Imagine strobing streetlights warning you that a tornado is bearing down on Chattanooga.
Think about those lights flashing in waves to signal the proper direction of an evacuation route in the event of a nuclear or hazardous materials alert. What if the streetlights also could hold plug-in crime surveillance cameras and real-time pollution monitoring sensors?
Well, the possibility isn't decades away. It's now -- but only in Chattanooga.
"The world's smartest lights are made in Chattanooga," proclaims the Web page of Global Green Lighting Inc., a company of Don Lepard. The long-time Chattanooga resident and University of Tennessee at Chattanooga graduate is moving jobs here from China to make the most of his company's innovative streetlights, tested first at Coolidge Park.
Last week, Mayor Ron Littlefield touted Coolidge Park's "smart" streetlights to a visiting conference. He said Chattanooga could save $1.5 million on its annual $11 million electric bill by expanding that technology to all of the city's streetlights.
But the mayor's chief of staff, Dan Johnson, has even higher hopes for a lighting system he says he's "sold on."
"I think the savings is approximately 50 percent, and the streetlights portion of our bill was $4 [million] to $4.5 million in fiscal 2010," Johnson said. "We've been looking at this for months, and I think in the long run it won't cost the city any money. We'll have some front-end startup expenses, but within six months, we'll start saving money."
The deal isn't finalized yet. Johnson and Lepard say negotiations are continuing. But requests for bids have been issued and Global Green Lighting won the nod.
"Basically, [retrofitting] the lighting in the entire city is a huge project, and we're going to take that in steps," Johnson said. "But if everything was done at once, which it won't be, it would total about $20 million."
While the lights may slice the city's power bill $1.5 million a year, EPB's Harold DePriest said it's kind of a wash for the electricity distributor.
"We give the city a pass-through for the streetlights. We sell them that power for the same price it costs us," he said. "Plus, [saving energy is] the right thing to do."
About 80 of those jobs will be imported from China, where Lepard previously contracted for the solid-state components used in Global Manufacturing Alliance Group, the electronics repackaging business he started nearly 15 years ago in Soddy-Daisy.
But Lepard, and David Crockett, head of Chattanooga's Office of Sustainability, have still bigger job plans: streetlight recycling. And smart-light training.
After all, what's going to happen to the thousands of lights being replaced? And who knows how to program and control lights using software programs?
"Sure, we could just take out the old lights and sell the ones that work to another town," Crockett said. "But that doesn't really take that light off the grid, it just makes them somebody else's big energy user."
He said the city will train public works and police officials to "make the most of the new lights."
"But we won't stop there. We hope to export that new knowledge, and train people in other municipalities as they get the new lights," said Crockett.
Sunday, 11 December 2011
Thursday, 8 December 2011
Seoul Semiconductor launches ZC chip-on-board DC LED
South Korean LED maker Seoul Semiconductor Co Ltd has launched Z-Power COB, its chip-on-board (COB) type of direct current (DC) LED. Developed on the basis of the firm's Z-Power LEDs, the ZC series can be used as a high-brightness, high-power light source, to both decrease thermal resistance and increase LED lighting product life expectancy. The ZC series also allows manufacturers to conveniently install and design price-competitive products, the firm claims.
Designed as a COB product, the ZC Series eliminates the need for the LED to be surface-mounted onto a metal plate, allowing manufacturers to bypass the chip connection process before use. Companies can trim manufacturing and management costs and improve the end product, Seoul Semiconductor claims.
The use of highly reflective aluminium substrates in the ZC Series also greatly improves the brightness and significantly prolongs LED bulb life-span. Using a single ZC chip permits the development of an LED light bulb that allows light to be distributed more evenly than lighting that connects several LED packages to a single module.
ZC will be offered in 6W, 10W and 16W versions, as replacements for 40W and 60W incandescent light bulbs and 100W down-lights, respectively.
