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| watt watch


third house is all LEDs. "I wanted as much control over that environment as possible, and I get that with LEDs," Jones says.


Farm Lighting Systems Advance With LEDs


Poultry producers on CEC lines are flipping the switch to LEDs


lighting options, and poultry farmers on Choctaw Electric lines are taking notice.


L


Farms pose unique challenges for lighting, says Brad Kendrick, Choctaw Electric energy use specialist. Harsh environments—excessive dirt, dust, heat, humidity, and ammonia emissions—impact lightbulb performance. To date, conventional light sources have not been able to successfully address these challenges.


LEDs offer a robust, environmentally sustainable, and potentially longer-lasting solution. Even better, since light from LEDs can be manipulated, the technology may be able to improve production.


ight emitting diodes (LEDs)convert electricity into bright, white light far more efficiently than other


CEC currently serves 120 poultry farms where a steady flow of electricity is imperative to keeping birds happy and alive. The heavy usage, however, can mean bills from $700 to $2,900 per month. Kendrick says he touts LEDs as a more efficient option and is seeing more growers make the switch.


With a rated life of 35,000 to 50,000 hours, LEDs can last up to 33 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, four to eight times longer than linear fluorescent bulbs and compact fluorescent lamps, and more than twice the time of high-intensity discharge lamps. Most of the newer poultry houses use 100 percent LED lighting, Kendrick says.


CEC poultry grower Justin Jones owns three houses near Idabel. Two of his houses use cathode light bulbs, but the


Shining a Light on LEDs


LED lamps and fixtures installed in the U.S. increased tenfold over the last two years—from 4.5 million units in 2010 to 49 million units in 2012. These installations, which include indoor and outdoor applications, are expected to save about $675 million in annual energy costs.


During the same period, the cost of an LED replacement bulb has fallen by about 54 percent. Switching entirely to LED lights over the


next two decades could save the U.S.$250 billion in energy costs and reduce electricity consumption for lighting by nearly 50 percent.


By 2030, LED lighting is projected to represent about 75 percent of all lighting sales, saving enough energy to power approximately 26 million U.S. households. —Source: U.S. Department of Energy


Because his houses are on one meter, Jones says it's difficult to determine precisely how much he is saving, but he is noticing a difference. More importantly, LEDs give him better control of the brightness in the house, and they burn cooler. These factors keep his birds happy and healthy, Jones says.


LEDs are more expensive than traditional lighting, but the U.S. Department of Energy reports a price drop of 54 percent over the last two years. CEC also offers loans to local poultry growers who wish to switch to LED bulbs.


LEDs offer farmers several benefits, includ- ing: • Rugged and vibration- resistant construction


• Directional lighting results in less wasted light


• Customizable colors (for example, blue light for calming)


• Dimmable capabilities and integration with lighting controls programmed for maximum production


• No mercury content or waste disposal costs


• Water- and ammonia-resistant lamps can be hosed or foam- cleaned without fixture damage


Studies on LED efficiency in farms are being conducted at 50 farms across the U.S. Preliminary results imply promising and significant energy savings and suggest there may be a boost in production. Farmers can remain cautiously optimistic that research and LED companies will be able to create lighting that is cost effective, long-lasting, and has a positive impact on animal health and well-being.


To visit with Brad Kendrick about loans on LED bulbs, please call 800-780-6486. Learn more about farm and home lighting options at energy.gov/lighting. Want more ways to save on the farm? Use the animal housing, irrigation, nitrogen, tillage, and grain drying energy calculators at EnergyTools.sc.egov.usda.gov.


6 | MARCH 2016 | CEC Inside Your Co-op


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