Effortless Cost Control

The supermarkets in the UK engage in a pricing war, resulting in artificially low food prices. Farmers, who sometimes have to sell their wares for less than they cost to produce, are on the receiving end of this unfair system. Many rely significantly on subsidies; however, as a result of Brexit, these subsidies are shifting and will be phased out over the next several years, replaced by a new plan that places far more emphasis on landowners utilizing their property to promote and protect the environment.

Farmers in this type of environment need to maximize productivity on their crops. They are accomplishing this in some ways, one of which is by switching to LEDs from fluorescent and halogen bulbs. Those that use vast indoor rooms for livestock or plant and vegetable cultivation may realize an 80% reduction in their lighting costs after switching to LEDs. LEDs consume 80% less energy and emit 80% less CO2 because they convert most of their energy into light rather than heat.

How LEDs Increase Milk Supply

Farmers may solve the shortage by finding strategies to increase output as milk is one of the key items sold at a loss. A recent study found that cows produce the most milk when they are exposed to light for 16–18 hours each day at levels of brightness between 160 and 200 lux at the very least, then 6 hours of exposure to a lower level of light. It is believed that this exposure to light raises the cows’ levels of the hormone prolactin, which is in charge of milk production. Cows with 16 to 18 hours of light per day can produce up to two liters of milk more than those with only 13 hours of light per day.

Sheds must be constantly and evenly illuminated at 160–200 lux during the lighter periods and at roughly 50 lux during the darker hours to obtain these greater yields. If this were implemented, farms’ energy consumption would grow dramatically; however, if LEDs were used instead, this would not be the case. The price would be less than what it would cost to keep the shed illuminated with fluorescent lights for 13 hours.

The fact that LEDs are dimmable is another perk. This allows for precise scheduling, and lux levels may be monitored using sensors. Even better, they may be programmed to adjust their brightness based on the amount of available sunlight, so maintaining uniformity while reducing energy consumption and associated expenses.

Enhancing Plant Growth and Productivity

The weather in the United Kingdom necessitates the use of artificial illumination, such as fluorescent and metal-halide bulbs, in order to speed up the growth process and increase yields. However, there are a number of drawbacks to utilizing this type of lighting, including the fact that it is costly to operate and isn’t very efficient and that it may not offer the exact wavelength or intensity of light that a particular crop requires for optimal growth.

There are several advantages to using LEDs to replace fluorescent and metal-halide lighting for indoor plant cultivation. One recent study found that LED-grown wheat outperformed fluorescent-grown wheat in terms of both production and quality, while also reducing lighting energy use by 80%. Photosynthesis, tiller count, biomass, and yield were all improved by the LEDs’ capacity to produce more intense light. 

The fact that LEDs could have their color temperature and output altered was an added bonus. Improvements in starch and protein content were achieved because different sections of the spectrum had varied effects on the plants at different phases of development. It’s possible that many other types of crops can reap the same rewards.

Less Work to Maintain

It takes a lot of light bulbs to illuminate large indoor rooms used for raising animals or cultivating plants in bulk. It might take a while to replace them, especially if they are up high. LEDs are practical in this context due to their significantly longer lifespan, typically about 50,000 hours. This reduced need to replace bulbs frequently also reduces the associated costs of doing so. Also crucial is the fact that LEDs are far cooler than conventional kinds of illumination, reducing the risk of fire.

In Conclusion

The agricultural sector in the UK stands to benefit greatly from the use of LEDs. Not only may they help farmers save money on electricity and lower their carbon impact, but they can also increase milk production and crop yields without sacrificing quality.

The post The Impact of LED Technology on Agriculture appeared first on Lepro Blog.

Motion sensor lights automatically activate when entered, banishing darkness. No more blind stumbling in shadowy rooms, risking injury from unseen obstacles. Hands-free illumination provides safety and convenience.

This post covers five advantages of installing motion sensor lighting at home and work.