"The ZC Series will enable manufacturers to easily produce LED light designs that ultimately afford consumers with longer-lasting LED lights at decreased electricity costs," says Seoul Semiconductor VP Sunghoon Bae. "As with the recent release of our AC LED, Acrich2, the launch of the ZC Series is aligned with Seoul Semiconductor's commitment to providing consumers with a diverse and innovative product portfolio rooted in research and development investment," he adds.
There are plenty of traditions and pageantry that serve as the perfect buildup for the Carol of Lights. But year after year, the main attraction remains the lights themselves.
Every year, 25,000 orange, red and white lights are strung, and then turned on in unison at the annual Carol of Lights. And while the breathtaking glow officially marks the beginning of the holiday season at Texas Tech, the school also is taking steps to conserve energy.
According to Stephen Howard, a foreman with the Texas Tech physical plant, the school currently is in the process of switching out its old bulbs to LED ones. The switch is being done in 20 percent increments, and this year 60 percent of the bulbs will be LED, which use less energy.
"They plan to complete the process at the 2013 Carol of Lights," said Craig Kuehnert, manager for student development for the Residence Halls Association. "With the old bulbs, the school was paying on average $1,437 a month for the electricity bill. Once all the bulbs are replaced, they estimate that the bill will drop to $197.46. That's more than an 80 percent decrease."
The bulbs are being purchased locally and still are powered through the utility system that runs through the tunnels of the university. The lights also are connected to one common timer that controls when they turn on and off.
The honor of first turning on the lights on the night of the Carol of Lights belongs to the Residence Halls Association president. And this year, Nick Lamy will flip the switch that elicits the "oohs" and "ahs" from the crowd in attendance.
Designed as a COB product, the ZC Series eliminates the need for the LED to be surface-mounted onto a metal plate, allowing manufacturers to bypass the chip connection process before use. Companies can trim manufacturing and management costs and improve the end product, Seoul Semiconductor claims.
The use of highly reflective aluminium substrates in the ZC Series also greatly improves the brightness and significantly prolongs LED bulb life-span. Using a single ZC chip permits the development of an LED light bulb that allows light to be distributed more evenly than lighting that connects several LED packages to a single module.
ZC will be offered in 6W, 10W and 16W versions, as replacements for 40W and 60W incandescent light bulbs and 100W down-lights, respectively.
"The ZC Series will enable manufacturers to easily produce LED light designs that ultimately afford consumers with longer-lasting LED lights at decreased electricity costs," says Seoul Semiconductor VP Sunghoon Bae. "As with the recent release of our AC LED, Acrich2, the launch of the ZC Series is aligned with Seoul Semiconductor's commitment to providing consumers with a diverse and innovative product portfolio rooted in research and development investment," he adds.
There are plenty of traditions and pageantry that serve as the perfect buildup for the Carol of Lights. But year after year, the main attraction remains the lights themselves.
Every year, 25,000 orange, red and white lights are strung, and then turned on in unison at the annual Carol of Lights. And while the breathtaking glow officially marks the beginning of the holiday season at Texas Tech, the school also is taking steps to conserve energy.
According to Stephen Howard, a foreman with the Texas Tech physical plant, the school currently is in the process of switching out its old bulbs to LED ones. The switch is being done in 20 percent increments, and this year 60 percent of the bulbs will be LED, which use less energy.
"They plan to complete the process at the 2013 Carol of Lights," said Craig Kuehnert, manager for student development for the Residence Halls Association. "With the old bulbs, the school was paying on average $1,437 a month for the electricity bill. Once all the bulbs are replaced, they estimate that the bill will drop to $197.46. That's more than an 80 percent decrease."
The bulbs are being purchased locally and still are powered through the utility system that runs through the tunnels of the university. The lights also are connected to one common timer that controls when they turn on and off.
The honor of first turning on the lights on the night of the Carol of Lights belongs to the Residence Halls Association president. And this year, Nick Lamy will flip the switch that elicits the "oohs" and "ahs" from the crowd in attendance.
