Understanding Reflector Technology
The installation of a specular (mirror-like) reflector, increases the overall efficiency of a luminaire (light fixture), and the usable light emitted by the fluorescent lamps. The improved reflectivity of the reflector and repositioning of the lamps, both contribute to this increase in performance. This enables the reduction in the number of lamps being used while maintaining a quality lighting installation.
Reflector Application
The most common retrofit is the conversion of a four-lamp 2' x 4' luminaire from four T12 lamps (the common cool-white fluorescent lamp) to two new T8 lamps. The four T12 lamps are removed, along with the old ballast cover and the brackets holding the old sockets. We install new brackets that reposition the two new T8 lamps. The reflector is mounted onto these brackets and serves as the ballast cover. The two old magnetic ballasts are removed and a new 2-lamp electronic ballast is installed.
Reflectors are also available to retrofit 1'x 4' as well as 1' x 8' strip and industrial luminaires.
Electric Utility Energy Conservation Programs
Most utilities, Florida Power & Light Company among them, offer financial incentives to customers willing to make permanent changes to their lighting systems that will reduce electric demand. FPL offers $100 for each kilowatt ($0.10/watt) removed from the energy demand of a facility. This rebate assumes that the delamping takes place only with a reflector, and the new lamps are low-mercury lamps that will not require special recycling when they reach the end of their lives. FPL's Participating Independent Contractors are required to comply with FPL's standards and use only materials that are on the FPL approved list.
Cost/Rebate/Payback Analysis
The economics of a typical fixture retrofit are as follows:
· Existing 2' x 4' luminaire, containing four F40T12/Cool White lamps (each is a 40-watt lamp), and two standard magnetic ballasts.
Existing System Wattage = 190 watts (per FPL wattage tables).· Retrofit existing luminaire, by installing two FO32T8 lamps (each is a 32-watt lamp), and one electronic ballast.
New System Wattage = 62 watts (per FPL wattage tables).· Watts saved = 138 watts (or 0.138 kilowatts)
· Energy Saved = 0.138 x hours of operation = kilowatthours saved.
· Energy Cost Savings = kilowatthours saved x cost/kilowatthour
Assuming:
Hours of Operation - 4,000 hours per year
Average cost of electricity - 7 cents/kilowatthourA typical retrofit will result in energy savings in excess of $38/year.
If the retrofit cost is $75.00 and the rebate is $13.80, the net cost of $61.20 will be paid out of savings in about 1.6 years.
This is equal to a return on investment of 62%.
Let S&H Energy Services provide you with a free preliminary survey of your lighting equipment and actual projections of cost and energy savings.
