Efficient Lighting Solutions (ELS) of Sacramento invented an innovative lighting retrofit device for street lights. It replaces traditional High Press Sodium lamps with Compact Florescent Lamps. ELS already had 400 prototypes in the field when the business partners consulted the Sierra College Manufacturers Assistance Program (MAP) according to Marquita Alcartado, ELS marketing manager.

"The field study showed that the ELS retrofit cut energy use by 63% and reduced maintenance costs by 95% over the life of the CFL's (20,000 hours) and the life of the fixture which has a 100-year life expectancy,” said Alcartado. “ Energy costs for municipal street lights in the City of Sacramento average around $1 million per month so with that kind of savings there is a huge potential for transforming communities into leaner and greener energy consumers."

MAP offers a four hour consultation to small manufacturers at no cost. “The MAP consultant validated our simple yet ingenious product in real terms, reviewed licensing options and offered valuable referrals to help with the next steps in bringing our product to market,” said Alcartado. “We were impressed with his depth of manufacturing knowledge and definitely benefited from the MAP meeting.”