More news on the transition of U.S. lights to energy-efficient LEDs from the streets of San Francisco….The US Department of Energy showcased the high-performance of LED lights in a general use setting with its San Francisco light demonstration report. The report is based on LED street lights installed on four public avenues in the Sunset District of San Francisco. Lights from four different manufacturers were used to replace the 100-watt nominal high-pressure sodium lights. Here is what the DOE determined:

1. Energy consumption was reduced by 50%-70%
2. The cost of running these lights was cheaper

Great news – right? Well, sort of. The problem is that some of the bulbs used are still not commercially available and therefore the installation of such lights in mass quantity is still a ways off. This is a bummer because it seems like the technology is here, the benefits are apparent, we just need manufacturers to get the cost down enough to make them in larger quantities. Incentive programs are also being tried to get cities to order these LED lights now.

Read the complete report at http://www.netl.doe.gov/ssl/index.html and click on GATEWAY demonstration

Photo courtesy of Chris Gulker (more…)

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I was talking to a friend this weekend who was complaining about how they were feeling cooped up in their home. The “start of the year” flurry that many businesses experience (even in this economy) had left him feeling like he’s spent the last 6 six weeks living and breathing work, using the weekends as just a time to catch up on sleep. I suggested that perhaps he could do with some good ol’ fresh air. We talked about good places to hike around Portland and some easy things he could do to be active on those random Saturdays until he can get in a longer vacation. He was going to look into a one night camping trip around Bend.

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I was talking to a friend this weekend who was complaining about how they were feeling cooped up in their home. The “start of the year” flurry that many businesses experience (even in this economy) had left him feeling like he’s spent the last 6 six weeks living and breathing work, using the weekends as just a time to catch up on sleep. I suggested that perhaps he could do with some good ol’ fresh air. We talked about good places to hike around Portland and some easy things he could do to be active on those random Saturdays until he can get in a longer vacation. He was going to look into a one night camping trip around Bend.

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I rarely comment on another organization’s article but every once in a while I run into a pretty good one from an expert that I feel compelled to share with you readers.

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Japan’s Nichia and US-based Luminus Devices have announced that they are creating an alliance whereby they will share IP licensing, technology and manufacturing elements. The two companies hope that his combination of efforts will help bolster the product offerings available for high-powered white LEDs and promote the quick adoption of solid-state lighting available from both companies.

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