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
It's all about sharing the love
Cold turkey is out and Christmas ham is in. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere I go. Last Thursday I participated in my first Monroe Christmas parade. I have to say the some 70 floats of Christmas lights followed by bands and various other groups was impressive on the spirit scale. The weather was a little bit frightening next to my South Georgia usual temperatures back home but I managed to layer up and stay warm.
The courthouse lawn is decorated with a beautiful live Christmas tree dazzled with ornaments and lights. Not to mention the lovely spiral laced trees full of lights that are on both sides of Broad Street.
This time of year is about so many things it's hard to lose sight of its one purpose — sharing the love you have for those around and the ability to do so.
Usually around this time for the past four years I would have been finishing finals and heading home to Bainbridge for the family activities and community involvement.
Every Christmas for the past three years I've helped with a local radio station on their Secret Santa project. Each year I've seen lives changed and peoples selfless efforts supply children the smile they had been hoping and needing all year.
Such things as bikes and clothes along with toys are provided for these families every year through this program there.
I can remember my first year participating.
I was working with the station to see if broadcast was something I wanted to major in when I took on the responsibility of working with the Secret Santa project as well.
Santa personally delivered the presents we had worked to load and buy for these families.
I will never forget one little girl who asked santa for a bike. It was the only thing she wanted. When we rolled the bike out to her - she and her daughter were crying.
The spirit of giving is the season's message. There are so many around us spending their last dime at this very moment, parents counting their budget and putting their needs to the side for the sake of their child's Christmas or all together unable to provide a Christmas.
While we are feasting someone in this community, in this state, in this country and the world are without.
Giving is the reason for the season.
Besides working with Secret Santa our family usually decorates the tree and I hate to say I'm missing that.
Ever since I was born I have had an ornament for every year. Each year we go to the hallmark store to pick an ornament out and it's a serious ordeal. Some of my picks have been from “the Grinch Stole Christmas” to Santa Claus fishing. They all have some sort of story behind them or purpose on why they were purchased.
Tradition is something that can keep a family together that one gathering point. Christmas is full of these opportunities. Whether it is from the huge meal that's laid on the table or the decorating of the Christmas tree, tradition brings the family together.
All together breathe in the Christmas spirit, enjoy the atmosphere, give what you can and be blessed for what you have.
The courthouse lawn is decorated with a beautiful live Christmas tree dazzled with ornaments and lights. Not to mention the lovely spiral laced trees full of lights that are on both sides of Broad Street.
This time of year is about so many things it's hard to lose sight of its one purpose — sharing the love you have for those around and the ability to do so.
Usually around this time for the past four years I would have been finishing finals and heading home to Bainbridge for the family activities and community involvement.
Every Christmas for the past three years I've helped with a local radio station on their Secret Santa project. Each year I've seen lives changed and peoples selfless efforts supply children the smile they had been hoping and needing all year.
Such things as bikes and clothes along with toys are provided for these families every year through this program there.
I can remember my first year participating.
I was working with the station to see if broadcast was something I wanted to major in when I took on the responsibility of working with the Secret Santa project as well.
Santa personally delivered the presents we had worked to load and buy for these families.
I will never forget one little girl who asked santa for a bike. It was the only thing she wanted. When we rolled the bike out to her - she and her daughter were crying.
The spirit of giving is the season's message. There are so many around us spending their last dime at this very moment, parents counting their budget and putting their needs to the side for the sake of their child's Christmas or all together unable to provide a Christmas.
While we are feasting someone in this community, in this state, in this country and the world are without.
Giving is the reason for the season.
Besides working with Secret Santa our family usually decorates the tree and I hate to say I'm missing that.
Ever since I was born I have had an ornament for every year. Each year we go to the hallmark store to pick an ornament out and it's a serious ordeal. Some of my picks have been from “the Grinch Stole Christmas” to Santa Claus fishing. They all have some sort of story behind them or purpose on why they were purchased.
