Clean consumer energy technologies in developing countries: A case study of energy efficient lights in Pakistan

Abstract

An increasing shift from incandescent lamps to compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), followed by light emitting diode (LED) lamps is taking place all over the world due to higher energy conservation and cleaner energy aspects of such solutions. Energy efficient lamps use electronic components and provide higher luminous efficacy. However, the power quality of such products that actually determines their true energy conservation potential is of great concern in the developing countries where energy efficient lighting markets are operating without significant regulatory oversight. In this work, we performed a technical audit and comparative analysis of several lighting solutions (local and international) available in Pakistan against the vendor claims and international standards. The results show that the energy-efficient lights of higher power rating (>25W) meet the vendor claims and international standards in the power characteristics while lighting solutions of lower power rating (<;25W) suffer from high degree of harmonic distortions that result in severe degradation of the power quality and significant deviation from the vendor claims as well as international standards. Based on our study, we then provide some recommendations and guidelines in order to build consumer confidence in cleaner energy products in developing countries.