Posts Tagged ‘T12’

You need new lighting.

Tuesday, July 21st, 2009

Without argument, if you have a facility that is currently using Metal Halide, Mercury Vapor or High Pressure Sodium, you need new lighting.  The great thing about it is that very often, these are self funding projects.  Yes, you heard me correctly.  You can put new lighting in at no cost to your company. 

Each month you get a bill from your energy company.  You have to pay this bill otherwise your power will be cut off.  Using new lighting technology will lower your lighting costs up to 75% under the right circumstances.  If you pay $10,000 a month in lighting costs and that is cut in half, the $5,000 savings will pay the lease payment.  There is no impact to your cash flow.  Once you pay off the lights, you’ll be putting that $5,000 right to the bottom line.  That is essentially increasing your net revenue by $60,000 a year.  In this economy, more revenue certainly isn’t a bad thing.

There’s more.  The federal tax credit has been extended.  That means that you can take up to $.60/sq. ft. up to the cost of the project as a credit to your taxes.  This can mean big money, lower the cost of the project and improve the payback period.

It just doesn’t make sense not to change your lighting.  Period.

Green is good. Green AND Saving Money is even Better!

Friday, March 20th, 2009

Going green is the new hot button in just about every industry.  From clothes to cars, going green is the ‘in thing’.  The Material Handling industry is no different.  Many of our industry’s publications highlight the green initiatives underway with today’s companies.  Yet, even with all the buzz about green, the one consistent argument that arises is the cost. There is no question that green products can cost a premium over their standard counterparts, but as technology advances, so does the opportunity to justify that premium. 

Green lighting is one of the simplest ways to make your operation greener.  Not only does green lighting produce better quality light, you’ll be surprised to know that it IS cost effective and can have a tremendously short payback period.  Historically, facilities are outfitted with Metal Halide or Sodium bulbs.  Represented by obnoxious and large fixtures, these bulbs take up to 10 minutes to warm up and produce a terrible, yellow light. 

In comes the green revolution.  High output lighting, commonly referred to as T5, T8 or T12 lighting is providing companies with an alternative that has immediate impact to the bottom line.  They have so many advantages it’s hard for companies to find excuses NOT to justify them.

Comparison

 

Old Metal Halide/Sulfur

High Output Fluorescent

Watts

400+

110 – 230

(depending on application)

Life Span (approx.)

15,000 hrs.

35,000 hrs.

Carbon Footprint

CO2 Emissions

>1500 Metric Tons

500 Metric Tons

Efficiency

Loss of up to 50% of lumens overtime

Loss of up to 10% of lumens overtime

Light Color

Yellow/Dull

Bright White

Motion Controlled On/Off

No, usually stay on all the time

YES

Warm Up Time

Yes, 10 + minutes

Instant on/off

Tax Savings for Conversion

N/A

YES but it depends on your State

Data Source: Westinghouse Lighting Solutions

BEWARE!!  Not all High Output systems are the same.  There is more to the science of lighting than the just the bulb.  Reflectors play as large a role as the bulb, directing the light in the right area maximizing every lumen you are producing. 

The approach of a quality lighting provider will be to match the right light to your application and facility layout.  Matching the right bulb and the right reflector will maximize your efficiency and increase your savings. 

**Keep in mind that many states are also offering tax savings for converting your current lighting to high efficiency lighting.  Check your state laws to see if your business qualifies.

Let South Atlantic Systems Group be your partner and show you how Going Green can save you money.