Tradition is something that can keep a family together that one gathering point. Christmas is full of these opportunities. Whether it is from the huge meal that's laid on the table or the decorating of the Christmas tree, tradition brings the family together.
All together breathe in the Christmas spirit, enjoy the atmosphere, give what you can and be blessed for what you have.
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
Great Falls Holds Tree Lighting
Robert Moore knows all about the tree that sits in the field next to the Great Falls Village Centre. When the original tree died in 1995, he was part of the group that found the tree near Wolf Trap and planted it in Great Falls. Since then, Great Falls residents have gathered around the tree every holiday season to light the tree and celebrate the season with their friends and neighbors.
"This is the first year we've used LED lights on the tree," Moore said. "This year we used about 4,500 of them, so I guess we're saving some energy."
Moore and the other coordinators of the annual tree lighting ceremony use a sky lift to wind the thousands of lights around the tree, which is more than 20 feet tall.
This year's festivities took place Friday, and thousands came out to sing Christmas Carols, meet Santa and Mrs. Clause, enjoy a petting zoo and watch a live nativity scene.
"There's sort of something for everyone, and I like to make sure we get a chance to take it all in," said Allison Fulwell of Great Falls. "You get Santa, you get the nativity, but it's also just fun to come out and enjoy celebrating as a community."
Just after sundown, a brightly-lit vehicle made its way around the Executive Suites building at the Great Falls Village Centre. Several reindeer made of lights led the way for the Great Falls fire engine, which served as the official escort for Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Once the tree was lit, guests could enjoy popcorn and hot cider, and listen to the Langley High School Madrigals sing old Christmas carols.
While Santa was mobbed by most children during his time at the tree lighting, Josh Zane, 4, has little to no interest in Father Christmas.
"Every year, Josh gets excited about the tree lighting, but not about the tree itself, or Santa. He loves the animals," said his father David Zane. "He'll spend his time rotating between the petting zoo and the horse rides. We don't even try to get a photo of him near the tree anymore."
Josh Zane says his decision is a practical one.
"We'll see Santa later when our family gets our picture with him somewhere else, and he's even going to stop by our house," he said. "But it's winter time, and there won't be any chances to play with animals when it's cold outside, so I need to do it now."
CEO Ike Sutton commented, "The opening of our new DC office further solidifies SavWatt's presence. Being even closer to key decision makers and lobby groups will greatly benefit our cause. In addition, President Obama's speech for additional funding to make America's buildings more energy efficient will allow us more opportunities to prove the SavWatt brand is the light of the future."
About SavWatt Fast becoming the market leader in LED lighting, SavWatt focuses on developing innovative, energy-efficient and cost-effective LED lighting solutions. By delivering value added, application-specific LED lighting systems, we can significantly reduce energy costs and minimize our carbon footprint worldwide.
SavWatt is leading the LED lighting revolution and setting the stage to obsolete the incandescent light bulb. SavWatt's product families include LED fixtures, bulbs, street lights, and parking lights.
"This is the first year we've used LED lights on the tree," Moore said. "This year we used about 4,500 of them, so I guess we're saving some energy."
Moore and the other coordinators of the annual tree lighting ceremony use a sky lift to wind the thousands of lights around the tree, which is more than 20 feet tall.
This year's festivities took place Friday, and thousands came out to sing Christmas Carols, meet Santa and Mrs. Clause, enjoy a petting zoo and watch a live nativity scene.
"There's sort of something for everyone, and I like to make sure we get a chance to take it all in," said Allison Fulwell of Great Falls. "You get Santa, you get the nativity, but it's also just fun to come out and enjoy celebrating as a community."
