A company called Digital Lumens has introduced product that networks LED lights together to form an “intelligent” lighting system. The system can turn on lights if people are present in a room, and adjust brightness levels over the course of a day. Overall, the system can cut lighting costs by 90% for commercial sites like warehouses. A real world example is the installation at Interstate Warehousing, which reports that they are now savings of more than $30,000 per year to operate the new section of the warehouse, and around 771,000 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) have been reduced annually. Each light engine in a Digital Lumens system contains three independently LED light bars, onboard controls, occupancy sensor, and a wireless antenna.

The system also collects performance data – how much energy each luminaire has used, run time hours, occupancy rates – and shares that in web-based reports on energy use.

Before and After The Installation Of Digital Lumens LEDs

The Highbay version produces spotlight effects for storage racks. The Midbay version produces dispersed light for open environments and is available in two color temperatures. Both versions are intended to replace 400W HID, HPS, and T5 or T8 fluorescent lighting.

Currently, the Digital Lumens system is aimed at commercial sites only. The company claims the system will realize cost savings within as little as two years.

Link: Digital Lumens

LED Lamps With Warm White Illumination:

• Koncept Z-Bar ($165) and i-Tower ($195)
• Pablo Designs LIM L Floor ($350)
• Cree XLamp XR-E Warm White LED Lantern ($25)

The color temperature of light is measured in degrees Kelvin. Lower-temperature white LEDs (around 2,000-4,000 K) are warm (yellowish white) like incandescent bulbs. White LEDs with higher color temperatures (above 5,000 K) are cool (blueish white). Whether warm or cool light is desirable is a matter of preference, but many people find warmer tints of white easier on the eyes and more relaxing.

Engineers are able to finely tune the color temperature of LEDs, so LEDs that closely resemble the warm color of incandescent bulbs are widely available. The character of the light isn’t exactly the same—LEDs appear more direct and pure—but LEDs cost less to operate, last longer, and run cooler than traditional bulbs. Remember also, that you can now also purchase warm LED bulbs that replace standard incandescent bulbs.

If you haven’t tried warm white LED light, check out the products below. We’ve found a handful of warm white LED lamps of different shapes and sizes. All of our picks are a great way to explore this energy-efficient, highly-useful technology:

Koncept Z-Bar

Koncept Z-Bar ($165) and i-Tower ($195)

Koncept manufactures a line of LED floor and desk lamps with highly-rated performance and elegant designs. The Z-Bar is a desk lamp housing six warm white (3,200-3,700 K) LEDs with four-step dimming. It casts an even, oval-shaped light pattern that can be directed with great flexibility thanks to this lamp’s three-joint construction. Each section pivots independently, permitting a maximum reach of over 40 inches. The Z-Bar can be mounted on its included 9”-diameter stand or clamped onto the edge of a desk or table. Its aluminum and plastic body is well-built and contemporary. Amazon reviewers give Z-Bars mostly four- and five-star reviews, praising the space-maximizing design and light quality. There are a few complaints about the price and the level of brightness (too low for some). Other comments we found in forums and on blogs are overwhelming positive, with authors such as Landis Carey of Re-Nest stating, “…after using the light on a daily basis over the past (almost) three years, the lamp has been tested, stressed and has proven to be long-lasting and durable.”

Koncept i-Tower

The i-Tower, one of Koncept’s floor-standing lamps, receives similar praise. Amazon customers rate it 4½ out of 5 stars, as do over 15 reviewers on LightingUniverse.com. And over 75 people weigh in on YLighting, where the i-Tower averages 5 of 5 stars. Much of the approbation given to the Z-Bar is given to the i-Tower: elegant design, wonderful light color, and a super-flexible adjustment system. The i-Tower employs the same six-LED design as the Z-Bar, with four-step dimming, aluminum and plastic construction, and oval light pattern. The i-Tower stands on a 9”-diameter base and its vertical arm extends 43.25”. The head will adjust anywhere from three to five feet above the floor. Both the i-Tower and Z-Bar are rated at 9.5 watts and 40,000 hours of operation before dimming to 70% of original brightness. Each carries a one-year warranty.

On Amazon, you’ll find the Koncept Z-Bar ($165) in black, silver, red, and white, as well as the i-Tower ($195) in black and silver.

