LED lighting for home/commercial where to start?

[foxtrot824]

I have been playing with LEDs for about a 10 years now for hobby, mostly in flashlights (back when the max output on SF L1 was 22 lumens:laughing. I think LED technology has reached the point of being able to replace CFL and incandescent lighting in home and businesses. I live in a small town that is "green" oriented (Ithaca NY) and am trying to sell local businesses on replacing some of their lighting with LED lights I make. I have done a couple of installs using some tri rebel stars that have some good light output and while I enjoy piecing these little gems together in my free time, I wonder if there are larger compaines doing this already. I have the technical skills to make and explain basic LED setups but my true passion is to sell/represent these products. I am unsure as to where to being finding such a company. It seems that the companies doing some of the larger projects are huge like Phillips, how does one get into a job like that? I am looking for any direction or ideas at this point any feedback or direction would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Ken_McE]

I think LED technology has reached the point of being able to replace CFL and incandescent lighting in home and businesses.

One of these days, yes, but I'm not sure about today.

I... am trying to sell local businesses on replacing some of their lighting with LED lights I make.

If it's a business then you need solid facts about return on investment for your device. Right now LEDs have the edge in several niches. Start with these areas where you have the clear advantage.

I have done a couple of installs using some tri rebel stars that have some good light output

Piccies?

and while I enjoy piecing these little gems together in my free time, I wonder if there are larger compaines doing this already.

There are. The prices are ridiculous. Have you seen pics of that glass tabletop with all the LEDs embedded in it? If I recall it's a thousand dollar tabletop.

I have the technical skills to make and explain basic LED setups but my true passion is to sell/represent these products.

So start by working a lighting store. Get up to speed on all the lighting technologies so you can steer people towards the actual best solution rather than a personal favorite. LEDs are only one of several competing technoligies. Sometimes they are not the best for a given situation.

I am looking for any direction or ideas at this point any feedback or direction would be appreciated.

One thing you could try is to come up with a handfull of high quality ready to install fixtures and try selling them through the artisans co-op down by the commons. Document them clearly because the salespeople will have no clue. Try advertising custom installs in the Pennysaver. Offer free/at cost installs of wheelchair lights for locals so as to collect experience and references, and get your name around. Get some free standing ready to go lights, see if you can sell them on consignment at the local high end furniture stores.