Just after sundown, a brightly-lit vehicle made its way around the Executive Suites building at the Great Falls Village Centre. Several reindeer made of lights led the way for the Great Falls fire engine, which served as the official escort for Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Once the tree was lit, guests could enjoy popcorn and hot cider, and listen to the Langley High School Madrigals sing old Christmas carols.
While Santa was mobbed by most children during his time at the tree lighting, Josh Zane, 4, has little to no interest in Father Christmas.
"Every year, Josh gets excited about the tree lighting, but not about the tree itself, or Santa. He loves the animals," said his father David Zane. "He'll spend his time rotating between the petting zoo and the horse rides. We don't even try to get a photo of him near the tree anymore."
Josh Zane says his decision is a practical one.
"We'll see Santa later when our family gets our picture with him somewhere else, and he's even going to stop by our house," he said. "But it's winter time, and there won't be any chances to play with animals when it's cold outside, so I need to do it now."
CEO Ike Sutton commented, "The opening of our new DC office further solidifies SavWatt's presence. Being even closer to key decision makers and lobby groups will greatly benefit our cause. In addition, President Obama's speech for additional funding to make America's buildings more energy efficient will allow us more opportunities to prove the SavWatt brand is the light of the future."
About SavWatt Fast becoming the market leader in LED lighting, SavWatt focuses on developing innovative, energy-efficient and cost-effective LED lighting solutions. By delivering value added, application-specific LED lighting systems, we can significantly reduce energy costs and minimize our carbon footprint worldwide.
SavWatt is leading the LED lighting revolution and setting the stage to obsolete the incandescent light bulb. SavWatt's product families include LED fixtures, bulbs, street lights, and parking lights.
Monday, 5 December 2011
Next-gen A2 goes electric
Trying to keep up with compatriot BMW and its new I Series, Audi is responding with an A2 concept front-wheel drive electric vehicle (with the potential to resurrect the name that last graced the Audi line-up in 2005).
Like the Mercedes-Benz B-Class hatchback (and in particular, the F-Cell version), A2 features a sandwich floor which houses electric components – the 31 kWh lithium ion battery and the 85 kW electric motor. Acceleration to 100 km/h reportedly takes 9.3 seconds, while top speed is limited to 150 km/h.
Audi claims a range of 200 km (rated on the European driving cycle) and a charge time of four hours using 240V household current (so it's safe to assume 10.5 hours plugging it into a 110V outlet) or 1.5 on direct current. It is also ready for wireless charging (where you simply park the vehicle over a charging panel).
Dimensionally smaller than the B-Class, the A2 features an opaque roof that becomes transparent at the push of a button, and a non-opening hood up front. The modified Audi trapezoidal grille's solid top panel flips down to reveal the charge port. The lower part lets air through to eight graphite foam cooling blocks that act as a radiator.
LEDs are used for all lighting functions (high-beams, low beams and running lights up front; a twin line of light across the side and taillights at the rear). Of interest, the headlight LEDs can illuminate independently depending on need (such as dimming for oncoming traffic), the taillights can illuminate at different intensity depending on ambient light, and the light rails along the side burn blue when the driver approaches, orange when the vehicle is in motion and pulsing red during turns to the appropriate side and during braking. The dynamic light functions are mirrored inside, on the door trim panels.
Also of note, laser diodes are used as rear fog lights; in clear conditions, they remain invisible to the eye, but when there's moisture in the air, their light strikes off the particles making a floating triangle behind the car.
The biggest news inside is the completely flat floor and the lack of vents (air flows from the perforated panel running along the entire width of the windshield base). The steering wheel uses touch sensitive surfaces for redundant controls. If both touchpads are activated at the same time, the A2 switches into semi-autonomous mode.
Touchpads are also used on the dash for the control centre (air conditioning and multimedia functions) and the single speed transmission (shift by wire), and on the retractable centre console for secondary functions (such as a keyboard for inputting nav system destinations or phone numbers). Onboard connectivity includes Bluetooth and a WLAN mobile hot spot.
