Perceptions of compact fluorescent lamps in the residential market. Final report
- Macro Consulting, Inc., Mountain View, CA (United States)
Compact fluorescent lamps offer significant energy savings over other forms of residential lighting and last up to 10 times longer than conventional incandescent bulbs. In order to better understand existing barriers to acceptance and future opportunities for growth of compact fluorescent lighting in the residential retrofit sector, a three stage research project was designed and conducted by MACRO Consulting, Inc. Assessment of whether or not the benefits of compact fluorescent lamps are sufficient to overcome price resistance was one of the major purposes of this project. Residential customers were interviewed in focus group sessions to help determine key issues and motivating forces in the lighting/energy saving/cost saving equation. Residential customers in 5 major market areas were contacted by telephone, and data about their awareness, knowledge and use of compact fluorescent lighting were collected. These customers also participated in an attribute rating exercise in which compact fluorescent lamps were compared with fluorescent tubes and incandescent bulbs on a series of product attributes. A price elasticity exercise was also conducted. Teleconferences with retailers of compact fluorescent lamps were conducted in order to explore their knowledge of and attitudes towards compact fluorescent lamps. Customers agree that energy savings and longer life are both positive attributes for residential lighting products, but they are not yet ready to make the switch away from inexpensive, versatile and readily available incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent lamps. Compact fluorescent lamps are rated poorly (even by ``satisfied`` users) on each of seven positive attributes of home lighting. Major barriers to increased use of compact fluorescent lamps include price, convenience, and performance. Prices above $10 are considered ``outrageous``. Product improvements are needed for appearance, light output and versatility.
- Research Organization:
- Electric Power Research Inst., Palo Alto, CA (United States); Macro Consulting, Inc., Mountain View, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- Electric Power Research Inst., Palo Alto, CA (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 10169708
- Report Number(s):
- EPRI-TR-100734; ON: UN92019608
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: Jul 1992
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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