Skip, you’re right that is a large question! Without detailed engineering analysis I can’t really give you any specific information in regard to energy savings or potential payback, but I can offer some order of magnitude type ideas of savings as well as some information on where to look to help your client pursue rebates and tax credits.

DSIRE and Energy Efficiency Incentives

The best resource for determining what energy efficiency incentives would be available to your client would be www.dsireusa.org. DSIRE stands for Database of State Incentives for Renewable and Efficiency. DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Established in 1995 and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, DSIRE is an ongoing project of the N.C. Solar Center and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.

Carbon Credits and LEDs

I’m not sure what you’re asking about as far as carbon credits, but I don’t think they’re applicable to this question. Carbon credits are, simply put, units of carbon emissions that can be purchased or sold between participating members (ie countries, corporations, etc) towards the ultimate goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through a cap and trade program, which at this time, the US does not enforce.

LEDs and Energy Efficiency

Installing LED lighting will result in reduced energy consumption (the reason behind potential tax credits), and come with a plethora of benefits. They typically last longer than fluorescents, are very durable, operate cool, are mercury free, and end up being quire cost-effective for a number of applications. Estimates from Beta LED state that LED canopy lighting can save up to 75% compared to traditional convenience store canopy lighting and can cost anywhere from $5-$6/Watt.

Ultimately, if your client is serious about energy-saving retrofit possibilities for his convenience stores, I’d recommend contacting an engineering firm that does energy audits and hiring them to do a brief study to identify these savings opportunities and help quantify what kind of energy and economical savings your client could expect to see if he went through with any retrofits. At my company, this would typically involve a day trip to the property and a brief write-up to accompany the calculations and simple payback analysis.

Related Advice:

• Commercial LED Lighting: Converting to LED from T8



• LED Lights and LEED: Do LEDs Need to Be Energy Star Qualified for LEED?