Green light for LED: State certifies Torrance company's energy-efficient traffic signals

SCOTT VARLEY/ STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Ledtronics, under the leadership of President Perviaz Lodhie, estimates its light emitting diode (LED) traffic signals, left, will save 80 to 90 percent on electricity costs over the type currently used, right.

Torrance-based Ledtronics Inc. recently got a boost when the California
Department of Transportation certified its energy-saving traffic light
bulbs for use on California streets.

The department approved the red and green Ledtronic lights to replace less
energy-efficient lamps.

The company is talking privately with various South Bay city governments
interested in buying the lights, as well as customers nationwide.  The city
of Torrance is setting up test sites for the Ledtronics traffic and
streetlights.

"It's one of the credentials that most cities in California are looking
for," said Gary Peterson, regional sales manager for Ledtronics, of the
certification.

Ledtronics lights are based on light emitting diode technology or LED. The
lamps are composed of a group of small vessels that emit light individually
-- the more vessels, the more light radiates.

Ledtronics said it has not yet seen increased sales from certification. 
Once the transportation department posts Ledtronics on its Web site
certification list, the company expects customer sales to increase.

Ledtronic lights have the potential to substantially cut energy output and
save cities 80 to 90 percent on electricity costs for traffic lights.  The
actual LED lights cost about the same as standard lights, but in the long
run, the lights are more efficient.

The traditional traffic light uses 70 to 90 watts per light, whereas LED
lights use 7 to 10 watts.  Ledtronics lights also are estimated to last up
to 11 years.

"The payback on the red-and- green lights are probably within 16 to 18
months," Peterson said.

Ledtronics says the energy crisis has sparked interest in LED technology.

"Inquiries are up at least 30 percent from last year," said Jordon
Papanier, the marketing manager for Ledtronics.

The company started out selling LEDs on a smaller scale for such
applications as elevator lights and telephone panels.

Since it was introduced in the early '80s, the technology has advanced so
that it can be used for applications that require brighter lamps.

Over the years, Ledtronics has used its products in many ways, including
lighting the way for dogsleds, sidewalks and storefront signs.

So far, the transportation department has not yet approved Ledtronics or
any other LED technology's yellow traffic lights.  Ledtronics plans to have
its yellow lights approved soon.