The minimalist seats feature storage compartments below the fold up cushions up front, while the rear seatbacks fold forward to unveil a bracket into which to fit front bicycle forks. The cargo area features a two position load floor.
Like the Mercedes-Benz B-Class hatchback (and in particular, the F-Cell version), A2 features a sandwich floor which houses electric components – the 31 kWh lithium ion battery and the 85 kW electric motor. Acceleration to 100 km/h reportedly takes 9.3 seconds, while top speed is limited to 150 km/h.
Audi claims a range of 200 km (rated on the European driving cycle) and a charge time of four hours using 240V household current (so it's safe to assume 10.5 hours plugging it into a 110V outlet) or 1.5 on direct current. It is also ready for wireless charging (where you simply park the vehicle over a charging panel).
Dimensionally smaller than the B-Class, the A2 features an opaque roof that becomes transparent at the push of a button, and a non-opening hood up front. The modified Audi trapezoidal grille's solid top panel flips down to reveal the charge port. The lower part lets air through to eight graphite foam cooling blocks that act as a radiator.
LEDs are used for all lighting functions (high-beams, low beams and running lights up front; a twin line of light across the side and taillights at the rear). Of interest, the headlight LEDs can illuminate independently depending on need (such as dimming for oncoming traffic), the taillights can illuminate at different intensity depending on ambient light, and the light rails along the side burn blue when the driver approaches, orange when the vehicle is in motion and pulsing red during turns to the appropriate side and during braking. The dynamic light functions are mirrored inside, on the door trim panels.
Also of note, laser diodes are used as rear fog lights; in clear conditions, they remain invisible to the eye, but when there's moisture in the air, their light strikes off the particles making a floating triangle behind the car.
The biggest news inside is the completely flat floor and the lack of vents (air flows from the perforated panel running along the entire width of the windshield base). The steering wheel uses touch sensitive surfaces for redundant controls. If both touchpads are activated at the same time, the A2 switches into semi-autonomous mode.
Touchpads are also used on the dash for the control centre (air conditioning and multimedia functions) and the single speed transmission (shift by wire), and on the retractable centre console for secondary functions (such as a keyboard for inputting nav system destinations or phone numbers). Onboard connectivity includes Bluetooth and a WLAN mobile hot spot.
The minimalist seats feature storage compartments below the fold up cushions up front, while the rear seatbacks fold forward to unveil a bracket into which to fit front bicycle forks. The cargo area features a two position load floor.
Sunday, 4 December 2011
Your Home: Holiday lights
The holiday season is upon us. It's a time of giving, cheer and good will. It's also a time when men across the globe can be heard screaming in frustration as they try to install the ultimate holiday light display.
And remember to inspect those strands of lights before you plug them in.
Electrician Robert O'Keefe said, "We're checking them for frayed or damaged wires or broken bulbs and make sure they're in good operating condition."
Be safety conscious. It should go without saying, but O'Keefe reminds us that if you're going to be using a ladder, make sure someone is at the bottom. Make sure the lights are secured properly.
O'Keefe said the last thing you should be doing is this: "There's all sorts of plastic adapters that you can put in your house without having to put staples or nails through them. Stapling is not recommended because you can penetrate the Christmas light wiring," said O'Keefe.
You know those new LED lights you've heard about over the past few years? Sure the initial cost is more, but they last longer, they lower your electric bill, plus, they'll really bring out your inner Clarke Griswold by allowing you to string together enough of them to light up the whole neighborhood.
"Some of the manufacturers allow you to plug in up to 80 strings of LED lights into a standard outlet. The savings are huge. The bulbs also last, almost a lifetime. They don't need a replacement," said O'Keefe.
O'Keefe also reminds us to take down the displays when the holidays are over. While you should be using wires and lights rated for outdoor use, they are seasonal items and should not be left out in the elements all year long.
