DOE Resources
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) offers articles, brochures, and fact sheets on a wide range of SSL and LED technical and application issues to help industry keep up with this rapidly developing technology. To learn more about DOE SSL commercialization activities and programs, select from the list below.
SSL Quality Advocates and the Lighting FactsCM Label
DOE's SSL Quality Advocates program is a voluntary pledge program to assure that LED lighting, as it reaches the market, is represented accurately. Participating manufacturers agree to use the Lighting Facts label to communicate basic, verified performance information about their products. The Lighting Facts label is similar to the nutrition label used on food products; it reports light output, wattage, and color characteristics in an easy-to-read format. Participation in SSL Quality Advocates is open to all who manufacture, sell, and recommend the best in LED lighting. Those who take the pledge become part of a growing community of SSL Quality Advocates across the lighting supply chain committed to supporting continuous improvement of SSL product quality. www.ssl.energy.gov/advocates.html, www.lightingfacts.com
GATEWAY Technology Demonstration
Demonstrations showcase high performance LED products for general illumination in a variety of commercial and residential applications. Demonstration results provide real-world experience and data on state-of-the-art SSL product performance and cost effectiveness. Performance measurements include energy consumption, light output, color consistency, and interface/control issues. The results connect DOE technology procurement efforts with large-volume purchasers and provide buyers with reliable data on product performance. www.ssl.energy.gov/gatewaydemos.html
CALiPER
DOE's testing program provides unbiased information on the performance of a widely representative array of commercially available SSL products for general illumination. Test results guide DOE planning for research and development, design competitions, and technology procurement activities; furnish objective product performance information to the public; and inform the development and refinement of standards and test procedures for SSL products. www.ssl.energy.gov/caliper.html
L Prize
The L PrizeSM competition aims to accelerate development and adoption of SSL products to replace the common light bulb. The DOE L Prize challenges industry to develop replacement technologies for two of today's most widely used and inefficient products: 60W incandescent lamps and PAR 38 halogen lamps. It also calls for development of a 21st Century Lamp that delivers ultra-high efficiency and performance. www.lightingprize.org
Lighting for Tomorrow
The Lighting for Tomorrow competition recognizes innovative, attractive, energy-efficient residential lighting design. Sponsored by DOE, the American Lighting Association (ALA), and the Consortium for Energy Efficiency, the competition was launched in 2002 with an initial focus on CFL fixtures. In 2006, a category for solid-state lighting was added. Winners are announced at the annual ALA conference. www.lightingfortomorrow.com
Technical Support for Standards
DOE provides national leadership and support for the development of new test procedures and standards for SSL, working closely with the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, the Next Generation Lighting Industry Alliance, the American National Standards Institute, and other organizations to accelerate the standards development process, facilitate ongoing collaboration, and offer technical assistance. The first national standards and rating systems for SSL products were issued in 2008, and more will follow. www.ssl.energy.gov/standards.html
TINSSL
DOE's Technical Information Network for Solid-State Lighting (TINSSL) increases awareness of SSL technology, performance, and appropriate applications. A coalition of representatives from energy efficiency organizations and utilities participate in monthly meetings to share information and updates, working closely with DOE to produce SSL outreach materials and support outreach events and activities. TINSSL members include the Consortium for Energy Efficiency, Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison, and Energy Trust of Oregon. www.ssl.energy.gov/technetwork.html