Cree Reinvents Lighting Controls with the Push of One Button

Cree, Inc. introduces SmartCast™ Technology, the first self-programming wireless lighting-control system that reduces energy consumption by more than 70 percent (compared to traditional fluorescent luminaires without SmartCast Technology), at half the cost of traditional lighting controls. Intuitive and easy to use, luminaires enabled with Cree SmartCast Technology remove the initial and ongoing complexity associated with lighting controls, allowing customers to realize the full savings potential of lighting controls with benefits they've never had before.

“Commercial lighting customers have resisted installing traditional lighting controls because of excess cost and complexity, and the majority of those who have installed controls stop using them as intended after the first year because they’re difficult to maintain,” said Norbert Hiller, executive vice president, lighting. “Cree SmartCast Technology eliminates these barriers to adoption and delivers the enormous benefit of significantly greater energy cost savings, allowing customers to finally realize the promise of lighting controls.”

Featuring Cree’s innovative OneButton™ Setup, luminaires enabled with SmartCast Technology create their own secure network, learn about their environment and form groups to maximize savings, all with the push of a single button. SmartCast Technology eliminates additional design time, wires and set-up time often associated with controls systems to provide the simplest controls system available.

“Cree exceeded our expectations of what a lighting-controls system could provide,” said John Gardiner, facilities manager, LORD Corporation. “Without any extra devices or wires needed, our maintenance team spent only minutes installing the Cree® CR22™ architectural LED troffers with SmartCast Technology throughout our corporate headquarters, saving us thousands of dollars on programming and setup. The savings on energy consumption and maintenance costs we expect with this installation will be a huge benefit to our business.”

Cree SmartCast Technology is currently available in CR Series LED troffers, CS Series linear luminaires and KR Series downlights, as well as via a 0–10-volt interface for control of existing dimmable LED luminaires. These critical features not only save users energy and money but are compliant with emerging code requirements throughout the United States and Canada.