Five Advantages of Installing Motion Sensor Lights

Motion-activated lighting offers convenient hands-free illumination in your home. Key advantages are energy savings from automatic shut-off, increased security from unexpected light when motion is detected, no more fumbling for switches in the dark, cost reductions from less electricity use, and a high-tech upgrade to your living space.

1. Energy Savings: Motion-activated lights automatically turn on when detecting occupancy and then switch off after an area is vacant. This eliminates wasted electricity from leaving lights on unused, making motion sensor lighting far more energy efficient and saving money monthly versus traditional always-on fixtures.
2. Security: Motion-sensing lights heighten property security by deterring intruders who could otherwise lurk undetected in darkness. Criminals are often discouraged knowing sudden illumination from activation could draw attention, making motion detectors a theft deterrent.
3. Convenience: Motion-activated lighting offers the convenience of hands-free brightness whenever needed without manually turning lights on/off. It also removes wasted time blindly searching for switches in dark spaces. Illumination activates effortlessly upon entry
4. Reduced expenses: Motion sensing lights save money by using less energy versus old-fashioned lighting, and lasting longer before needing bulb replacement. Sensors automatically turn lights off when an area is vacant, reducing electricity usage and your bills. Overall, motion-activated lighting provides cost-effective illumination.
5. Safety: Motion detection enhances safety by notifying you of any activity around your property 24/7. Sensors spot movement and activate lighting, making it harder for nefarious individuals to sneak onto the premises unnoticed.

In summary, motion-sensing lights provide multiple advantages for residential and commercial spaces. Key benefits include enhanced energy efficiency, heightened security, convenient hands-free operation, and cost savings from reduced electricity usage and longer-lasting bulbs. Both indoor and outdoor motion detectors deliver improved safety, superior lighting, and long-term savings. Automated illumination offers a smart upgrade over traditional lighting.

What are the Disadvantages of Motion Sensor Lights?

While convenient, motion-sensing outdoor lights have limitations like false triggers, restricted coverage, and tricky installation. Consider these disadvantages before installing motion-activated exterior lighting.

1. Accidental Triggering: Motion detectors can falsely activate from environmental disturbances – wind gusts, passing vehicles, animals moving within range, etc. This causes exterior lights to cycle on/off needlessly at night, wasting energy. Frequent false triggers are a downside.
2. Price: Though inexpensive per unit, covering large areas with motion detectors grows costly from needing multiple units.
3. Control Issues: Motion-activated lighting lacks manual overrides and stays illuminated perpetually when triggered. In high-traffic areas, this causes excessive light pollution all night from continual activation.
4. Consumption of batteries: Frequent battery drainage necessitates periodic replacement or recharging due to the heavy load from constant motion detector activation/deactivation.

Recognizing limitations like false triggers, cost factors, light pollution, and battery drain allows an educated decision about utilizing motion-activated lighting.

The post Five Advantages of Motion-Detected Lighting appeared first on Lepro Blog.

Lighting and Artificial Intelligence

Innovative approaches to lighting design and control are commonplace in the lighting business. The industry has undergone significant transformation due to developments like the improvement of the light bulb and the advent of networked lighting components using protocols.

The potential for AI to be used in lighting management systems is exciting since it may have an effect on many different areas of the lighting life cycle.

Like auto-commissioning systems in the IT sector, a self-learning network of lighting components may communicate and set up without human interaction. The time required to activate new lighting installations will be reduced with the use of such a network.

An AI-based lighting system may optimize and adapt light settings depending on what it learns from seeing and measuring the interior environment.

How to Benefit from AI Lighting

End-users and renters aren’t the only ones who can benefit from an AI-based lighting system; building owners and facilities managers may, too.

Data is continually generated by a network of lighting components and saved on a dedicated server. Decisions can be made either locally, on the source component (such as a sensor), or remotely, on a server running the AI algorithm.

The information gathered may also be used for various kinds of Building Management Systems (BMS), such as HVAC or entry control.

