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Solid-State Lighting Portfolio Strategy

DOE has made a long-term commitment to advance the development and market introduction of energy-efficient white-light sources for general illumination. Solid-state lighting (SSL) differs fundamentally from today's lighting technologies, and its unique attributes drive the need for a coordinated approach that guides technology advances from laboratory to marketplace. DOE has developed a comprehensive national strategy that encompasses Basic Energy Science, Core Technology Research, Product Development, Commercialization Support, Standards Development, and an SSL Partnership.

SSL Portfolio Strategy
Basic Energy Science
The Basic Energy Sciences Program within DOE's Office of Science conducts basic research to advance our fundamental understanding of materials behavior, with the goal of impacting future directions in applied research and technology development. Project results often have multiple applications, including SSL.

Core Technology Research
Through a series of ongoing, interactive workshops, DOE and its SSL partners have refined an extensive R&D agenda to ensure that DOE funds the appropriate research topics that will improve efficiency and speed SSL technologies to market. Core Technology Research – conducted primarily by academia, national laboratories, and research institutions – involves applied research efforts to seek more comprehensive knowledge about a subject. These projects fill technology gaps, provide enabling knowledge or data, and represent a significant advance in our knowledge base. For a more detailed definition of Core Technology Research, see Definition of DOE SSL R&D Pathways.

Product Development
Conducted primarily by industry, Product Development is the systematic use of knowledge gained from basic or applied research to develop or improve commercially viable materials, devices, or systems. Laboratory testing is conducted on prototypes, and feedback is used to improve prototype design. In addition to technical activities, market and fiscal studies are performed to ensure a successful transition to the marketplace. For a more detailed definition of Product Development, see Definition of DOE SSL R&D Pathways.

Commercialization Support
To ensure that DOE investments in Core Technology Research and Product Development lead to SSL technology commercialization, DOE has developed a national strategy to guide market introduction of SSL for general illumination. This strategy draws on DOE's involvement in virtually every aspect of SSL R&D and the Department's ongoing relationships with the SSL industry, research community, standards setting groups, and energy efficiency organizations. Together with these partners, DOE is implementing a full range of activities, including:

  • ENERGY STAR® designation for SSL technologies and products
  • Design competitions for lighting fixtures and systems using SSL
  • Technical information resources on SSL technology issues, test procedures, and standards
  • Testing of commercially available SSL products for general illumination
  • Coordination with utility, regional, and national market transformation programs
  • Technology demonstrations to showcase high-performance products in commercial and residential applications and provide real-world experience and data on performance and cost effectiveness
  • Procurement programs that encourage large-volume purchases of high-performance products

Learn more about DOE's commercialization support activities.

Standards Development
The development of national standards and rating systems for new products enables consumers to compare products made by different manufacturers, since all companies must test their products and apply the rating in the same way. DOE works closely with industry and standards setting organizations, providing leadership and support to accelerate the standards development process and technical assistance in the development of new standards. Learn more.

SSL Partnership
Supporting DOE SSL portfolio activities is the SSL Partnership. DOE's Memorandum of Agreement with the Next Generation Lighting Industry Alliance, signed in February 2005, details a strategy to enhance the manufacturing and commercialization focus of the DOE SSL portfolio by utilizing the expertise of an organization of SSL manufacturers.

The Partnership provides significant input to shape DOE research priorities and, at DOE's discretion, provides technical expertise for proposal and project reviews. In addition, the Partnership accelerates the implementation of SSL technologies by:

  • Communicating SSL program accomplishments
  • Encouraging the development of metrics, codes, and standards
  • Promoting demonstrations of SSL technologies for general lighting applications
  • Supporting DOE voluntary market-oriented programs 

Learn more about the SSL Partnership.


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