Cities and towns across the United States are considering ways to reduce outdoor lighting energy consumption, and much attention is being paid to the use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs).  The Lighting Research Center (LRC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute presented a new publication recently at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel, NY detailing field test results for photovoltaic-powered LED luminaires installed at three public, outdoor sites in Sullivan County. 

The project was initiated and co-funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and Sullivan Renaissance, a beautification and community improvement program principally funded by the Gerry Foundation.

The mission was to examine system performance, photometric performance, energy savings, and whether people accepted the photovoltaic (PV) LED outdoor lighting system.  The Field Test DELTA: Post-Top Photovoltaic Pathway Luminaire evaluated 24 prototype Renaissance luminaires designed by Sullivan Renaissance, Philips Hadco and SolarOne® Solutions. The Renaissance is a post-top luminaire with a decorative, traditional-style appearance that operates LED modules powered by photovoltaic (PV) panels. The luminaires were installed at three sites in Swan Lake Park, the Village of Woodridge, and Bethel Woods, site of the 1969 Woodstock concert festival.

Study findings
The Renaissance luminaires save energy by avoiding conventional utility power, which translates to pollution avoided. In fact, the three installations combined are expected to avoid about 3,000 lbs of CO2 emissions when compared with other lighting scenarios.

Light pollution calculations were favorable as the installation of the Renaissance luminaires produced less light that may contribute to sky glow and light trespass.

The on/off programming of the fixtures operated as the site managers had hoped throughout all four seasons with little variation, as confirmed through monitoring devices installed at each site.

The illuminance levels at all three sites were consistent with IESNA recommendations for similar applications.

The Renaissance luminaires were well-liked by residents and visitors at all three sites.

The maintenance staff characterized the installation as “easy.”

The LRC publication, Field Test DELTA: Post-Top Photovoltaic (PV) Pathway Luminaire, is available for free download at http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/programs/DELTA/publications/outdoor.asp