Smart Lights and Privacy

In spite of its many advantages, AI technology still has certain drawbacks.

The visual stream from AI-enhanced cameras may accurately detect occupancy and motion in a room or place, but doing so legally must respect individuals’ right to privacy. The slow pace at which AI is adopted is further hindered by the fact that people still have a lot to learn about the technology.

Thankfully, privacy problems are minimal when using artificially intelligent lighting because of the widespread usage of passive infrared (PIR) movement detection sensors. Intelligent lighting systems are used by many organizations because they are a proven and true method of enhancing the user experience, increasing employee comfort and productivity, and decreasing operational costs.

Implementations of AI for the control of lighting

Some of the current and prospective uses of AI in lighting are:

• Artificial design intelligence: Feed it a building model, and it will spit out a lighting plan. In the design phase, for instance, computers may be programmed to do tasks such as arranging office lighting, laying out circuitry, and optimizing systems. To do this, we need to define the project’s objectives and give it time to develop. Designs that would normally need human effort might be generated automatically. This may be used to quickly and efficiently address issues with IES lighting levels, building alignments, and similar concerns.  
• Task efficiency enhancement. In structural engineering, for instance, this is already happening to reduce steel use. Simple, widely-used algorithms have been adapted for this purpose for decades.  
• Robotics and other construction equipment can benefit from AI for process and quality control by comparing the final product to the original blueprints.  
• Building systems may be operated in a way that mimics human judgment thanks to operational systems that can, for example, balance the need for light with the need for a clear view, regulate the temperature in a room, and so on.

The vast majority of these programs offer answers to issues that are systematic, sequential, or data-intensive in nature. Selling pre-packaged sets of such solutions may be compared to peddling “AI black boxes”; they are pre-configured modules that can be added to an existing lighting system to improve its performance. Artificial intelligence agents will have a hard time delivering black boxes that do sophisticated duties like intelligently applying human values; instead, they will do better if they provide basic energy management products or something. Cynicism is necessary to achieve AI at higher levels of lighting application. In other words, by taking measures that are likely to bring about the complex outcomes we seek (beauty, social activity, inclusiveness, etc.).

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4 Kinds of LED Chip Technology 

Since LED technology is used in various applications, LED manufacturers have developed four kinds of LED chips that meet a product’s needs. What are the four types of LED chips manufacturers use in their products?

• LED COB or Chip on Board
• LED DIP or Dual In-Line Package
• LED SMD or Surface Mounted Diode
• MicroLED

LED Chip on Board (COB)

The latest LED lighting advancement is the LED Chip on Board technology. Its design is centered on the product’s presence of multiple LED diodes. As such, manufacturing costs for the technology runs about 20% less than what SMD chips cost.

• Small devices, like cameras or cell phones, tend to use this technology because of the high amount of lumens using very little energy they produce. They provide a light output of more than 120 lumens per watt. 
• Thanks to its design, heat is efficiently dissipated, allowing for use for long periods of time, despite how much light output is provided.  

COB technology is extremely durable because it can tolerate electrical current-voltage changes. 

Finally, it emits a multi-directional light, meaning it has a beam angle of roughly 160 degrees. 

LED Dual in-Line Package (DIP)

When people think of LEDs, they tend to think about Dual IN-Line Package LEDs. The design comprises a diode encased in a tough opaque plastic case with two parallel connector pins sticking out. The casing’s color determines the LED light. 

While many DIP chips are still in use, they have a low luminous efficiency, unlike the currently available LEDs. Therefore, they are commonly used as indicator lights for various electronics. 

LED Surface Mounted Diode

The diode of the Surface Mounted Diode (SMD) is enveloped in a semi-rigid resin soldered to the circuit. SMDs are smaller in size than DIP chips and much more effective. SMD development is seen as an advancement in LED technology, as it introduces three diodes on one chip. White light is only achievable by combining the three main colors – green, blue and red. The combination means approximately 16 million different colors are possible. 

