SSLITA and OIDA Support Energy Star for Solid State Lighting
Source/Type: Compound Semiconductors Online - Company News Releases

June 17, 2008... Washington D.C., USA -- The Solid State Lighting Industry Trade Association (SSLITA) and the Optoelectronics Industry Development Association (OIDA) support a single minimum quality and performance requirement for Energy Star™-approved solid state lighting (SSL). SSL is light produced by light emitting diodes (LEDs). LEDs have the potential to be dramatically more effective at lighting spaces than current incandescent bulbs (standard bulbs) and even fluorescent and halogen bulbs. Since the light is generated by semiconductor processes, it is possible to create light fixtures with an unpleasant light quality, or with low efficiency even with the inherently highly efficient LED. With 22% of U.S. electrical demand currently consumed by lighting, and with up to an eight-fold improvement in efficiency possible with SSL, SSLITA and OIDA believe it is critical that high quality SSL products make it to market for U.S. consumers.

On June 2, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a "technical amendment,” Version 4.2, to the Energy Star™ residential light fixture (RLF) ceiling fan and vent fan specifications that addresses standards for LED lamps in light fixtures. However, another set of requirements, developed with extensive SSL community and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) involvement, and incorporating work from the National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association (NEMA) and the Illumination Engineering Society (IES), was released on September 12, 2007 to become effective on September 30, 2008.

Numerous requirements appear to be in direct conflict between these two standards, which creates confusion in the marketplace In addition, the EPA version of these standards appears to have been developed without public comment or interaction with the SSL community, and without an understanding of the issues associated with lighting that were learned from the introduction of the compact fluorescent lights (CFL). CFLs were initially considered harsh, dim, and otherwise unappealing and thus consumers resisted adopting CFL technology.

SSLITA and OIDA support a quick resolution to these confusing requirements. We support an open, deliberative Energy Star™ criteria process which includes input and comment from all constituencies, and with a focus on rigorous criteria. Furthermore, we believe that an Energy Star™ product should meet minimum consumer expectations for fitness to purpose in which the product is sold. As the CFL experience has taught us, if certain minimum expectations in the quality, reliability, apparent brightness, and directivity of the light produced are not met, the products will be considered of poor quality which has the potential of slowing adoption by the market of this critical energy-saving technology. With the critical impact SSL can have on both energy consumption and the production of green-house gasses, we consider this confusion a major detriment to the industry and to the nation.

About SSLITA

The Solid State Lighting Industry Trade Association is a Washington DC-based not-for-profit association that seeks to accelerate the adoption of solid state lighting (SSL) worldwide. SSLITA will support quality labeling, end-market promotion and education, and government initiatives to expand the use of SSL. SSLITA operates as a subsidiary of the OIDA.

About OIDA

The Optoelectronics Industry Development Association (OIDA) is a Washington DC-based, not-for-profit association that serves as the nexus for vision, transformation, and growth of the optoelectronics industry. OIDA advances the competitiveness of its members by focusing on the business of technology, not just technology itself. OIDA members include the leading providers of optoelectronic components and systems enabled by optoelectronics, as well as universities and research institutions. OIDA provides roadmaps, reports, and market data for the optoelectronics industry, serves as the voice of industry to government and academia, acts as liaison with other optoelectronic industry associations worldwide, and provides a network for the exchange of ideas and information within the optoelectronics community. Learn more about OIDA at www.oida.org.

SSLITA/OIDA Editorial Contact:
David Iams, 202-785-4426
Communications Director

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