LED Downlight Lamps for CFL Fixtures

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) evaluated an LED replacement lamp that uses the same four-pin socket and electronic ballast as an incumbent CFL. Results showed energy savings between 40-50%, matching light levels and quality and payback under 3 years. View full-size infographic. [PDF - 242 KB]GPG Findings 024, August 2015, LED Fixtures with Integrated Advanced Lighting Controls. Opportunity:How much energycould GSA save by converting CFL downlights to LED? 5.7 GWH OF ELECTRICITY PER YEAR. If all 95,000 CFL-based downlights within the portfolio were replaced. Annual savings of $600,000 at national average of $0.11/kW. Technology: How do directreplacement LED downlight lamps work? ONE-TO-ONE LAMP REPLACEMENT. POWERED BY THE EXISTING CFL BALLAST. Light directed down toward living and work surfaces. Measurement and Verification. Where did M and V occur? PACIFIC NORTHWEST NATIONAL LABORATORY assessed LED downlight lamps in three federal buildings: GSA ’s regional headquarters in Auburn,Washington; the Cabell Federal Building in Dallas, Texas; and the Veterans Administration Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Results: How did LED downlight lamps perform in M&V? 40-50% ENERGY SAVINGS. $6.37 ANNUAL SAVINGS Over typical CFL lamp at avg.utility rate of $0.11/kWh.LEDs APPROXIMATED CFLS OCCUPANTS NOTICED LITTLE DIFFERENCE.< 3 YR PAYBACK AT AVERAGE UTILITY RATE. Light Levels Between CFL and LED Were Comparable.Deployment: Where does M&V recommend deploying LED downlight lamps? DEPLOY BROADLY. Where advanced lighting controls are not desired or useful.LED Replacement Options for CFL DownlightsConsider compatibility and controls when selecting an LED replacement.REPLACE LAMP IF:CFL ballast is verified to workwith LED replacement lamp (per manufacturer or by testing). No controls are necessary. PAYBACK– 2.9 years*Cost $39. Material $22§, Install $17. With ballast replacement $94 (Material $38, Install $56. PAYBACK 7.1 years. INSTALL RETROFIT KIT IF :Lamp is incompatible with CFL ballast (consult manufacturer specifications).Dimming is desired and CFLballast does not support it.PAYBACK –10.4 years*. Cost $137. Material $81, Install $56.INSTALL NEW FIXTURE IF : New construction or renovation.Integrated advanced lighting controls are desired (tuning, occupancy sensing, daylighting).PAYBACK–12.4 years. Cost $165. Material $109, Install $56. [PDF - 242 KB]


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Last Reviewed: 2023-02-15