Another way to attain the white light is to apply a coating of phosphor layer that will absorb the blue light so that the yellow color is given off. The layer’s density dictates the SMD chip’s color temperature. Lepro high bay lights are designed with SMD2835 LED Chips, which can reach 145lm/W light efficacy.

When it comes to features and performance, here are a few things to be mindful of:

• The chips can generate up to 80 lumens per watt, which is much higher than other DIPs. As such, many LED strips and downlights use them.
• It generates a unidirectional light, but since they are distributed over the light fitting’s whole surface, you can still get a 360-degree angle beam.
• Thanks to its 80% Color Rendering Index feature, it offers true color reproduction.

SMDs do have one particular shortcoming, and this is the chip-to-board connection temperature. It’s just not ideal for long-term use.

MicroLED Chip

MicroLED technology is the result of various microscopic LEDs to define pixels. It’s the technology used in flat panel TVs because it offers higher energy efficiency, better contrast and lower response time. 

And LED technology goes beyond lighting, including products like cell phones, gadgets and TVs. 

The post What are the Different Types of LED Chips? appeared first on Lepro Blog.

As such, it’s imperative to know what steps to take to ensure the LED lighting in your home or business is free of flickers.

What Causes Lights to Flicker?

When there is a fluctuation in a light source’s output, the light will flicker. The flickering results from the light switching turning off and on because of the changes in the power voltage magnitude (alternate current). The Hertz (Hz) measurement provides an idea of how noticeable the flickering will be. The majority of people can see flickering below 50 to 70Hz, but studies show some individuals are especially sensitive to flickering and can see frequencies of more than 100Hz. 

And, for some individuals, it is their subconscious that picks up the higher frequencies. 

Flickering can happen to every lighting type – fluorescent, halogen, incandescent, and LED. Seeing this flickering isn’t as easy in less energy-efficient lights. That’s because the filament keeps its heat (thermal persistence) and will continue to work even when it is experiencing fluctuations. 

Thermal persistence does not occur with LED lights, meaning the light stops working immediately when the power supply is turned off. So, should an LED be connected to a 50Hz AC supply, it will shut off 50 times a second, which the human eye can detect.

Fixing the issue is as easy as installing a fully-capable control system or LED driver to regulate the main power supply’s frequency. The key is finding the equipment necessary to handle the requirements of the system’s environment and main power requirements. By doing so, you can pretty much eliminate the flickering altogether. 

What Kind of Effects Can Flickering Cause?

A light flicker can have little to no effect on some people, while others can have a tremendous impact on their health. For those with increased sensitivity, it can lead to the following problems:

• Eye strain
• Inability to concentrate
• Lethargy 

Many people are susceptible to light frequency changes, which can lead to headaches and migraines. People with epilepsy may even suffer seizures from the constant flickering.  

It’s not uncommon for light flickering to produce a stroboscopic effect. This effect means moving objects look as if they are slowing down. This effect is acceptable at a nightclub but can have devastating consequences in a work environment, especially industrial environments with moving parts.

The lighting industry has ensured that LED lighting is the industry’s standard for energy efficiency. Still, many designers have failed to understand the impacts flickering can have in places like factories, offices, or retail. 

According to research, an increase in a flicker’s kilohertz range means people are less likely to see it. Therefore, it’s imperative to attain a frequency level best for the lighting system you have installed. 

How Flickering Can Affect LED Lights

There is no persistence with LEDs, so the light output frequency is time to the power source’s output waveform. A run-of-the-mill LED driver has an output frequency that’s boosted two times more than input frequency (50Hz input voltage equates to 100Hz output frequency). While most people will be unable to see the flickering, they will still experience the side effects of prolonged exposure – headaches, eye strains, and lethargy.

Flickering can happen when there is a pulse with modulation, which is a common method of dimming. Pulse with modulation can regulate the LED’s power input, making the flickering noticeable unless there is some regulation of the PWM frequency.

