California Energy Commission announces an improvement in LED recessed can lighting 

 

The California Energy Commission’s Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) program recently released a technical brief highlighting new developments in LED downlight products (also known recessed can lighting).

Many existing LED downlights provide poor light distribution, glare and disappointing system efficiencies. According to the PIER brief, newly designed downlights use LED technology to its full potential. The California Lighting Technology center partnered with several lighting manufacturers to develop “a dimmable downlighting system based on an indirect optical design that reduces glare, decreases installation time, smooths out LED color variations, and improves thermal management”.

Philips Capri Lighting sells a product based on the lessons learned during the PIER project.The 6” 14 watt retrofit fixture is designed to replace a 65 watt fixture, has an estimated life of 50,000 hours, is ENERGY STAR rated, and costs about $100 per fixture. Many utilities offer a rebate for the fixture. For example, an Xcel Energy rebate of $100 per bulb may be available.

Read the full PIER brief here.