California's 2008 and 2013 Title 24 standards require some high-efficacy lighting in a limited number of residential space types, such as kitchens and bathrooms. (Refer to the project page for more on code requirements for high-efficacy luminaire classification.) Future standards requiring all high-efficacy lighting in residential buildings could yield large-scale energy savings—if cost-effective technologies will satisfy consumers. To determine the feasibility of an entirely high-efficacy lighting standard, CLTC is working with Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) and Davis Energy Group (DEG) to research and develop LED lighting packages for single-family and multi-family production homes.
The center will select products based on a variety of factors, including safety, cost, aesthetic qualities, and compliance with 2013 Title 24 specifications for high-efficacy classification and current requirements for residential LED luminaires described in Joint Appendix JA8. Working with residential builders, the project team will install high-efficacy LED lighting products in PG&E’s service territory then compare their energy use to that of standard lighting packages. Funding will cover builders' incremental costs exceeding those of typical lighting packages. (See the project page for details.)
Qualitative feedback from builders and occupants will help gauge consumer satisfaction and market readiness for an all high-efficacy standard. When the demonstration phase of the project is complete, CLTC will release a lighting technology guide for professionals working in residential construction. The guide will include specification sheets for the products installed as part of the project, cost information, as well as findings from the R&D project.