A well-designed LED driver can potentially boost the output to thousands of hertz, making it impossible for the human eye to see. To ensure this, the LED driver must be installed near the LED light, which isn’t always possible in a typical lighting system. However, it’s often delegated to professional situations like television and film shoots.

LED Driver and Control System Designs

If you want an LED light free of flickering, a capacitor should be installed to the driver output to offset the ripple. The drawback is that it can decrease the system’s reliability and lifespan. (Low-quality capacitors are notoriously known to affect systems.)

It’s also essential to use drivers that have two-stage power factor correction that can regulate three things – noise, ripple, and output frequency. 

No matter what method is chosen, it’s important to find and install a high-quality LED driver that reduces the output ripple current fluctuations. It’s why lighting designers need to work closely with LED driver manufacturers and suppliers to come up with a solution that will work in the setting the design will be installed.

How to Ensure You Get Flicker-Free Products

There are several things that lighting professionals can do that will help decrease the possibility of flickering in their products. For example, steer clear of AC-LED-advertised products. The low price, coupled with no driver and a simple circuit design, can generate a 40% flicker rate with full output. Dimmer levels can cause an even higher flicker percentage.

You want to make sure the supplier understands flickering and how the driver can affect it.

There are two things to be mindful of to ensure the best possible outcome:

• Strike a balance between performance and price
• Light quality should be ideal regardless of where it’s being installed

The post What is Light Flicker and What Can Be Done to Reduce it? appeared first on Lepro Blog.

Understanding the Workings of the Dusk-to-Dawn Sensors

Dusk-to-dawn lighting is a lightbulb that turns on when it detects a low level of light and switches off when it senses more light. When the sensor is installed in a wall light, lamp post or garden solar step light, it can eliminate the need for people to remember and turn on and off their outdoor lighting each day.

How does the sensor work? A sensor is generally built into a dusk-to-dawn light bulb. This photoelectric device can distinguish light and dark, sending a signal to let the bulb know when it’s time to turn on and off. There are two critical parts to photoelectric devices:

• Photo-voltaic cells
• Photo-conductive cells (the majority of desk-to-dawn light bulbs use this type of sensor)

The light-dependent resistor (LDR) declines and rises its resistance, attaining the dusk-to-dawn capability based on the light the sensitive surface receives. A dusk-to-dawn light bulb may only work correctly if no dust, particles, or objects are on the surface. It may also not work right if installed on a building that gets a lot of light at night. With a dusk to dawn light, you must ensure it’s located away from a light source. 

There are several kinds of photocells on the market, but it’s important to understand that the technology of each one is similar. They all use semiconductors to regulate the electric current. If the semiconductor is exposed to a specific light level, the current will cause the light to turn off. You can find adjustable photocell sensors so that you can determine what level of light will cause the semiconductor to kick on. When it becomes dusky, the flow quits, and the light turns on. 

Where Can a Dusk-to-Dawn Light Be Used

A dusk-to-dawn lightbulb is often installed in an outdoor light; no reason for it to be used inside. This kind of lightbulb sensor is ideal for most outdoor projects, so keep that in mind when making improvements to your area. 

3 Kinds of Dusk-to-Dawn Light Fixtures to Consider 

Dusk to Dawn Motion-Sensor Warning Light 

Light can help illuminate an area, keeping you safe from danger and other hazards. If safety is a concern, the dusk-to-dawn motion sensor warning light should be the way to go. It has both a motion and light sensor, which means the light will turn on when the sun goes down and will start flashing red and blue light brightly when its motion sensor perceives a person is coming close to your home. 

Dusk to Dawn Wall Pack Light

This kind of light uses photocells to turn the light on at sunset and shut off at sunrise. This helps stop energy from being wasted because the lights are still on after being forgotten all day.

Outdoor Parking Lot with Photocell Light

Many parking lot lights are installed with a dusk to dawn LED with photocell sensors built in. The sensor will detect when there is or is no light, sending out a signal to turn it on or off. When the sun sets, the light will come on. When dawn arrives, it will turn off. There is no switch to deal with; it’s all automatic.

