LED chip, lamp and lighting fixture maker Cree Inc of Durham, NC, USA says that grocery retailer Tops Friendly Markets has selected energy-efficient Cree LED lighting to illuminate its 51,364-square-foot store in Geneva, NY. The store, which opened in November 2012, features Cree CS18 luminaires and CR24 troffers lighting the aisles, specialty departments and pharmacy. It is estimated that the store's energy savings will be 70% compared to the T5 fluorescent lighting that Tops Markets previously used.
"Tops Markets has always been progressive in designing energy efficiency into its store. When we heard about the Cree CS18 linear luminaire, we conducted a test installation in Buffalo and the results were excellent," says Dan Jaskza, energy consultant for Tops Markets. "Not only did the Cree LED lighting product offer us 70% energy savings [over the previous T5 fluorescent design], but also improved lighting quality without compromising lighting levels."
Featuring Cree TrueWhite Technology, the CS18 and CR24 architectural troffers provide exceptional color rendering, helping to improve the visual shopping experience by making the merchandise colors more vibrant and appealing, says Cree. In addition, the Cree CS18 troffers solve the need for strong vertical light levels when mounted on the store's 13-foot ceiling.
Designed to offer up to 100,000 lifetime hours, Cree CR24 troffers help Tops Markets reduce energy consumption by offering dimming capabilities. In addition to savings achieved through dimmable light levels and decreased maintenance costs, the Cree LED troffers are backed by a 10-year limited warranty. Tops Markets estimates the Cree system will pay for itself within two-and-a-half years.
A second Tops Markets location featuring Cree CS18 luminaires and round interior pendants is currently under construction.
