About Vu1
Our Mission
Vu1 (“view one”) Corporation is setting a new global standard for safe, sustainable, energy-efficient lighting. We are transforming the lighting industry while helping to protect the environment by accelerating innovation and the adoption of next generation energy-efficient lighting.
Our Vision
Consumers and businesses are demanding more environmentally-friendly lighting choices that meet standards now being set through the ban of incandescent light bulbs. We envision a world where they do have that choice – a light bulb that is affordable, energy-efficient, non-toxic and fully dimmable. That choice can only come through Vu1’s Electron Stimulated Luminescence™ (ESL) technology. It is the only choice that is truly a “light without compromise™”.
History
In 2004, a group of engineers, scientists and executives joined forces to reenergize a public technology company. The new management team refocused the company’s core competencies, uniquely merging and adapting several existing, proven technologies to begin developing… a new light bulb.
By combining technologies that had never been used before in “lighting”, a highly energy efficient, near perfect light quality, mercury-free lighting technology was created.
In late 2007, the company began investing in high-volume manufacturing capability. As a result, a unique manufacturing process has been developed to produce an affordably priced Vu1 branded light bulb.
Today, the vision of that group of innovators in 2004 has become a reality. In October 2010, Vu1 received UL certification for its groundbreaking R30 light bulb, which is a clean, energy efficient alternative to a standard incandescent 65-watt flood light bulb for recessed ceiling cans. It offers the same functionality and same light quality other alternatives such as CFL and LED bulbs but without the drawbacks or comprises. With UL certification, Vu1 will begin full scale production of the R30 bulb in 2011 to meet the anticipated increased demand from leading US electrical distributors, retail outlets and utility groups.
The R30 is just the first in a variety of bulbs that Vu1 will be able to produce with its ESL technology. In 2011 and 2012, Vu1 plans to introduce the classic A-type lamp for US and European consumers, the R40 for the US commercial market and the R25 in Europe.
With UL certification for Vu1’s R30 light bulb, the next generation of energy-efficient lighting is here. Consumers and businesses want an environmentally-friendly and affordable replacement to their preferred incandescent light bulbs without compromises. They now have that choice.
2012
2011
Vu1® ESL R30 Energy Efficient Light Bulb Specifications
The Vu1® Electron Stimulated Luminescence™ – ESL light bulb is energy efficient and specifically designed to replace a 65W incandescent R30 flood bulb in recessed light fixtures. The Vu1® reflector bulb gives uniform flood illumination and a light quality that is virtually indistinguishable from the incandescent lamp it replaces. High Power Factor gives the ESL bulb less total power load than competing compact fluorescent lamps.
Application
R30 Reflector for use in place of standard R30 bulbs for recessed light fixtures. The Vu1® ESL bulb can be dimmed with a standard household dimmer.
Targeted Performance
- Lumens = 500
- 115V AC input power: 19.5W
- Color Temperature = 3200K
- Color Rendering Index > 90+
- High Power Factor > .99
- Fully linear dimming with ordinary household Triac-based dimmers
- Approximately 11,000 hour life
Yearly Estimated Energy Cost: $2.35 Based on 3 hours/day @ $0.11kWh.
Life: 10 Years (based on 3hr/day).
Payback: 3 years
Features
- Mercury-free, environmentally-friendly materials throughout
- Uniform, glare-free appearance
- Fits standard 5 and 6 inch recessed cans and R30 / R-40 luminaires
- Highly energy efficient
- Lasts approximately 3-6 times longer than an ordinary incandescent bulb
- UL approved
- Operates in any position without overheating
- Silent operation
- No interference with other AC household appliances
Construction
- Glass reflector-shape bulb with integral power supply in the base
- No hazardous materials or toxic mercury utilized
Electrical
- US line voltage (110-130 VAC, 60Hz) compliant
Specifications
- Proprietary ESL technology
- Designed for 11,000 hour lifetime without significant color shift
- Illuminance (at 1m) when used in Cooper Halo™ recessed luminarie:
- 0 – degree 180 Lux
- 45 – degree 138 Lux
- 60 – degree 103 Lux
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is UL certification?
UL stands for “Underwriters Laboratory,” which is an independent organization that tests electrical products and equipment for potential hazards. UL certified mans that Underwriters Laboratory tested a certain product and it has met their requirements for safety. Vu1®′s R30 bulb received UL certification in October 2010.