The post The Complete Guide to Dusk-to-Dawn Lighting appeared first on Lepro Blog.

A Closer Look at LED Drivers

The LED driver is responsible for power regulation to one or more LEDs. The electrical device is a critically important part of the LED circuit, and without out, the entire unit fails.  It’s a necessity because it decreases the possibility of temperature changes affecting the LED’s forward voltage. 

What is a forward voltage? This is the voltage amount the light will emit and needs to produce electricity and work. With an increase in temperature, the LED forward voltage drops, and more current is needed by the LED. This process continues until the LED no longer works. 

However, the LED driver, which is a self-contained power supply, can match the LED electrical characteristics.  The LED driver maintains the forward voltage’s changes, ensuring that thermal runaway does not occur and the LED has a consistent current.

How Can You Find the Right LED Driver?

There are two kinds of drivers – low-voltage DC input power and high-voltage AC input power. What is the difference between them?

• High voltage AC power LED drivers are known as Off-Line drivers or AC LED drivers. This type of driver is better with a larger lighting project such as commercial or residential lighting.
• Low-voltage DC input LED drivers are recommended for the majority of applications due to their efficiency and reliability. They are ideal for smaller projects.

You can also make a switch from a high-voltage AC power LED driver to a low-voltage DC input LED driver by using an extra switching power supply.

Consider what kind of driver current you want to be installed in the LED. You’ll use more wattage but get more light from higher drive currents.  Figure out what the LED specifications are to find out what the recommended drive currents and heat sink requirements are. You don’t want the LED to generate too much heat or current.

Be mindful of what you want from the lighting application. If you want a dimmer, make sure the driver you choose has that capability.

What You Need to Know about LED Dimming Drivers

The kind of power you use will dictate the capabilities of the dimming LEDs.

Low Voltage DC Power Drivers

With DC-powered drivers, there are two ways to dim them. The simplest method is through the use of a potentiometer, which provides a 0 to 100% dimming range. With one driver in the circuit, it’s recommended to use a 20k Ohm Potentiometer. However, more than one Potentiometer is necessary for multiple drivers. You can find the potentiometer’s value is found in the KΩ/N – K is the value with the N being the driver number.

Another option is to use a 0-10V wall dimmer such as the A019 Low Voltage Dimming Control. When you have several units, this option is a better way to dim. All you need to do is install the dining rights to the driver’s right side for it to work.

High Voltage AC Power Drivers

There are several high-voltage AC power driver options for dimming, but it depends on the driver. Many of them work with 0-10V dimming. The Mean Well and Philips LED drivers provide TRIAC dimming, which works with all kinds of powerful dimmers. This help because it lets LEDs work with all kinds of well-known residential dimming systems.

The post How LED Drivers Help to Provide More Power to Your Lighting Devices appeared first on Lepro Blog.

These terms mean more than just upward or downward, and these other “issues” are worth looking into before you decide which one to go with. 

What does Uplighting Mean?

The term uplighting means lights installed at ground level and pointed upward to lighten your house. With this lighting, you can highlight certain areas of your home and surrounding property, such as landscape, trees and architecture. If you have a large home and want a light that illuminates the high parts, then you’ll want to uplight. 

This kind of lighting is also suitable for creating surface depth and shadows and also giving layers to the lighting. It can also produce boundaries around your property. These lights are often called spotlights or bullet lights.

2 Key Uplight Fixtures for Your Home

• Wall Scores – These are usually used for uplighting purposes, mounted on the wall and pointed upward. This style of lighting goes back to Classical antiquity when it was used to hold candles and torches. They are used as night lights for bathrooms and hallways and can produce a mood lighting effect. 

