The concept of fuel cells as an energy source is credited to a chemist, William Grove. He demonstrated in 1839 that electric current could be produced by an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen over a platinum catalyst. Thereafter, many alternate forms of the technology emerged for producing electricity from various materials and catalysts.

The main reason why fuel cell companies have not been profitable is due to startup and operational costs. Although fuel cells provide clean, inexpensive energy, it is much simpler to use coal or natural gas. These industries have been around for a long time, so their processes are now streamlined.  Unless legislative action requires the use of clean energy, the adoption of fuel cells will remain slow.

Fuel cells are attractive for energy production because they provide clean energy, with no harmful byproducts. Although commercial adoption of fuel cells remains slow, it is possible that the technology could become disruptive and make a significant impact on the energy industry. That could happen if environmental pollution due to the burning of fossil fuels becomes a global concern. So far, large countries that account for a great deal of pollution, such and China, have been indifferent about the pollution they cause.

Love is in the air! Fall officially began last week, so we are in the throes of the autumn wedding season. Although the summer months have traditionally been the most popular for weddings, autumn weddings have steadily risen in popularity and nowadays, you’re just as likely to receive an orange maple leaf save-the-date as you are a frilly invite with a flower border.

But as we all (should have) learned in elementary school, when the seasons change, the angle of sunlight touching the earth changes as well, resulting in a different quality and duration of sunlight. While many people prefer the more “golden” tones of autumn afternoons (especially photographers!), it can certainly be challenging to keep your special day well-lit when the sun begins to set. But never fear! Here is a list of four ways lighting can save the day on your big day.

If you can, hire a lighting designer for your wedding. Great lighting can be the difference between a spectacular party and a “well, they tried hard.” Acclaimed lighting designer Extreme Productions) how glamorous professional wedding lighting can be. If you can afford to go all out, you won’t be sorry.

The reason lighting at a wedding is so important is it can really make or break a venue’s ambiance. Whether you want a romantic vibe, like in the picture, or more of a warm, casual family feel, lighting can make a huge difference on how successful you are in achieving the aura you desire. You will want to look into professional lighting design, especially if your wedding takes place outside. Many venues have pre-approved lighting designers familiar with their codes, so make sure to find out when venue-hunting.

But if hiring a lighting designer is these awesome DIY wedding lighting tips from the blog at Wedding Window.

It’s incredibly easy to forget about “minor details” like lighting while planning your wedding, but you can go nuts trying to come up with last-minute lighting solutions. Since lighting has such a big impact every part of the wedding, make it a priority!

3. Make a list early on of things that need to be well-lit, and plan accordingly.

Do you want your new monogram spotlighted on the wall at your reception? Or pinhole light above your wedding cake or centerpieces? Maybe fun, moving lights for the ceiling above the dance floor?

Research some of the lighting elements that have worked well at past weddings and make a list of everything you want at yours. It’s okay if you have to scrap some of your ideas, but the process of writing it out will help you make sure you don’t miss anything you’ll regret later.

If you’re doing your own lighting, this step is crucial to planning for what kinds of lights you want where, and what crafting you need to finish beforehand. Taking the time to plan ahead will save you all kinds of trouble at game time.

4. Crappy venues can’t defeat you!

Find the best in outdoor lighting, as well as fabulous light fixtures for the kitchen and bath.  Visit a Capitol Lighting showroom to view outstanding arrivals to welcome the new season.

From kitchen island light fixtures to mini-chandelier lighting, there is something for everyone with stupendous seasonal savings on Artcraft Lighting…

Enriching the Kitchen with lighted pot racks that are functional, beautifying and surprisingly affordable.  Don’t miss Artcraft’s  “Contessa” collection!

Reach for the Stars and add a little contemporary flair with new collections including Artcraft’s “Eclipse,” “Aquarius,” Aurora,” “Rocket,” and “Shuttle” series.

Enjoy Time-honored Design and traditional elegance with Artcraft’s “Heritage” collection featuring outdoor lighting superbly finished in dark oil rubbed bronze.

Treat Yourself to a Little Romance with the latest mini-chandelier lighting fixtures perfect for powder rooms, bedrooms or small foyer areas.  Especially attractive additions include the “New Castle” collection from Artcraft.

Meet the Latest Technological Turn Ons with Artcraft’s LED “Radiance” collection of Energy Smart bath vanity lights. Also brilliant are Energy Star ceiling fixtures in Artcraft’s “San Diego” collection and Energy Smart chandeliers and island light fixtures featured in the “Berkeley” collection.

