrofits on UC campuses across the state.

The EverLast® fixtures complemented the UC Davis Smart Lighting Initiative well because they combine energy efficient induction lighting with bi-level sensor step-dimming technology for an added energy-savings.  EverLast® smart fixtures are today’s ideal technology for retrofitting existing parking structures on campuses, in shopping centers, and throughout urban city centers.
###

About EverLast® Lighting:  EverLast® Lighting is a subsidiary of Full Spectrum Solutions, Inc. and has quickly grown into the leading manufacturer of energy-efficient lighting solutions for roadway, parking structure, facility and area lighting applications. For additional product information, visit www.everlastlight.com, call 888-383-7578 or send an email to info@everlastlight.com.

For press inquiries, contact Kyle Leighton at 517-783-3800 ext.231 or email at kyle@everlastlight.com

If you would like to support EverLast®, please follow EverLast® on Twitter or visit them on Facebook.

Monday, May 7, 2012

Diesel Engine Manufacturing Giant Uses Induction Lighting, Energy Efficiency, To Remain Competitive


JACKSON, MICHIGAN – April 30th, 2012 –  In March, MTU Detroit Diesel installed Induction Lighting EverLast® fixtures in an attempt to substantially reduce operating costs at their South Carolina facility.  “Energy savings, low maintenance, and increased foot candles were the top priorities for MTU,” stated Bear Shelton, Regional Sales Director at Blue Sky Lighting Products. “Everyone from the electrical contractor to MTU’s workforce and management is extremely happy with the quality of light. It’s white and bright, which is exactly what they wanted,” Shelton stated. “In fact, MTU’s branch in Detroit, Michigan will be switching to induction light fixtures shortly as well.”  

In spring of 2011, MTU Detroit Diesel partnered with Blue Sky Lighting Products to help them achieve their lighting needs for their recently constructed 300,000 sq. ft. facility in Aiken, South Carolina.  MTU Detroit Diesel is in the process of replacing approximately 850 metal halide fixtures with 100w and 200w induction high bays from EverLast®.  The retrofit would yield an estimated 59% reduction in annual energy consumption tied to lighting.  Almost one year later, Detroit Diesel moves forward again with EverLast®, a U.S. manufacturer of induction lighting fixtures.   “We originally sold them on the idea of going with 160w LED high bays to replace their 400w metal halides,” Shelton stated.  “When the LED fixtures were hung, MTU was dissatisfied with the quality of light produced by the LEDs and would not accept them. After comparing other lighting technologies and manufacturers, they all paled in comparison to EverLast stood out in terms of quality, lumen output, and warranty.”   

According to Blue Sky, EverLast® induction light fixtures offer a virtually maintenance free 100,000 hour lamp life with a 2-4 year return on investment, making induction technology an extremely energy-efficient and cost-effective lighting solution. Additionally, federal, state, and local tax incentives are currently being offered to offset the cost of implementing energy-efficient lighting. “The federal tax incentive for installing induction lights is 60 cents per square foot,” stated Shelton. A number of utility companies are also offering incentives, such as credits and rebates, for energy-efficiency upgrades.

MTU Detroit Diesel is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of large diesel engines and complete propulsion systems. Its product range is the widest and most modern in the sector. It covers diesel engines as well as propulsion systems for ships, heavy agricultural, rail and military vehicles, and the oil and gas industry.

About EverLast® Lighting:  EverLast® Lighting is a subsidiary of Full Spectrum Solutions, Inc. and has quickly grown into the leading manufacturer of energy-efficient lighting solutions for roadway, parking structure, facility and area lighting applications.

For additional product information, visit www.everlastlight.com, call 888-383-7578, or email info@everlastlight.com. For press inquiries, contact Kyle Leighton at 517-783-3800 ext.231 or email at kyle@everlastlight.com. 

If you would like to support EverLast®, please follow EverLast® on Twitter or visit them on Facebook.