• Deck Lights – These lights have the propensity to generate an amazing light effect with their subtle style. Subtly is the key here, and don’t have an emphasis on the limelight. Installation of these lights can be found outdoors, such as in flowerbeds, laws, terraces, driveways, etc. However, each light needs to be installed correctly, regardless of the surface being installed on. Consider how the light will be used to determine if you want to walk or drive over your lights. 

What does Downlighting Mean?

This term is applied to any light installed at a high point around or on the home to shine onto the property. It’s also a way to accentuate textures and layers on the home’s outside. The difference between them is that uplighting offers security to a home, whereas downlighting focuses on creating an inviting feeling. 

Downlighting is usually installed to accentuate above-ground features, such as fountains or landscapes, when the day turns to night. It can also be used for parties and finding paths toward the home and back for your family and visitors. 

4 Key Downlight Fixtures

• Barn Lights – These fixtures offer lighting to barns, farmhouses and workshops. The gooseneck light is noted by its downward-pointed shade and wall-mounted arm. 
• UFO High Bay Lights – UFO High bay lights are typically defined as those round lights which are installed on the ceiling over 18ft. Besides, high bay lights are often used with reflectors.

• Decorative Pendant Style Light Fixture – The light is hung from the ceiling by a chain.
• Recessed Lighting – These lights are installed in ceilings to generate light, particularly in the living room, bedroom, dining room, basement, etc. However, they are also installed in commercial buildings such as offices, meeting rooms, etc. 

• Table Lamp – This kind of light is often seen as a desk or night table accessory, so you can easily read or spend time in the light without an overhead light.

Should You Get Uplighting or Downlighting Fixtures?

The easiest way to determine if uplighting or downlighting fixtures are best is to determine what you want from the light. If you want to add security and accentuate your home’s features, then you want an uplight fixture. However, if you want to accentuate the features around the home, so it looks inviting and taller, then you want to purchase downlight fixtures. 

The post Downlighting vs. Uplighting Fixtures: Which One is Best for Your Home or Office appeared first on Lepro Blog.

DLC keeps track of a product list (known as a Quality Products List) of high-quality, high standards and efficiency. To be eligible for this list, products must adhere to the strict DLC standards. Any DLC-listed lights have been DLC tested and certified. 

What are the Technical Requirements of DLC V5.1?

The Design Lights Consortium was given a grace period to update its technical requirements for SSL (solid-state lighting), and it announced a reminder that products that failed to update to the DLC V5.1 SLL requirements would be removed from the DLC SSL Qualified Products List on July 1 and would no longer qualify for energy-efficiency incentives. The goals the DLC has for V5.1 are:

• Better color rendering and consistency via the new color quality requirements.
• Lighting manufacturers can feel more confident in the glare performance when using the DLC Premium classification.
• Nearly all products on the list are dimmable, which helps to boost energy savings and increase user satisfaction. 

Should You Use a Light with DLC?

DLC lights go through a series of tests, making them a better choice in the long run, as these tests determine quality and efficiency. They also determine if the manufacturer’s claim of light quality and lumen output are accurate. These lights are tested in the DLC lab, and results are available via the website. With stringent testing, you can feel confident that you’re getting the noted lumens – THD and CRI amount. In most cases, you must have a DLC-listed product to qualify for the rebate.

A Look at Energy Rebate Program 

The Energy Rebate Program is a cash rebate incentive program eligible for people who switch to LED Corn Bulbs, LED retrofit lights, or any other LED fixture. When the switch is made, the energy company pays the person a rebate for it. The funds are typically seen in the utility bills, with the lower demand for energy usage. It also helps the environment and your wallet. 

How Many Rebates You can Receive

With rebates added to lighting upgrade proposals, it can improve the return on investment and likelihood of approval. However, to receive these rebates, it’s important to do some research. Some options to receive the rebates include control devices like networked lighting control systems or sensors.

BriteSwitch noted the process of getting a rebate can take up to five months, as the programs are random and can change at any time. It’s why people need to learn what the requirements are. It’s important people know what they get because it can take nearly 40 days to get a check back.

