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Lighting R&D

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is working in close collaboration with research and industry partners to increase energy efficiency in buildings by pursuing new and evolving lighting technologies and practices.

DOE's solid-state lighting portfolio activities target improvements in the efficiency, performance, lifetime, and quality of light from both organic and inorganic light emitting diodes. Solid-state lighting systems have the potential to more than double the efficiency of today's lighting systems, and these research and development efforts represent an essential component of meeting the Building Technologies Program's zero energy goals.

Still, a mix of lighting solutions will be needed to meet our nation's near-term and long-term needs. Spectrally enhanced lighting is a simple strategy that uses existing products and technology to significantly reduce energy use in commercial buildings.

The Cost of Lighting

Energy consumption for all lighting in the United States is estimated to be 8.2 quads, or about 22% of the total electricity generated in the country. More than half of the energy is consumed in the commercial sector, where lighting coincides with peak electrical demand and contributes to a building's internal heat generation, increasing air-conditioning load.

Consumers and businesses spend approximately $58 billion per year to light their homes, offices, streets, and factories. The conversion of electricity into useful light is one of the least efficient energy conversion processes in buildings today. Advanced lighting technologies can significantly improve the energy efficiency of lighting and reduce building energy consumption and costs.