Unique High-Tech Energy-Efficient Daylighting System Unveiled

4 August 2000

Unique High-Tech Energy-Efficient Daylighting System Unveiled

    LOS ANGELES - A unique state-of-the-art robotic daylighting system that saves energy and money was unveiled today at Downtown LA Motors Showroom.
    The system is the first of its kind to be installed in the city of Los Angeles.

    The new lighting system, developed by So-Luminaire Daylighting Systems Corp., uses a robotics unit with an infrared, light sensitive photo diode that tracks the sun as it travels through the sky. The system saves the dealership 70% of its electric lighting cost in the area where the system is installed and 66,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually.

    Nick Shammas, Downtown LA Motors, said, "This daylighting system is a win-win for us because it reduces our energy costs and brings in natural light. Our sales staff and service technicians really like working in this natural light."

    "We are pleased to work with our customers on innovative energy efficiency and other environmental `green' programs. This lighting system is another significant project that demonstrates that our Green LA programs are not only good for the environment but also help the bottom lines of our customers," said Angelina Galiteva, DWP director of strategic planning.

    She added that the dealership is receiving an efficiency incentive award of $9,000 for electricity demand reduction under the demonstration category.

    "Our system is unique, high tech and very cost effective. We find that most systems have a payback period of only two to five years," said So-Luminaire Chief Executive Officer Reginald Turner.

    He added that in addition to the robotics unit, a cluster of diffusion lenses efficiently spreads daylighting inside the building. An automatic lighting control unit to turn the electric lights on, if needed, can accompany the system. This happens only at night or on dark, cloudy days.

    Energy efficiency is one in a series of Green LA programs sponsored by DWP that also includes the Green Power for a Green LA, Electric Transportation, Solar Photovoltaic and Cool School Tree Planting efforts.