Top resources for calculating energy savings and finding lighting rebates

Calculating energy savings and finding lighting rebates is no easy feat. You're often left searching on your own for seemingly impossible-to-find answers to your questions. Well, search no further. We've compiled a list of our top resources for energy savings and lighting rebate information.

There is a plethora of information to choose from so by no means does this list reflect everything that is available, these are just a few of our favorite resources. 

Energy savings resources 

1. Department of Energy

If you're looking for general information on energy savings, lighting, and even residential lighting options, the Department of Energy has some great resources to look over. From comparing the various light bulb varieties to learning about lighting standards and how they affect you, they have it all on their site.

2. Energy Savings Calculator

Perhaps one of the best resources, we've personally offered so far, is our energy savings calculator. In this calculator you can see first hand your estimated return on investment (ROI) for a lighting retrofit project. Understanding the ROI for your project is critical to your success and buy-in from upper management. Simply input a few variables, and you'll instantly see the payback in years and estimated annual savings for your project. If you're unsure about any of your numbers, our lighting specialists are here to help you calculate it all. Here's what you'll need to get started:

• Original bulb wattage
• Number of bulbs being replaced
• Replacement bulb wattage
• How many hours a day the bulbs are in use
• How many days per year the bulbs are in use
• Initial cost of investment

Click here to use the energy savings calculator. 

3. U.S Energy Information Administration (EIA)

Calling all energy or data enthusiasts: this website is for you. If you love to dive into the nitty gritty details of energy and lighting, the EIA has an abundance of resources to comb through. With everything from energy pricing trends, current industry reviews, energy usage trends and more, you'll be able to stay up-to-date on the latest in energy news and information.

4. Ultimate Guide to Energy Savings e-book

When it comes to a lighting retrofit, having all of the details in one place can be a life-saver. That's where the Ultimate Guide to Energy Savings can come in. Chapters in this resource include:

• What to include in your lighting retrofit savings
• How to calculate energy savings for lighting only
• Energy savings from heat reduction
• Material savings for long-life lighting products
• Labor savings for long-life lighting products
• Return on investment (ROI) and payback. 

If you're planning a retrofit, this is a resource you don't want to miss.

Lighting rebates resources

1. Database for State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency

If you're looking for lighting rebates, this resource established by the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center is gold. You can choose the state you're located in and search for grants, rebates, and incentives available in your area. When it comes to getting the most out of your retrofit investment, what could be better than that? 

2. Briteswitch

Briteswitch is another one-stop-shop for lighting rebate and incentive information. They're a great resource if you're looking to understand what exactly electricity and energy rebates are and how they work. They'll also help you manage the application process if you're interested.

3. Your Local Utility Company

Perhaps the easiest and most convenient lighting rebate resource for you is right down the road. Reach out and call your local utility company to see what rebates and incentives they currently offer. 

If you just don't have time to look through each of these resources, you can receive lighting news, resources, and answers to your questions right in your inbox by subscribing to our blog updates. Click here to sign up.

Still have questions after pondering these resources and tools? As always, we're here to help you navigate this complex world of lighting and answer any questions you may have. Fill out this form and we'll have a lighting specialist help you out with your needs. 

We answer some of the most common questions on energy savings here.

Do you have other resources that you like? Leave a comment below to share them with other readers.