Carmanah utilizes BetaLED fixtures in all Carmanah EverGEN solar LED lighting products. As such, the information provided on this page is drawn directly from BetaLED.com and is reproduced with permission from BetaLED a division of RUUD Lighting.

 

Tips for a Fair LED Comparison

BetaLED is committed to providing educational information so you can cut through competitive manufacturer claims and separate fact from fiction. We want to help you find products that meet your expectations.

1. Compare Performance at the Application Level

2. Request Certified Photometric Data

3. Validate Lumen Depreciation

4. Apply the Appropriate Light Loss Factors

5. Evaluate Lifetime Luminaire Value

 

Not all LED luminaires are created equal
BetaLED is committed to providing educational information so you can cut through competitive manufacturer claims and separate fact from fiction. That's why we developed tools to guide you in making informed buying decisions. Plus, our application engineers and product representatives are well-trained and will help you objectively consider your options.

Total Systems Approach
As you begin investigating LED lighting for your specific applications, keep in mind that you're buying an integrated system, not just individual components. An effective LED lighting fixture is only as strong as its weakest link. Look for features that provide the key benefits you expect on every installation – performance, longevity, efficiency, style and reliability.

Measurable Performance Data
Use our resources and view success stories to get facts and opinions from unbiased third party sources.

• Spec Sheets and IES Photometric files
• In-market installations
• Project Briefs
• Articles

 

1. Compare Performance at the Application Level

Conduct "in field" application level performance evaluations using IESNA recommended practices and standards. Utilize the best available design software and application engineering practices to predict application level performance. Evaluate relevant and credible case studies such as the Department of Energy's CALiPER and GATEWAY programs.

2. Request Certified Photometric Data

Make sure the LED luminaire manufacturer provides a certified photometric report (per IESNA LM-79) from an approved DOE lab to validate the manufacturer's photometric performance claims.

3. Validate Lumen Depreciation

Obtain lumen depreciation (life) data for the LED luminaire supported by the LED chip manufacturer's IESNA LM-80 test data that is directly correlated to luminaire level performance.  Download Recommended BetaLED Lumen Depreciation Factors-TD13

4. Apply the Appropriate Light Loss Factors

An accurate application comparison must account for the light levels at the end of the application life. Using the manufacturer's LED luminaire lumen depreciation data, apply the correct light loss factor to the application.

For example, a typical outdoor dusk-to-dawn application may be evaluated at a 50,000 hour (~11 – 12 year) application life. Based on this example, you would conduct an evaluation based on each manufacturer's 50,000 hour lumen depreciation values.

5. Evaluate Lifetime Luminaire Value

Analyze initial investment versus lifetime value by considering all LED fixture benefits such as lighting performance, total power consumption, maintenance and warranty. The entire luminaire must be built to last for the length of the application life.

Click to download PDF