Breakthrough Innovation Integrates High Efficacy, Advanced Optics and Architectural Design Far Outperforming Antiquated Linear Fluorescent Technology

Building on the success of the CR Series LED Troffer, Cree, Inc. (Nasdaq: CREE) introduces the CS Series LED Linear Luminaire to deliver fast payback* to low bay lighting applications. The new high-efficacy suspended linear luminaire uses 40-50  percent less energy than comparable linear fluorescents and delivers an unmatched performance combination of up to 120 lumens per watt, 90 CRI and 75,000 hour lifetime. Featuring Cree MicroMixing™ Optics, the CS Series brings an extraordinary combination of performance, aesthetics, optimal light distribution and affordability to grocery stores, retail, showrooms, schools, offices, warehouses and light industrial environments.
 
“The CS Series LED Linear Luminaire is poised to revolutionize low and mid bay lighting applications just like the CR Series did for Troffers,” said David Elien, vice president, Cree lighting.
 
“The Cree® CS Series luminaire is unlike any other suspended linear lighting on the market today,” said Jason D. Curtis, principal, Cardinal Gibbons High School. “We researched the LED market extensively and only Cree offered a solution that delivered high-quality lighting and easy payback. Since the new CS Series is designed for 75,000 hours of life, Cardinal Gibbons High School can benefit from ongoing operational savings due to decreased maintenance and lower energy consumption compared to the linear fluorescents we replaced.”
 
The CS Series is designed for low maintenance and long life – lasting up to three to four times longer than standard fluorescents and enhancing the appearance of any space. The new luminaire introduces a deceptively simple yet highly efficient optical design approach that integrates an upward-facing LED light strip with Cree TrueWhite® Technology and an ultra-lightweight upper reflector, featuring all-new Cree MicroMixing Optics for precise optic control. The CS Series comes standard with 0-10V dimming control to five percent and features a seven year warranty.
 
“Everything we do at Cree is focused on accelerating LED acceptance and the latest CS Series innovation delivers on our promise and truly provides a no-compromise alternative to fluorescent lighting,” Elien continued. “Businesses no longer have to choose between color quality and savings and no longer have to suffer the poor performance, toxic mercury and hazardous disposal expense inherent with fluorescent lighting. The color quality and visual impact offered by Cree CS Series makes it the ideal solution for large retailers and industrial users.”
 
New, innovative Cree MicroMixing Optics are formed from thousands of tiny impressions imprinted on the state-of-the-art highly reflective polymer material. Unlike direct-view LED solutions, this multi-faceted pattern blends and softens the intense light and redirects it with precise control and color mixing. The result is beautifully balanced white light with optimal distribution within the desired area.

The Cree® CS Series LED Linear Luminaires are made in the United States and sold through Cree lighting sales channels with sample quantities targeted for availability in May 2012. For additional information, please visit www.cree.com/csseries. The CS Series will also be demonstrated at Cree’s lighting booth #3008 at Lightfair International in Las Vegas, May 9-11.

*Payback calculations compare the Cree CS18™ LED linear luminaire with an industrial 4-lamp T8 fluorescent linear fixture of comparable light output. The calculations also assume a typical grocery retail space of 125 units, 24-hour per day usage, $.11 kWh energy costs and relamp maintenance. The result is estimated payback of less than 2.5 years.