LED lights are among the stand-outs in holiday trends. Touted as substantially more energy efficient and more durable than traditional bulbs, LEDs also feature some fancy formats. Sets with animated effects, such as twinkling, chasing and alternating colors, are attracting plenty of interest and enable homeowners to incorporate some light-show theatrics into their decor, a representative for Ace Hardware said.
Some LED icicle lights and other sets feature remote control functions. Holiday revelers may switch back and forth among an assortment of hues at their whim — without stepping outside. The remote control LED icicle lights are available at various vendors, including A Christmas Palace in Fort Lauderdale and Hialeah Gardens, ranging in price from $19.99 to $149.99
For those who'd rather skip traditional electricity, GE solar lights are powered by the sun. The new solar-powered mini lights and icicles in warm white bulbs or multi-colored bulbs — and the solar panel — are available at Home Depot for $29.97
Another unplugged approach makes use of batteries. Home Depot sells battery-powered strands in white, multicolored and flashing white for $14.97.
And remember to inspect those strands of lights before you plug them in.
Electrician Robert O'Keefe said, "We're checking them for frayed or damaged wires or broken bulbs and make sure they're in good operating condition."
Be safety conscious. It should go without saying, but O'Keefe reminds us that if you're going to be using a ladder, make sure someone is at the bottom. Make sure the lights are secured properly.
O'Keefe said the last thing you should be doing is this: "There's all sorts of plastic adapters that you can put in your house without having to put staples or nails through them. Stapling is not recommended because you can penetrate the Christmas light wiring," said O'Keefe.
You know those new LED lights you've heard about over the past few years? Sure the initial cost is more, but they last longer, they lower your electric bill, plus, they'll really bring out your inner Clarke Griswold by allowing you to string together enough of them to light up the whole neighborhood.
"Some of the manufacturers allow you to plug in up to 80 strings of LED lights into a standard outlet. The savings are huge. The bulbs also last, almost a lifetime. They don't need a replacement," said O'Keefe.
O'Keefe also reminds us to take down the displays when the holidays are over. While you should be using wires and lights rated for outdoor use, they are seasonal items and should not be left out in the elements all year long.
LED lights are among the stand-outs in holiday trends. Touted as substantially more energy efficient and more durable than traditional bulbs, LEDs also feature some fancy formats. Sets with animated effects, such as twinkling, chasing and alternating colors, are attracting plenty of interest and enable homeowners to incorporate some light-show theatrics into their decor, a representative for Ace Hardware said.
Some LED icicle lights and other sets feature remote control functions. Holiday revelers may switch back and forth among an assortment of hues at their whim — without stepping outside. The remote control LED icicle lights are available at various vendors, including A Christmas Palace in Fort Lauderdale and Hialeah Gardens, ranging in price from $19.99 to $149.99
For those who'd rather skip traditional electricity, GE solar lights are powered by the sun. The new solar-powered mini lights and icicles in warm white bulbs or multi-colored bulbs — and the solar panel — are available at Home Depot for $29.97
Another unplugged approach makes use of batteries. Home Depot sells battery-powered strands in white, multicolored and flashing white for $14.97.
Thursday, 1 December 2011
Firms put sparkle in season
"This year, bar none, has pretty much been the strongest," said Carl Pfullmann, owner of CP Designs, which has strung Christmas lights on about 40 homes in the Alamo Heights and Terrell Hills areas. "People want good deals, but they want lots of lights."
Mark Ambrose, general manager of ABC Home & Commercial Services, said he expects to increase his lighting installation work by about 10 percent, primarily as the result of new customers, not bigger jobs from returning customers.
"We'll be happy with that, considering the economy and everything that is going on," Ambrose said.
Officials said homeowners have been asking for more decorations this year, covering more angles of the house, and low-energy LED lights have become popular, though costing more initially.
Companies said home-lighting installation can start at about $350 but can cost several thousand dollars, depending on how large the house is and how many lights and decorations are included.
