Flashes of light

Sun-lit, in a sense

Last Friday, Sharp Electronics announced it was a founding member a new group called the the Consortium for Solar Lighting (CSL). The organization wants to promote off-grid light poles powered by solar energy. The systems would collect solar energy during the day and store the power in batteries, then the lights would turn on in the evening and run off battery power. It’s like those solar-powered garden lights you’ve seen on sale at Walmart, but much bigger. CSL wants to promote adoption of reliable lighting technology on a commercial scale by developing universal specifications so prospective customers can fairly and comprehensively evaluate the systems.

The consortium, which also includes founding members Carmanah Technologies, Inovus Solar, and SolarOne Solutions, has a website, but the site doesn’t contain much supporting documentation yet. If you’re interested in finding out more about the group, contact them at

A light in the garage

Jim Brodrick of DOE sent out the following notice last week:

“On May 6, 2011, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will host a 90-minute live webcast presenting an overview of a high efficiency parking structure lighting performance specification developed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and DOE’s Commercial Building Energy Alliances (CBEA). The specification allows for fluorescent, induction, and LED technologies.

“In this webcast, Michael Myer of PNNL will discuss the specification, and address energy-efficient lighting options — and financial incentives — for parking structures and garages. John D’Angelo of Cleveland Clinic will then give a presentation about a recent LED parking structure lighting renovation project at their site in Cleveland.

“The webcast will begin promptly at 12:00 noon ET and will include a 60-minute presentation, followed by a 30-minute question-and-answer session with attendees. To learn more, or to register for the webcast, visit www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/alliances/resources.html#meetings.”

“Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia”

Lighting engineers who agree with W.C. Field’s epitaph — “I would rather be living in Philadelphia.” — will have the perfect excuse for going to the city of Brotherly Love next month, when LightFair International convenes at the Philadelphia Convention Center from May 15 to 19. If you haven’t made arrangements to attend, you’d better hurry and hope you can still find a hotel room; go to the meeting’s website (www.lightfair.com/lightfair/V40/) ASAP.

And be sure to come back to our website next month to see the latest in SSL products from the show and read new feature articles on lighting.