Pablo Designs LIM L Floor

Pablo Designs LIM L Floor ($350)

The LIM L Floor by Pablo Designs has a slim profile and a 3,300 K LED light array. Its aluminum body and light arm connect via a magnetic attachment system. This system allows for precise adjustments as well as the option of adding another light arm for increased illumination. Each attached arm moves vertically between 42 and 51 inches above the floor. The LIM L Floor has an on/off switch and two selectable levels of brightness. It won 2009 Best of Neocon Silver and an iF 2010 Product Design Award. Customers on YLighting give the LIM L Floor 4½ out of 5 stars, and two LightingUniverse.com customers give it an average of 5 stars. The strong points of this floor lamp are its sleek design and diffuse, warm light pattern. Its main drawback is its high cost. Pablo Designs also offers the LIM L Table ($300) for tabletop placement, as well as the LIM C Undersurface ($250), which mounts under a table to clear working space.

The LIM L Floor ($350) is available in black, white, and brushed silver through Amazon. The LIM L Table ($300) is for sale in black, white, brushed silver, and polished silver. The LIM C Undersurface ($250) is available in white and brushed silver.

Cree XLamp XR-E Warm White LED Lantern

Cree XLamp XR-E Warm White LED Lantern ($25)

The Cree XLamp XR-E Warm White LED Lantern has over 20 customer reviews on Amazon, averaging 4½ out of 5 stars. There is also a lively discussion on CandlePowerForums (Favourlight Mini Lantern Disambiguation Guide) that points out the many positive attributes of this little lamp, which is sold under several different names by several different merchants. At the core of this lantern is a high-quality Cree XLamp XR-E warm white LED. This is a top-notch diode that exhibits high brightness (up to 110 lumens), high efficiency, and long lifespan. It is packaged within a compact (5″ H x 2″ W x 2.5″ D) and durable aluminum body with rubber end caps. It weighs just over seven ounces with the included three AA batteries. It is rated to run up to 24 hours in High output mode, 48 hours in Low mode, and 55 hours in Flash mode. Remove the top cap for flashlight functionality. This lantern comes with a carabiner.

You’ll find the Cree XLamp XR-E Warm White LED Lantern for sale on Amazon.

Lighting Science Group 40 Watt Equivalent LED Light

LED light bulbs have long had incandescent and CFL (compact fluorescent) bulbs beat in terms of energy efficiency, yet they’ve taken a back seat to the CFLs due to the much higher price tag of an LED bulb. That is until now. As incandescent bulbs are being phased out, lighting companies are scrambling to get their LED bulbs on the shelves and in the homes of America. Which means prices are dropping.

Lighting Science Group recently announced its’ new 40 watt equivalent LED bulb for sale on Amazon for $21.98, quite a bit cheaper than the competition, such as the $38 GE LED bulb. The A19 type bulb lasts 23 years and contains no mercury, unlike the CFL bulbs that have recently received a lot of press due to a study about potential cancer causing chemicals. Lighting Science Group plans to release a variety of LEDs for sale on Amazon including the more popular 60 watt equivalent bulb. Home Depot also carries a line of LED bulbs from Lighting Science Group, called the Ecosmart LED bulbs.

Switch LED Bulb

Vying for a slice of the LED pie, is Switch lighting who have developed 60 watt and 75 watt equivalent LED bulbs. With plans to begin production in the U.S. later this year, the Switch LED bulbs are expected to cost less than $15.

Metaefficient is also a fan of the Pharox 300 LED bulb which, at $27, is slightly more expensive than these new LEDs about to hit the market, but it does offer dimming capability, while the Lighting Science Group bulb is non-dimmable. For more on the Pharox 300 LED bulb see here. Though it’s been a long time coming, we may be finally able to see the LED light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to replacing the beloved incandescent with affordable, uber-efficient, non-toxic lighting.

For more on LEDs see our recent articles on light bulb efficiency guidelines and LED bulbs for the home.

CFL Light Bulbs By Plumen

They’ve been called everything from curly bulbs to squirrel bulbs to pigtail bulbs, but one thing CFL light bulbs have never been called is beautiful. Until now. A British company by the name of Plumen creates CFL bulbs with an attractive design, one that is meant to be on display. Last month the Plumen 001 bulb won the Brit Insurance Designs of the Year 2011 beating out over 90 other entries including the Apple iPad. In addition to it’s aesthetic charm, the Plumen bulbs use 80% less energy, last 8 times longer than incandescents, produce 680 lumens, equal to a 60 watt incandescent, and come on instantly.