2. Did UL testing include any performance or functionality test? If not, has anyone done any other test on the bulb?
UL tested for safety. We will be utilizing a third party independent lab to do performance tests. We should have results back before the end of the year.
3. What is the life of the R30 light bulb? And, do you anticipate improving the bulb life in the next year?
The R30 has a long bulb life of up to 11,000 hours. However, we will continue to invest in research and development to improve every aspect of the bulb, including life for this and our other lighting products.
4. When will I be able to purchase a Vu1® bulb?
Vu1® will sell the bulbs at Lowe’s 1,725 retail stores beginning in February 2012 and on Lowes.com starting December 1st, 2011.
5. What will be the cost of the Vu1® bulb?
The bulbs will retail for approximately $14.98 at Lowe’s.
6. Will Vu1® be selling its bulbs directly to consumers on its web site?
The Company does not have plans to sell its light bulbs on its website. Vu1® will sell the bulbs at Lowe’s 1,725 retail stores beginning in February 2012 and on Lowes.com starting December 1st, 2011.
7. What shapes will be available?
Our initial bulb is the R30. We will introduce additional bulbs, such as the R40, PAR38, G25 and A19 which is UL compliant.
8. Do your light bulbs contain any toxic materials?
There are no toxic materials in a Vu1® bulb. While we encourage recycling of all consumer products where practical, the Vu1® bulb is household waste disposable – it can go in your “trash can” and will not impact your local landfill.
9. When you dim an ESL bulb, does the color change imitate the color change of an incandescent bulb?
There is a slight color change to the red spectrum, which provides the same warm mood lighting as an incandescent light bulb.
10. Where are the bulbs manufactured?
Vu1® has a five year manufacturing agreement with China-based Huayi Lighting Company Limited (“Huayi”). Per the manufacturing agreement, Huayi will have exclusivity for the first two years and over the full term will supply the Company with 250 million units (bulbs), commencing January 1, 2012.
11. Are you more likely to outsource additional production or license the technology?
We have capacity at our current manufacturing facility to meet the demands of the market, but we will certainly look to outsource the manufacturing if demand surpasses our existing capacity. However, given the vastness of the market opportunity, our business model anticipates licensing our ESL technology at some stage.
12. Beyond lighting, is it feasible for your ESL technology to be adapted to serve other applications, such as backlit displays, computer monitors, televisions, phones and/or other devices?
The Company currently has a five year manufacturing agreement with China-based Huayi Lighting Company Limited (“Huayi”). Per the manufacturing agreement, Huayi will have exclusivity for the first two years and over the full term will supply the Company with 250 million units (bulbs), commencing January 1, 2012.
13. What kind of dimming is available?
Full-range dimmability. The native design of ESL technology allows bulbs to be infinitely dimmed. This means that a bulb can be smoothly dimmed across the entire range from high (fully on) to low (almost off).
14. What will be the Power Factor of the Vu1® bulb?
The Vu1® bulb will have a favorable High Power Factor – greater than 0.99.
Power Factor of an AC electric power system is defined as the ratio of the real power to the apparent power, and is a number between 0 and 1 (or Unity). Low Power Factor loads increase losses in a power distribution system and result in increased energy costs. The Power Factor for an incandescent bulb is 1, but for CFLs is only 0.52. Although residential CFL users will only be charged for the power used by the CFL, the power company must deliver more power to the grid — using more fuel and creating more environmental damage — to supply those CFLs. And at some point, someone has to pay for that lost power…
15. Isn't it just like a CRT (cathode ray tube) used in older style televisions and computer monitors?
ESL uniquely applies much of the science that has been proven over a long period of time in TV and CRT technology. However, ESL has made groundbreaking improvements in uniform electron distribution, energy efficiency, phosphor performance and manufacturing costs. More simply, CRT and TV technology is based on delivering an electron “beam” and then turning pixels on and off very quickly. ESL technology is based on uniformly delivering a “spray” of electrons that illuminate a large surface very energy efficiently over a long lifetime.
16s. How can I learn more about Vu1® technology and products?
We provide Email Updates containing key announcements that include content about our technology and products. Be the first to hear about progress and events as we move toward commercialization by subscribing to receive our Email Updates.
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Basic Contact Information
Main OfficeVu1® Corporation |
Public Relations ContactJordan Bressler |
Investor Relations ContactJeffrey Goldberger |
Commercial Product Inquirers Only |
Utility ContactVu1® Corporation Juan Carlos Blacker |