Professionals who sell upgrades can also offer rebates, helping to ascertain business. However, the rebate may not be as much as advertised or even provided. Proposal wording must be carefully thought out to avoid false advertising and a loss of money.

Preapproval starts even before installation, with all the forms being filled out. Some regions may not have any available rebate funds due to early participation. You also need to be mindful that the exact LED product you have is on the DLC list. You may also be asked for an online inspection to ensure the product has been installed. 

How to Check the Amount of Possible Rebate 

BriteSwitch noted that the average LED product rebates had remained steady in 2021 after yearly drops of 20% because of a decline in product costs. The thought for this is the pandemic, causing a drop in rebates and cost stabilization. The rebates for 2022 are still holding steady, reflecting the pandemic and rising costs associated with the disruption in the supply chain. 

How can you know if you qualify for a rebate? For example, if you purchase the Lepro 150W High Bay Light, you need to visit the product page (https://www.lepro.com/150w-ufo-led-high-bay-light.html) and click on “Rebates”. There, you fill the form out and hit “Find Your Rebates.”

DLC vs. Energy Star Program 

The DLC is similar to the Energy Star Program (a system most people recognize). The DLC’s goal is to speed up the construction industry’s use of energy-efficient lights, which they do through three fundamental techniques: public policy influence, teaching techniques, and education. The difference is that DLC is for fixtures, whereas Energy Star is for lamps.

Here are Lepro LED Lighting Fixtures with DLC :

Here are Lepro LED Lighting Fixtures with Energy Star:

Click for more information about rebates you can get with Lepro.

The post What is DLC V5.1 and How it Affects Your Rebates appeared first on Lepro Blog.

The great thing about solar light installation is that it’s cost-effective. There is very little cost to installing them, and they don’t need the grid power to work. Solar garden lights may be the right choice if you have a garden you want to enjoy at night without the added cost. 

Fully Charge Your LED Solar Lights Before Initial Use

It would be great if you could install your solar-powered lights and have them working on the first day. However, for your product to work its very best, you should make sure that it’s completely charged before you use it. It takes several sunlight hours to charge up a solar light, and how long it takes depends on the amount of direct sunlight they get. 

Manufacturers recommend up to two days of charging before using your solar lights the first time.  

Solar security lights, when fully charged, can last between four and 12 hours with an 8.5 average of lighting. Every manufacturer’s product is different, so this is important to keep in mind when shopping for solar security lights, solar garden lights, etc. Make sure to do your homework on each manufacturer and choose the proper lighting based on your needs. 

LED Solar Light Types and Illumination Times 

If you want a long-lasting solar power product for your home, accent and path lighting have a range of seven to 12 hours of lighting, with an average of around 9.8. Lamp posts and hanging solar lights have a four to 12-hour lifespan, with the average being 7.3 hours of light.

Why the difference? 

It’s possible the placement of these products means not getting enough solar light during the day to keep them going all night. Ground lights tend to be placed in locations that get more sun as leaves, or other objects tend to shade the solar panels of mounted devices. Lepro LED solar floodlights come with separate panels, which are connected by way of a 5m long cable. The panels can be positioned in a place where the solar energy can be absorbed. 

Motion Sensor LED Solar Lights 

Solar lights only turn on when they have been activated, which hinders security as many people would rather have lights that stay on all night. Also, they should be charged for several days before they are turned on. Charging them for several days before using them provides the batteries ample time to come to capacity, ensuring that the reserves can last during the night if there is a cloudy or rainy day.

If you’re going for solar security lights, each manufacturer’s product differs in illumination time – some last for several seconds while others can last for up to five minutes. Bear in mind that a longer illumination time means it will work less overall during the night. You can always adjust/customize the length of the illumination.

The majority of solar light devices come with automatic sensors, which turn on when it becomes dusk. Or, you can also set the device to turn on at a particular time, giving it a chance to soak in more rays until you need it. 

It’s important to learn as much as possible about solar lighting to ensure you get the most from them for years to come.

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