Plumen Bulbs Illuminate A Cafe

Though currently only available in Europe, a 110v version is set to hit North America at the end of April 2011. The bulb is causing quite a stir in the interior design world and can be seen in boutiques and coffee houses in cities like London and Copenhagen. There’s even a Flickr group where Plumen owners can show off their design ideas. As it’s stated on the Plumen website,

It’s strange that the bulb, an object so synonymous with ideas, is almost entirely absent of imagination.

Perhaps Plumen will be able to sway some of the CSL haters, though there is still the mercury problem. According to Plumen, their bulbs contain a smaller amount of mercury than previous CSLs. They will recycle the bulb for you if you send it back to the company or bring it to the store where it was purchased.

A Plumen Light Bulb Holder

The cost of the Plumen is expected to be around $30, which may be hard to swallow for some, though taking into account the energy efficiency and longevity as well as the chic factor, the price may be reasonable to others. Or you may just want to hold out for the LEDs.

Also check out our light bulb efficiency guidelines.

Via: Wall Street Journal and TreeHugger

The AmbientLED from Philips is the latest LED light designed to replace the 60 watt bulbs in people’s homes. Unlike older LEDs I tested, this light is definitely up to that job. It gives off 800 lumens of warm light, while running on 12 watts. It’s the first LED light to earn an ENERGY STAR qualification. To qualify, a 60-watt LED equivalent must have a minimum light output of 800 lumens, a color temperature of 2700K (for soft white light), color rendering index (CRI) of 80 and a minimum three year warranty, among other requirements.

The AmbientLED’s illumination is omnidirectional, closely matching the way light is thrown from an incandescent bulb. In fact, I’d be hard-pressed to tell the difference between this LED and an incandescent in a blind test.

It’s good to see LED replacements coming to market that more closely match what people are accustomed to in their homes.

The light sells for $39.95 online at Polar-Ray.

LEDs offer the best energy efficiency of any widely available lighting technology.  And LED lights contain no mercury, as opposed to the compact fluorescent bulbs that have become so common.  But recent reports suggest that LEDs may have their own issues with hazardous substances, so should you steer clear of them?  Not so fast – LEDs are still a great choice for energy efficient, eco-friendly lighting.

Although a recent study from two University of California research teams did find surprising levels of potentially dangerous substances (primarily lead) in some LED lights, the problems are focused primarily on holiday light strands.  LED bulbs may also contain low levels of these substances too, but they are durable and unlikely to break (an important point, since breakage is the only way that the chemicals would be released in a household setting).

LED Light Strands Were The Focus Of The Recent Study

Furthermore, the overall environmental impact of any chemicals contained in LED light bulbs is more than offset by their energy efficiency.  The electricity saved by using LED lighting eliminates far more toxic pollution from power plants than is contained inside a bulb.

So all in all, you should continue to feel good about making the switch to LED lighting.  Just make sure that (as with any electronic products) you dispose of them properly when they reach the end of their life cycles.

via Modern Enviro and USA Today

Pharox 300 Warm Led Light Bulb

The Pharox 300 Flame is the warmest LED light bulb I’ve tested. It’s been in a desk lamp in my living room — it gives off a pleasing yellow glow (a 3000 kelvin output). The Pharox’s light quality is very good. Unlike CFLs, this bulb contains no mercury it emits no UV radiation. Typically, quality household lights tend to have the Color Rendering Index (CRI) between 80 and 100. The Pharox has a CRI of 85.

Pharox Flame LED Light Bulb Replacement

The Pharox Flame outputs 336 lumen, and runs on 6 watts of power. Lemnis says the Pharox is equivalent to a 35W to 60W incandescent equivalent (depending on the lamp or fixture). This light also represents a kind of price breakthrough for LED bulbs — it sells for $24.99 from the manufacturer, Lemnis Lighting.

Lasting six times longer than a CFL and 35 times longer than an incandescent, the Pharox 300 LED light bulb should last 25 years if used four hours daily.