Jennifer Sharrick, co-owner of Show Me Decorating, said her company provides Christmas tree decorating services for as little as $350 and beautifies doorways for about $500. In its third year in San Antonio, Show Me Decorating could triple its revenues this year, Sharrick said.
Financial numbers for the overall sector are hard to pin down.
The American Lighting Association tabulates totals on sales of Christmas lights alone, not the labor required to put them up. Those sales fell from $7.3 million in 2007 to $5.1 million in 2008 but rose to $6.2 million last year, the association said.
Through the first three-quarters of 2011, sales reached $4.6 million.
It's a sector dominated by companies that provide landscaping, pest control and other services to businesses and homeowners during the rest of the year. But companies that provide the service annually say it's been a dependable source of revenue during a season that otherwise could be a financial drought.
Shawn George, who owns Elite Lighting Designs, said he provided his holiday customers a small discount as the recession deepened and most of them have stayed with the firm. This year, he said business could grow by more than 30 percent, mainly because of the increase in residential customers.
"It's safety and convenience and knowing that it's available," George said in explaining the factors that have been driving demand.
David Dunne, president of Preferred Holiday Decor, said everyone has been looking for ways to economize during the economic downturn. But malls still need to spruce up their properties for the holidays and more businesses and municipalities are showing their holiday spirit through outdoor decorations.
Dunne said his company, which installed the new holiday lights on the River Walk and completed decorating projects for Valero Energy Corp., USAA and other corporate clients, expects holiday lighting revenues to exceed $1.6 million this year. That would be about 65 percent more than last year.
Holiday Decor has an affiliated landscape design and construction component that provides more revenue, but holiday lighting is important both because of its size and its nature, Dunne said.
Mark Ambrose, general manager of ABC Home & Commercial Services, said he expects to increase his lighting installation work by about 10 percent, primarily as the result of new customers, not bigger jobs from returning customers.
"We'll be happy with that, considering the economy and everything that is going on," Ambrose said.
Officials said homeowners have been asking for more decorations this year, covering more angles of the house, and low-energy LED lights have become popular, though costing more initially.
Companies said home-lighting installation can start at about $350 but can cost several thousand dollars, depending on how large the house is and how many lights and decorations are included.
Jennifer Sharrick, co-owner of Show Me Decorating, said her company provides Christmas tree decorating services for as little as $350 and beautifies doorways for about $500. In its third year in San Antonio, Show Me Decorating could triple its revenues this year, Sharrick said.
Financial numbers for the overall sector are hard to pin down.
The American Lighting Association tabulates totals on sales of Christmas lights alone, not the labor required to put them up. Those sales fell from $7.3 million in 2007 to $5.1 million in 2008 but rose to $6.2 million last year, the association said.
Through the first three-quarters of 2011, sales reached $4.6 million.
It's a sector dominated by companies that provide landscaping, pest control and other services to businesses and homeowners during the rest of the year. But companies that provide the service annually say it's been a dependable source of revenue during a season that otherwise could be a financial drought.
Shawn George, who owns Elite Lighting Designs, said he provided his holiday customers a small discount as the recession deepened and most of them have stayed with the firm. This year, he said business could grow by more than 30 percent, mainly because of the increase in residential customers.
"It's safety and convenience and knowing that it's available," George said in explaining the factors that have been driving demand.
David Dunne, president of Preferred Holiday Decor, said everyone has been looking for ways to economize during the economic downturn. But malls still need to spruce up their properties for the holidays and more businesses and municipalities are showing their holiday spirit through outdoor decorations.
Dunne said his company, which installed the new holiday lights on the River Walk and completed decorating projects for Valero Energy Corp., USAA and other corporate clients, expects holiday lighting revenues to exceed $1.6 million this year. That would be about 65 percent more than last year.
Holiday Decor has an affiliated landscape design and construction component that provides more revenue, but holiday lighting is important both because of its size and its nature, Dunne said.
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