Artcraft has set the standard for quality lighting featuring hand applied finishes and distinguished glassware for nearly fifty years. The chandeliers are breathtaking and styles are available in a range of sizes, including mini-chandeliers and pendant lamps, to accommodate home decorating schemes from cozy corners to master bedroom suites.

Whether you need to update the light fixtures in your kitchen with new island light fixtures or brighten a gloomy nook with mini-chandeliers, you will always find a complete selection of home lighting and accessories at Capitol Lighting.

Revere the Dark Sky and Welcome the Fall Season with Wisdom and Light

Fun Fact: Certain municipalities throughout the United States have passed laws and ordinances requiring outdoor lighting fixtures on newly constructed homes be “Dark Sky” compliant. These ordinances are intended to protect our view of the nighttime sky from being obscured by “light pollution” inherent in poor artificial lighting design.

Light emitted from Dark Sky compliant fixtures is shielded to purposely focus illumination in a downward direction over designated areas where it is needed. Dark Sky compliant lighting also leads to energy savings. Whereas an outdoor sconce with openings on the top and the bottom may call for a 100-watt bulb, you may switch to a 40-watt bulb in a Dark Sky fixture that emits light only from the bottom for similar lighting effects.

Visit a Capitol Lighting showroom for more information on the latest outdoor lighting applications.  Enjoy promotional discounts on innovative designs from Artcraft Lighting.

Not to be missed-Artcraft’s stately outdoor post lamps in the “Aspen,” ”Denver,” and “Seattle” collections.  Your home will stand out with class and style, while respectfully illuminating your environment for safety and security.

For great value and top quality designs in outdoor lighting, you can count on Artcraft. Capitol Lighting is proud to showcase outstanding new designs from Artcraft Lighting.

You are only as bright as the company you keep, and Carol Saggiamo knows how to keep customers shining brightly.  She loves her customers, and they rave about her.

She has been working for Capitol Lighting for over 36 years, and she remains a valuable member of the Capitol Lighting family.

Carol with one of her biggest fans, Joanie Silver.  Carol and Joanie worked together in the 1980’s at Capitol Lighting’s Woodbridge store.  Like Carol’s customers, Joanie treasures Carol’s friendship.

After having raised a family of her own, Saggiamo began looking for a new venue in which to invest her time.  She came to Woodbridge Center and started working for Capitol Lighting as a part-time saleswoman in the late 1970’s.

She quickly caught on to the retail lighting business, learned the vendors and how to provide the right illumination according to her customers’ needs.

She was nicknamed “Scoots,” for her quick attentiveness to customers and boundless energy.  Along with this attentiveness, Carol’s natural goodness –her smile, her gentle demeanor and her whole-hearted care–are extraordinary.  At 89, she shows no signs of slowing down or burning out!

Her spunk and salesmanship, along with her good taste and wisdom are main reasons why customers rely on Carol.  She befriends everyone and genuinely cares that she provides him or her with the right lamps and light fixtures.

Carol navigates a showroom with style and grace; she seems to be in perpetual motion.  Keeping up with technology, keeping up with current events, keeping up with customers—her capacity for learning and enjoying life are awe-inspiring.

Beyond her work with Capitol Lighting, Carol is in great demand at home.  With 8 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and an abundance of family and friends, Carol lives each day to the fullest.

Carol celebrates with Hy Goldman at Hy’s 100th birthday party.

With her bright smile and depth of character, Carol creates an atmosphere in which you want to dwell.

Carol Saggiamo exudes kindness and compassion; she genuinely loves people.  She never tries to make a sale, she looks to make a friend and build a trusting relationship.  One relationship at a time, she makes the world a brighter place.

Her customers travel far and wide to consult with her about their lighting.  They know that with her good taste, professional lighting know-how and honesty, she will help them find what they are looking for.

Along with Carol, all the employees of  Capitol Lighting strive to provide customers with outstanding service and quality.  We appreciate your business, your loyal patronage and your friendship.  Please let us continue to light up your life, and enjoy 10% off your entire purchase at all showroom locations as we celebrate Customer Appreciation Month.

WE LOVE OUR CUSTOMERS!  THANK YOU FOR SHARING AND TRUSTING US WITH YOUR LIGHT…

Customers are kicking up their heels with Eric Lebersfeld and Capitol Lighting’s latest illuminations.

Eric Lebersfeld of Capitol Lighting shares a treat with favorite customers.

Loyal patrons of Capitol Lighting find what they are looking for to keep them in the limelight.