Here’s a comparison chart:

The Pharox 300 Flame Bulb is available from Amazon.

Website: Lemnis Lighting

There has been much discussion in the media lately (including a fair amount of misinformation) regarding the phase-out of traditional incandescent light bulbs in the United States.  Read on to separate the reality from the hype, and to learn more about efficient lighting technologies that will save energy and cut your power bills.

What Exactly Are These New Guidelines For Light Bulbs?
Well, first of all, they’re not really new – they’re provisions of 2007′s Energy Independence and Security Act, but they’re just now beginning to take effect.  They aren’t requiring any overnight changes either – the regulations call for a gradual phase-out of the most inefficient bulbs between 2012 and 2014.  The 2012 restrictions will begin by phasing out old-style 100-watt incandescent bulbs, and by 2014 they will limit 40-watt bulbs.

It’s worth noting that the guidelines will NOT actually ban incandescent bulbs – they simply require that any bulb (incandescent, fluorescent, or any other type) meet an improved level of energy efficiency.  Also, specialty bulbs like those for appliances and floodlights will generally be exempt from the restrictions.

Out With Watts, In With Lumens
Wattage used to be the simplest standard for judging a light bulb’s brightness, but no more.  Alternative lighting sources like LEDs and fluorescent bulbs produce light while using far less power, and even incandescent bulbs have improved in their efficiency.  So it’s time to stop comparing apples and oranges, and instead focus on a consistent measure of how much light is being produced:  lumens.

Lumens offer a standardized measure of light output, and as manufacturers begin to list lumens instead of wattages on bulb packaging, consumers will be able to more accurately compare the performance of different products regardless of their energy usage.

New Labels Will Make It Easier To Compare Lighting Products (image: FTC)

New Federal Trade Commission guidelines for light bulb packaging will further assist buyers:  by mid-2011 other information in addition to lumen output will also be clearly labeled, including annual energy costs and a bulb’s typical lifespan.

What Will Replace Old Incandescents?
There are a number of technologies on the market that will let consumers meet the new EISA guidelines, and save money as well:

Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs)

Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs) offer substantial energy savings, and they are fairly inexpensive.  The quality of light they provide has improved markedly in recent years as well.  Their biggest drawback is their mercury content, which means that broken bulbs must be carefully cleaned up and CFLs must be properly disposed of when they burn out.

MetaEfficient’s Pick:  Check out GE’s Energy Smart compact fluorescent bulbs, available in a range of models including Bright Daylight ($8.20 for two) and Soft White ($19.16 for six).

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

Zetalux LED Light Bulb

Bulbs that use solid-state light emitting diodes (LEDs) are continuing to evolve and improve.  Although they are still relatively expensive, they are the longest lasting and most energy-efficient bulbs available, and they contain no toxic materials.  For more details, check out this recent MetaEfficient post about LED lighting.

MetaEfficient’s Pick:  The EarthLED Zetalux LED Light Bulb was recently profiled in this article.  It’s available for $30.60 at Amazon.

Electron Stimulated Luminescence (ESLs)

Electron Stimulated Luminescence (ESL) Bulb By Vu1

Electron Stimulated Luminescence is the new kid on the lighting block.  Phosphors within a glass bulb are electrified to emit visible light, and the result is a light source that’s up to 70% more efficient that incandescent bulbs while using no toxic chemicals like mercury.  This recent MetaEfficient article about ESL bulbs takes a closer look at the new technology.

MetaEfficient’s Pick:  Right now, the only ESL bulbs on the market are produced by Vu1 Corporation.  You can learn more or place an order at the Vu1 website.

Better Incandescent Bulbs

Halogena Light Bulb From Philips

Although they still can’t match the performance of some other technologies, some next-generation incandescent bulbs are far more energy efficient than those of a few years ago (thanks largely to redesigned filament components).  For example, the Halogena line from Philips claims 30% better efficiency and three times longer life compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.

MetaEfficient’s Pick:  The Philips Halogena Light Bulb is available from Amazon ($16.99 for a 2-pack).

Which new types of energy efficient lighting are you using in your home?  Leave a comment below and let us know.

