LEDs – The Buzz and the Benefits

You’ve heard a lot about light-emitting diode (LED) lights and the prospect of having equipment that will “last forever” and dramatically cut energy bills.

Using LEDs for general illumination, such as to replace T8 fluorescent systems, is not yet viable but they’ve proven effective in some niche applications, including accent lighting and recessed cans, exterior canopy and soffit lighting, and within refrigerated cases. With the cost of LED products decreasing and technological advancements rapidly improving, in terms of system efficacy and expected lifetime, it’s becoming more cost effective to consider.

The benefits of LED lighting systems include:

• Energy efficiency
• Long life
• Directional lighting where it’s needed
• Size – can be compact and low profile
• Instant on
• Dimmable
• Cold temperature operation
• No IR or UV emissions

But the technology is relatively new, industry standards are still evolving and new generations of LED devices become available about every four to six months. So proceed with caution.

Things to consider include:

• Buy products from a known supplier/manufacturer who understands lighting
• Check to see if the products are ENERGY STAR^® qualified
• Ask if other independent product testing has been done
• Make sure the product has a reasonable warranty
• Install test fixtures to make sure the product meets your lighting needs and does what the manufacturer says it will

To help offset the cost of these energy-saving products, Xcel Energy now offers its commercial electric customers cash rebates for some of the most common LED applications.

Custom Efficiency rebates may be available for other LED applications such as signs, parking lots or garages, wall packs and more. Customers must receive preapproval prior to purchase and installation for all Custom projects.

Get Started

For more information about the available rebates, visit xcelenergy.com/lightingefficiency, or contact an Energy Efficiency Specialist at our Business Solutions Center at 1-800-481-4700 or energyefficiency@xcelenergy.com.