PolyBrite International, Inc. developer of Borealis LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamps and lighting systems announced today that The City of Naperville has concluded their 6 month LED streetlight testing period with up to 60% savings in energy usage. Seven 120 watt Borealis LED streetlights with a like number of 350 watt HPS (High Pressure Sodium) streetlights were monitored from June 2009 through January 2010. The Borealis LED streetlights on loan from PolyBrite International were tested along the south side of Diehl Road between Country Club Boulevard and Fairway Drive.
“The successful Borealis LED streetlight pilot test has saved the City of Naperville in electricity use, in turn saving tax payer dollars,” said Carl Scianna, President and CEO of PolyBrite International. Mr. Scianna further noted, “The test concludes that Borealis LED streetlights consumed a remarkable average of 57.6% less energy than the HPS streetlights. The goal is to replace all public lighting with LEDs to significantly reduce electricity use and green house gas emissions...a win-win situation for our city budgets and for the environment.”
PolyBrite’s patented LED technology, used in all Borealis lamps and lighting systems, will reduce the city’s operating costs, including lower energy usage and reduced maintenance and bulb replacement. The City of Naperville’s cost saving calculations project an annual GHG (green house gas) savings by 2015 to be 4,739 metric tons of CO2e (Carbon dioxide equivalent) per year and an annual financial savings, by 2015, of at least $500,000 per year once all the streetlights and traffic signal are converted to LED. These estimates are based on a conservative electricity rate and increases in energy costs would result in higher cost savings.
Borealis LED streetlights produce a sharp, pure color without glare and feature an instant “on” with no cold starting as compared to HPS street lights, which typically take several minutes to get to full brightness. Motion sensors and lighting controls can also be used with Borealis LED lighting since they can be turned on and off instantly. Furthermore, Borealis LED streetlights are better equipped to withstand extreme hot and cold temperatures and provide more control over what is illuminated, thus reducing light pollution making it an ideal solution for public lighting.
The City of Naperville requested public input and approval of the test installations. The response from the community has been extremely positive.