VU1 ESL Light Bulb

Retailers are gearing up to meet deadlines for the incandescent light bulb ban. Ikea has already stopped selling the inefficient bulbs. And California has pulled the plug and is letting current supplies run down. Many incandescent lovers are shedding tears and hating on the mercury-containing CFLs and the more expensive (though infinitely more efficient) LEDs. So here come the ESLs. The VU1 Corporation has developed a light bulb using Electron Stimulated Luminescence that the company claims to be more efficient than incandescent, CFL, and LED bulbs.

Though using this patented technology in lighting is new, the science itself is by no means cutting edge. It works in the same way that a cathode ray television works- electrons stimulate phosphors inside the bulb to make them glow. The VU1 Corporation is marketing their bulbs as having the same light quality as an incandescent, yet up to 70% more efficient. They’re taking on the LEDs with a cheaper sticker price. And by not containing any mercury, they are a safer option over the CFLs.  They also have dimming capability and come on instantly, fit into a standard socket and have a similar shape to the Edison bulbs. Here is a comparison photo from the VU1 website:

VU1 Light Quality

Energy efficiency compared to an LED though is still in question. The VU1 bulb produces 30 lumens per watt, the equivalent of a 65 watt incandescent. LED technology continues to advance rapidly with some LEDs producing 3 times that many lumens per watt. And the LED holds the top spot when it comes to longevity. The VU1 bulb lasts 10,000 hours, while LEDs average 40,000-60,000 hours. Check out our guide to LEDs here.

Nevertheless, the ESL is an energy efficient and environmentally friendly lighting option and VU1 could find a nice slice of the light bulb market, especially as the incandescent bulbs leave the building. As stated in this report on Bloomberg, VU1 is in talks with two major retailers in the U.S. to begin selling the ESL bulbs. The bulb, which received UL certification in October, currently sells on the company’s website for $19.95.

[Via: Technology Review]

Best LED Christmas Lights

LED Christmas lights have come a long way since they first hit the market. Now you can get just about any shape, size, and color to please the most die hard of holiday decorators. Most agree they are even more brilliant than the traditional incandescent Christmas lights, but perhaps the greatest benefit is that they are up to 90% more efficient. Making the switch will reduce your utility bill and your carbon footprint.

Though the price has come down over the years, they are still more costly than their incandescent counterparts. However, LED Christmas lights can be a better investment in the long run with many providing a long lifespan of up to 100,000 hours and the fact that they are encased in a durable plastic, which offers less chance of breakage than with glass bulbs. And say goodbye to the frustration of having the whole string of lights go out when one bulb dies. That doesn’t happen with LEDs. These Christmas lights are safer as well, especially if you have little kids running around, because they don’t get hot.

Don’t just throw your old lights away. If they’re still working, donate them to a local charity. Your broken ones can be recycled. Christmas Light Source is an online LED company that will take your old lights and recycle them for you, then donate the proceeds to buy books for Toys for Tots. So go ahead and be a Griswold instead of a Grinch this holiday season. Here’s our list of the best LED lights for your Christmas display.

GKI/Bethlehem Lighting 50-Light FlexChange LED Light Set

GKI/Bethlehem Lighting 50-Light FlexChange LED Light Set

GKI/Bethlehem Lighting, a company who have long provided commercial light displays including lighting State Street in Chicago for Christmas, offers high quality LEDs to the consumer. Their patent-pending FlexChange are sealed with non-corrosive components for indoor or outdoor use. This 50 light set features 5 mm wide angle replaceable LED bulbs that are 6 inches apart. These sets can be connected and are Energy Star certified. Amazon reviewers give the FlexChange LED light set an average 4 star rating with most commenting on the high quality. Also available in single colors: blue, green, red, purple, and white.

Sells on Amazon for $25.86.

100 LED Energy Smart Mini Holiday Christmas Lights by GE

100 LED Mini Holiday Christmas Lights by GE

These miniature LED Christmas lights by GE measure 33 feet in length, but you can make them even longer by connecting up to 25 sets together for indoor or outdoor use. The lights are 4 inches apart. All the other lights will still work even if one LED is burned out or loose. They are replaceable, break resistant, and cool to the touch. Keep these glowing even after Christmas as accent lighting. It should be noted that some Amazon reviewers point out that since LED lights are so energy efficient, they are not strong enough to power the motion ornaments. This set uses 8 watts of power.

