A bit of mathematics at the end of the week. The

The first table shows three different installations. The old one is equipped with T8 fluorescent lamps that are at the end of their lifetime and dirty. That is why the luminous flux is so low for the 60W tube. In this situation, the need for a replacement is present. The choice is between a fluorescent tube, a LED tube or a completely new installation with controls. Controls reduce the average power consumption to 1/3 and less of the original load. We can estimate the new fixtures will consume 12W only when connected to controls that detect presence in the hall and reduce the lighting level in areas that are not in use. Each light point will be replaced. It is (often) possible to reduce the number of fixtures with a new installation. The example is concentrating on a one-by-one replacement to make it easier to understand.

The table above shows the sum of all costs for running and maintaining the installation each year and in total. The Retrofit Solution reaches an ROI after 2 years already. The New Installation with controls is going to turn back the high investment after 10 years. Both LED solutions do better than the conventional one, save energy and CO2 emissions. Let’s go green with LED light sources!

While it might seem surprising, lighting for commercial buildings commonly accounts for as much as 35 percent of business overhead. The good news for business owners trying to cut costs is that commercial lighting technology is moving forward every day and modern lighting can provide the same or better quality lighting for less while improving energy efficiency. Upgrading your building’s lighting can take some of the strain off your building’s electrical system, but in order to get the most benefit from your new lights, you have to plan carefully!

It’s one thing to say “we want new lights for our building.” But it’s another thing entirely to say “we want new lights because we believe they will improve employee morale and productivity!” Before you implement a new lighting plan, consider the specific goals you have in mind for your new lights. These could range from the aforementioned productivity and morale improvements to reducing your carbon footprint and reducing your overhead costs.

If possible, try to find lighting schemes you like in other buildings that you think would work well for your building—this can give you a better idea of the lighting design you’re after. And of course, feel free to talk to the lighting design experts at Kolb Electric—we can help create the perfect lighting design for your building!

There are three specific categories of lighting, each of which serves a different purpose in your building:

A good lighting design will layer these three types of lighting, starting with ambient lighting, then task and accent lighting. Each type will require a different fixture.

The type of light fixture you use for a certain type of lighting can make a big difference when it comes to the efficiency and effectiveness of your lighting. Light fixtures are generally broken down into three categories:

Although it is an option that many homeowners choose, installing solar panels on your own can be a very time-consuming and difficult process, especially if you have never worked with solar energy before. While most panels or solar kits are not terribly difficult to connect and get working, there are many factors that can help ensure that your panels last while providing you with the maximum amount of solar energy. That being said, most areas have any number of solar installers available and ready to install your solar panels for you so that you do not need to worry about any of these issues.

For most homeowners, the largest barrier to solar panel installation is the price. Although prices have gone down a little over the last few years, buying solar panels outright can be very expensive. Even though you will typically recover your investment in just a few years, it can be very difficult for many to spend that type of money up front. Luckily, there are a variety of programs available across the country that are helping to make the amount that solar panels cost much more manageable for the average family.

Naturally, it highly benefits the solar industry to have as many panels as possible on as many roofs as possible. In order to make solar installation easier for a wider number of people, many companies have developed solar financing and solar leasing programs that can help to spread the cost over a number of months. In the case of solar leasing, you simply pay the leasing company a monthly fee. In most cases, the amount that you save on your electric bill will completely offset the cost of the lease. What this means for you is that almost anyone can install solar panels without incurring a large, unmanageable up-front cost. For more Solar Power Info, browse the resources that we have available on this website.

By Clarissa Allison | April 22nd, 2016

Lighting an awkward or unusual space can prove to be a challenge but also lots of fun when one learns to expand their initial thoughts about what is possible when decorating. Below, read on for a list of tips on how to light your narrow living room or industrial loft with ease! Click the pictures to be brought directly to the product pages in question.

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