DOE has made a long-term commitment to advance the development and market introduction of energy-efficient white-light sources for general illumination. Solid-state lighting (SSL) differs fundamentally from today's lighting technologies, and its unique attributes drive the need for a coordinated approach that guides technology advances from laboratory to marketplace. DOE has developed a comprehensive national strategy that encompasses Basic Energy Science, Core Technology Research, Product Development, Manufacturing Support, Commercialization Support, SSL Partnerships, and Standards Development.
Basic Energy Science
The Basic Energy Sciences Program within DOE's Office of Science conducts basic research to advance our fundamental understanding of materials behavior, with the goal of impacting future directions in applied research and technology development. Project results often have multiple applications, including SSL.
Core Technology Research
Through a series of ongoing, interactive workshops, DOE and its SSL partners have refined an extensive R&D agenda to ensure that DOE funds the appropriate research topics that will improve efficiency and speed SSL technologies to market. Core Technology Research – conducted primarily by academia, national laboratories, and research institutions – involves applied research efforts to seek more comprehensive knowledge about a subject. These projects fill technology gaps, provide enabling knowledge or data, and represent a significant advance in our knowledge base. For a more detailed definition of Core Technology Research, see Definition of DOE SSL R&D Pathways (PDF 12 KB). Download Adobe Reader.
Product Development
Conducted primarily by industry, Product Development is the systematic use of knowledge gained from basic or applied research to develop or improve commercially viable materials, devices, or systems. Laboratory testing is conducted on prototypes, and feedback is used to improve prototype design. In addition to technical activities, market and fiscal studies are performed to ensure a successful transition to the marketplace. For a more detailed definition of Product Development, see Definition of DOE SSL R&D Pathways (PDF 12 KB). Download Adobe Reader.
Manufacturing Support
Manufacturing support focuses on achieving significant cost reductions through improvements in manufacturing equipment, processes, or monitoring techniques. Projects address the technical challenges that must be overcome before prices fall to a level where SSL will become competitive with existing lighting on a first-cost basis. By advancing these activities, DOE can accelerate progress toward creating a U.S.-led market for high-efficiency light sources that save more energy, reduce costs, and have less environmental impact than other conventional light sources.
Learn more about DOE's Manufacturing Support activities.
Commercialization Support
To ensure that DOE research and development investments lead to SSL technology commercialization, DOE has developed a national strategy to guide market introduction of SSL for general illumination. Working with a wide range of market-side partners, DOE activities include testing of commercially available SSL products; demonstrations to provide real-world experience and data on performance and cost effectiveness; ENERGY STAR® designation for SSL products; design competitions for SSL lighting fixtures and systems; and technical information resources on SSL technology issues, test procedures, and standards.
Learn more about DOE's commercialization support activities.
Standards Development
The development of national standards and rating systems for new products enables consumers to compare products made by different manufacturers, since all companies must test their products and apply the rating in the same way. DOE works closely with industry and standards setting organizations, providing leadership and support to accelerate the standards development process and technical assistance in the development of new standards. Learn more.
SSL Partnerships
DOE's SSL partnerships strengthen and support the DOE SSL portfolio. DOE's partnership with NGLIA (Next Generation Lighting Industry Alliance) enhances the manufacturing and commercialization focus of the DOE portfolio by utilizing the expertise of this organization of SSL manufacturers. DOE and IES (Illuminating Engineering Society of North America) partner on the development of strong lighting industry standards, including needed standards for SSL. DOE and IALD (International Association of Lighting Designers) collaborate to promote lighting design principles and technologies that improve lighting quality and energy efficiency.
The Partnerships provide significant input to shape DOE research priorities and, at DOE's discretion, provides technical expertise for proposal and project reviews. In addition, the Partnerships accelerate the implementation of SSL technologies by:
- Communicating SSL program accomplishments
- Encouraging the development of metrics, codes, and standards
- Promoting demonstrations of SSL technologies for general lighting applications
- Supporting DOE voluntary market-oriented programs
Learn more about the SSL Partnerships.