The Energy Smart GE Mini Christmas Lights are sold on Amazon for $23.00.

GKI/Bethlehem C9 LED 25 Multi-Color Christmas Light Set

GKI/Bethlehem C9 LED 25 Multi-Color Christmas Light Set

Hard to believe these LED lights as they look like a throwback to the traditional lighting of Christmas past. Another selection from GKI/Bethlehem Lighting, who boast the brightest and truest color of LED Christmas lights, this set of multi-colored candle-shaped bulbs is Energy Star certified with 6 inch spacing between bulbs that are UV protected to prevent fading. The C-9 size is perfect for outdoor use, but would also bring some Christmas nostalgia inside. Comes with a 3 year warranty.

Sells for $39.99  on Amazon.

Good Tidings Holiday Christmas Light Set

Good Tidings Indoor/Outdoor Holiday Christmas Light Set

If you’re looking for something a little smaller than the C-9s without skimping on brightness, this set from Good Tidings features 70 multi-colored flame shaped LED bulbs that are 4 inches apart. The green cord measures 23 feet long and can be connected with up to 20 other sets. If one bulb goes out, the others stay lit. Using less than 10 watts of power for the whole set, they are cool to the touch. Authorized for both indoor and outdoor use.

The Good Tidings Christmas Light Set is sold on Amazon for $17.99.

Gemmy LED Color Changing Icicle Light String

Gemmy LED Color Changing Icicle Light String

These LED multi-color icicle lights by Gemmy provide a multi-function light pattern to create your own holiday light show. The glass-like appearance delivers a cleaner look when the lights aren’t in use, compared to the traditional icicle lights. Each string is 24.5 feet long with 24 icicle bulbs that are 12 inches apart. They can be connected to other light show sets for display inside or outside.

The Gemmy LED Color Changing Icicle Light String can be purchased at Lowe’s for around $40.00. There is a smaller set available on Amazon.

Color Selectable Rope Lights

Color Selectable Rope Lights

Orange Tree Trade, an American company, designs LED rope lights that render a low maintenance alternative to bulbs. This 10 foot version contains 60 blue LEDs and 60 white LEDs with 1 inch spacing between them. Using the controller, you can select blue only or white only or a mix of the 2 colors. The rope is 1/2 inch diameter and has an average life of 100,000 hours. Safe for indoor or outdoor use, LED rope lights do not heat up and this one uses about 6 watts of energy for this 10 foot rope. Comes with 10 mounting clips. You can connect with other rope lights up to 100 feet.

The 10 foot color selectable rope light sells on Amazon for $40.60.

Lawn Lights

Lawn Lights

These LED lights for your lawn have become so popular over the past couple years, the company has struggled to keep up with demand. If you’re not one for getting up on a ladder and stringing lights across your house, these lights will still give you a beautiful Christmas display without the hassle. According to their website, you can set them up in about 15 minutes. You can read more about Lawn Lights here. Each set covers 2500 to 3600 square feet. Amazon reviewers have given Lawn Lights an average 4 star rating. One reviewer said the lights still glowed through the extensive snow cover on her lawn which made for a cool effect.

You can get Lawn Lights on Amazon for $59.88.

Solar Powered Christmas Lights

Solar Powered Christmas Lights

Want to completely eliminate your energy cost for Christmas lighting? Try out these solar powered Christmas lights by GudCraft. The 100 LED lights are solar charged during the day to come on automatically at night for approximately 8 hours. Each string is 35 feet in length. What’s great about these is you can decorate anywhere without the use of extension cords or worrying about where you’re going to plug in. Comes in a choice of white or blue. The blue lights have a flash setting as well.

Sold on Amazon in white or blue for around $30.00.

GKI/Bethlehem Christmas Tree Topper with Morphing LED

GKI/Bethlehem Christmas Tree Topper with Morphing LED

Add some energy efficient lighting to the top of the Christmas tree with this color changing star by GKI/Bethlehem Lighting. The LED lighted star flows through a variety of holiday colors. It has a crystal-like appearance when not lit up and attaches to either a real or artificial tree with the 24 inch flexible mounting arm. Energy Star certified, the Bethlehem Star tree topper has received a 5 star rating by Amazon users.

Sells for $50.88 on Amazon.