Directional LED Lamps – Laboratory Testing Program

The retail sector constitutes one of the largest energy consumers in the U.S., and halogen parabolic aluminized reflector (PAR) and multifaceted reflector (MR) lamps are common retail lighting choices. LED replacement lamps have the potential to transform lighting energy use in this sector, and manufacturers of LED PAR and MR lamps now claim comparable photometric performance, as well  as much greater longevity, than traditional halogen lamps. This testing program was designed to measure manufacturers' product claims regarding life, lumen maintenance, and color maintenance of directional LED replacement lamps, based on a market cross section of MR16, PAR20, PAR30, and PAR38 lamps commonly used in retail applications. Test results allow for comparison with manufacturer claims and are provided to PG&E for use in the utility's efforts to support LED replacement lamps in PG&E territory.