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Replacement LED Troffer Light Fixtures
Troffer Light Fixtures
A troffer lighting fixture is a rectangular light that fits into the ceiling grid system used in many offices, retail businesses, stores, and classrooms. The modular design within the ceiling grid is one of the reasons the troffer is popular. It is also a cost effective fixture that does a good job providing lighting where needed. For solid ceilings the troffer can be surface mounted.
Troffer lights were originally designed to use fluorescent type bulbs that run the length of the fixture. Because of the tubular shape and long lengths these bulbs are often called tube lights, linear lights, linear bulbs, linear lamps, or other similar names. With recent advancements in LED technology the LED linear lamp is rapidly replacing the fluorescent bulb in troffer type fixtures.

Philips T8 Fluorescent Bulb

Philips InstantFit Linear LED Direct Replacment Bulb
For most systems the existing fluorescent bulb may be replaced with LED bulb sold as direct replacement bulb without need for any rewiring, assuming the existing fixture meets certain conditions. Otherwise the replacement LED bulb may require some rewiring.
The cost of the LED linear bulbs will be significantly more than fluorescent bulbs. Your investment in LED bulbs will be paid back by energy savings and rebates from the utility company.
Rebate
Alliant Energy offers a rebate on replacement LED troffer lights of $0.40 per watt saved. The wattage saved is determined by subtracting the wattage of the LED bulb from the wattage of the existing fluorescent bulb. For the above example the rebate equaled $6 per LED bulb.
Here are key points to remember:
1. The replacement bulb must be ENERGY STAR® or DLC qualified.
2. May be customer installed or installed by dealer/contractor.
3. Must submit application for rebate within 90 days of installation and not later than January 31, 2016.
4. Need receipts for equipment purchased.
Contact Alliant Energy or Dealer for complete rebate requirements. Other rebates options for LED Lighting are available. See Alliant Energy website rebate page for Iowa Business.
Payback Period
The length of time for payback is highly dependent on usage hours of the system and wattage saved with LED bulbs. As a rough estimate a system used 10 hrs per day for 300 days a year with 40-50% reduction in energy will pay back in 6-8 years.
For assistance with calculating payback period for your lighting system please contact us. We are happy to assist you with determining the best solution for your needs and provide information on energy savings and rebates available.
Additional information can be found from U.S. Department of Energy fact sheet Upgrading Troffer Luminaires to LED.
Watch for more articles in this series on LED lighting.
If you have lighting questions or would like to schedule a technician to perform lighting maintenance, please contact McGill’s Repair and Construction at 641-437-1086.
Thank You,
David McGill
James McGill
Article written by Tim McGill, editor@Tree Branch Publishing.
Trivia – The word ‘troffer’ comes from the combination of the words trough and coffer.
Solar Energy, Is a solar panel system right for me?
Solar energy has been available for many years but cost prohibitive until recent years. Even today the payback on solar systems is not there without the help of incentives and tax credits to reduce the overall cost. The payback with incentives included usually figures to about ten years.
If you are interested in renewable energy, such as solar power, then you will want to do some homework on the type of system and financial costs associated to purchasing and installing. This article will provide some key points to consider as you explore your options.
Sales Representative – A sales representative from a company providing solar systems may be a good resource for understanding what options are available. Remember, however, the sales person is trying to sell you on the positive aspects of the system so it will be up to you to look for the potential pitfalls.
Utility Company – Be sure to ask your energy supplier what special requirements they have to connect a solar system to the utility grid. These requirements can be an expensive extra cost if not considered upfront as part of the system package. You will also need to know what the ongoing charge will be for the connection to the grid (often referred to as the innerconnection fee) and if you plan to sell back extra energy what payment will be provided for such.
For Alliant Energy customers more information can be found on their website. Customer-Owned Generation in IOWA
Insurance cost – As part of the connection to the electrical grid the utility company requires additional insurance. You will want to consider this additional ongoing operating cost.
Rebates – Some utilities do not have any rebate program. Check with your utility company for details on what incentive programs are offered for the type of system you are planning.
Iowa Property Tax Exemptions – The added value to the property by the solar system is exempt from property tax for 5 years.
Income Tax Credits – There are different tax credits available in Iowa. More information is available from U.S. Department of Energy site DSIRE. Tax credits reduce the amount of your tax payment by the amount of the credit. Some refer to this as a dollar-for-dollar reduction. But remember, tax credits only apply if you owe taxes that exceed the amount of the credit. There may be limitations on carrying the credits over to the next year so that needs to be considered as well.
Check with your tax adviser to fully understand how these tax incentives may apply to your financial situation.
Lease vs Purchase – Some companies will offer a lease plan instead of ownership. In a lease type agreement you will have to forfeit any rebates or tax incentives to the lease provider and pay monthly fee to lease holder. You will want to compare the monthly lease fee to the expected reduction in utility cost to determine financial benefit. The savings per month may be minimal after lease payment.
Turnkey system – Unless you are very familiar with solar systems and construction requirements you will want to purchase a turnkey system to ensure everything is included. You do not want to have to dig more money out of your pocket for unexpected expenses.
Solar Panel Mounting Options – There are two basic types of mounts: roof or ground.
Roof mounts are usually cheaper to install but are harder to repair, also you want to take into consideration the condition of your roof–would suggest that your roof be expected to last at least 25 years. Some roof configurations and sizes are not suitable for mounting the number of panels needed. Also roof mounts are harder for firemen to fight a fire and they are somewhat hesitate to be around the solar panels.
Also snow will build up on roof mounts more than ground mounts–when snow covered the panels produce very little energy. The snow will melt off when the sun comes out if there’s only a small amount. Normally the ground mounts are at a steeper angle and the snow doesn’t stay on them as well, or you can sweep the snow off the ground mounts.
Ground mounts require additional mounting structure which may increase installation cost over roof mounts, but do provide for easier access to the system and greater flexibility. The quantity of panels is generally not limited to spacing constraints, unlike roof mounts.
Power Outages – For solar systems that connected to the grid, when there is a power outage the solar system is also out. Simply put, don’t expect the solar system to perform as a backup power source. A separate off-grid system with storage batteries would be required to provide backup power during power outages. Other backup power solutions are available; discuss with your installer or electrician for options.
Get References – Don’t be afraid to ask questions, get names of others in your community who have done it and talk with them. Find out their experiences.
If you have solar system questions please contact McGill’s Repair and Construction at 641-437-1086 or submit request for quote.
Thank You,
David McGill
James McGill
Article written by Tim McGill, editor@Tree Branch Publishing. (Solar system house image courtesy of xedos4, Published on 30 October 2012 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net)
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Licensed Contractor for HVAC and Refrigeration
Licensed by Iowa Plumbing & Mechanical Systems Board as required by Iowa Code.
Member of Refrigeration Service Engineer Society (RSES)
Licensed Electrical Contractor
Licensed by Iowa Department of Public Health - State Fire Marshal Division.
David McGill - Master Electrician
James McGill - Master Electrician
Insured and Bonded
Bonded and Insured according to requirements of Iowa Plumbing & Mechanical Systems Board.
Insured per requirements of Iowa Department of Public Health - 2 million
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When possible we like to support our local businesses.
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