Both LM-79 and LM-80 are integral to the new Energy Star criteria for SSL, issued by the DOE in September 2007. The high-profile Energy Star label—already well-known to buyers as a way to identify energy-saving products—will begin to appear on SSL products in late 2008. The DOE has fashioned a two-category approach for all SSL products that enables early participation for a limited range of commercial and residential products in niche applications, yet acknowledges the rapid pace of technology developments and the need for a broader future category with more aggressive performance targets.
Government/industry collaboration on standards and performance criteria lays the groundwork for more consistent understanding of lumen output, lifetime, and other key performance characteristics. The DOE also is working with industry partners to develop a universal set of “results reporting recommendations,” designed to forge greater consistency in product performance statements among manufacturers.
Through its various initiatives, the DOE offers a unique opportunity to share insights and strategies that will help to shape the future of lighting. For more details on the DOE SSL initiatives visit www.netl.doe.gov/ssl.
James Brodrick is the manager of the Solid-State Lighting Portfolio at the U. S. Department of Energy. Brodrick directs solicitations, portfolio management, strategic planning, quality performance, and industry liaison for research and development and market introduction by the federal government of the semiconductor technology to create energy savings in general illumination.