Lighting Design (44 posts)
App-Based Color-Tuning Lights Tutorial [Video]
Check out this step by step tutorial on how to use the app-based wall controls for the Casambi color-tuning lighting system that Retrofit Lighting & Design installed in a school district.
July 12, 2023
Prairie Island Ice Arena- Lighting Upgrade [Video]
A lighting upgrade at Prairie Island Ice Arena created maintenance savings, energy savings, and improved light quality.
December 28, 2022
Maintenance Savings at Red Wing Schools [Lighting Before & After Video]
District-wide maintenance savings with LED lighting upgrade at Red Wing Schools, 800,000+ sq ft and $250,000 utility rebate through Xcel.
September 30, 2022
Jerry Gamble Boys and Girls Club of the Twin Cities- Lighting Project (with Video!)
Retrofit Lighting & Design upgraded the exterior lighting & interior lighting at the Jerry Gamble Boys & Girls Club of the Twin Cities. We were able to improve the lighting quality and create a better environment for the kids, while also lowering the energy costs for the building. This upgrade created a $7,000 a year savings on an energy basis!
August 9, 2022
Boys and Girls Club of the Twin Cities Lighting Upgrade Sneak Peek (Video)
Retrofit Lighting & Design upgraded the exterior lighting & interior lighting at the Jerry Gamble Boys & Girls Club of the Twin Cities! The costs for this project were cut in half through rebates, grants, and partnerships. We were able to not only improve the lighting quality and create a better environment for the kids, but also lower the energy costs for the building.
July 27, 2022
Double Bonus Rebate Dollars on Tubes for Limited Time!
Xcel is now offering double bonus rebate dollars on tubes for a limited time! If you have been thinking about upgrading your tube lighting, now is the time!
July 22, 2022
25% Bonus Rebates for LED Tubes Now Available!
The One-Stop Efficiency Shop, sponsored by Xcel Energy, is now offering 25% more in rebates for LED tubes alongside their existing bonus rebates for interior DLC and DLC Premium fixtures.
July 11, 2022
Retrofit Electric – Sneak Peek of AMR Warehouse Project!
We’re not just doing lighting anymore! Check out our Retrofit Electric crew at work on an office-buildout project at the Advanced Masonry Restoration (AMR) Warehouse in St. Paul, MN!
July 7, 2022
Electronics Recycling Company Near Me – Events All Season Long (Video)
Electronics Recycling Events in Washington County, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Nebraska and more!
April 20, 2022
Limited-Time 25% Bonus LED Lighting Rebates with Xcel Energy in Minnesota
Considering an LED Lighting Upgrade in 2022? If you are a business considering a lighting retrofit or upgrade to your facility, contact our Lighting Team to discuss how we partner with Xcel Energy and CEE for their Rebates Programs and how these 2022 Bonus LED Lighting Rebates can be utilized for your lighting project. These […]
April 11, 2022
Powerful Results of Full Color Lights in Special Ed Classrooms
Faribault Middle School, in Faribault, Minnesota, shared the powerful results of the full color tunable lights in their Special Education classrooms. Retrofit Lighting & Design upgraded the entire facility to LED lighting and installed full spectrum color tunable lights in both rooms, including a wall-mounted iPad and app based control systems. Teachers from Faribault Middle School share that they have observed reduced problem behaviors, increased patience in their students and staff, as well as more interest in their special education programs.
October 5, 2021
Warehouse Lighting Upgrade (Video)
Retrofit Lighting & Design upgraded the warehouse lighting & office lighting throughout a 30,000+ sq ft building for GNW Machine; a custom manufacturing business in Lino Lakes, Minnesota. The LED retrofit solutions have a payback on investment of approx. 1.7 years, include a large rebate from the utility company, provide increased accuracy, efficiency, overall productivity and a notable boost in employee morale.
September 3, 2021
Tax Benefits for Installing Energy Efficient Lighting
These tax benefits on installing energy efficient lighting are sometimes overlooked and can really make an impact to the bottom line.
June 22, 2021
Brighten Up Senior Living Lighting (Video)
The surprising ways we saved this Senior Living facility over 50% of their project costs while upgrading their lighting, relieving eye-strain, and reducing trip and fall hazards for senior citizens.
May 17, 2021
Color Tuning Lighting in Schools (Video)
Color tuning lighting technology in schools, especially Special Education classrooms, have significant positive benefits for students and staff.
April 28, 2021
Reasons Why Exterior Lighting Should be Installed in the Summer
Scheduling exterior lighting work during the summer can greatly reduce the time it takes to install a project versus doing it in the winter.
April 8, 2021
How to Disinfect the Indoor Air at Your Business (Video)
Ventilation, air purifiers and air filtration systems are part of a safe and proactive plan to protect yourself and your business in this new age of heightened. We worked with Northern Force Dance Company in Blaine, MN to install 2 types of airborne virus and pathogen defense, killing >90% of airborne and surface viruses in 30 minutes.
December 7, 2020
Top 10 FAQ (List)
The Retrofit Companeis, Inc. had the pleasure of working with Johnson, Doerhoefer & Miner P.A. (JDM), at their Owatonna location, to improve their interior office lighting with a simple LED refresh. The Partners at JDM recognized the importance of proper workspace lighting and during, what some are calling, an economic recession, these financial gurus easily concluded that this efficient lighting was a no-brainer.
October 5, 2020
Office Lighting: Upgrading to LED During a Pandemic (Video)
The Retrofit Companeis, Inc. had the pleasure of working with Johnson, Doerhoefer & Miner P.A. (JDM), at their Owatonna location, to improve their interior office lighting with a simple LED refresh. The Partners at JDM recognized the importance of proper workspace lighting and during, what some are calling, an economic recession, these financial gurus easily concluded that this efficient lighting was a no-brainer.
September 24, 2020
Retail Lighting: Small Business Owners Support Each Other During Pandemic (Video)
TRC supports a local small business in Owatonna, MN with improved retail lighting, finding the best options for their budget, excellent rebates from local utilities, and huge savings during a tough time for businesses both small and large.
August 7, 2020
Iowa Rebates Increase by 50% Effective July 1, 2020
Special recovery rebates from Xcel Energy for damaged businesses in Twin Cities, Minnesota. Learn if you qualify and The Retrofit Companies, Inc. can process these rebates and install your lighting upgrade for your business.
July 2, 2020
Special Recovery Rebates for Damaged Twin Cities Businesses
Special recovery rebates from Xcel Energy for damaged businesses in Twin Cities, Minnesota. Learn if you qualify and The Retrofit Companies, Inc. can process these rebates and install your lighting upgrade for your business.
July 1, 2020
Tunable Lighting Improves Performance and Morale in Workplace
Advanced Masonry Restoration, of St. Paul, Minnesota, worked with TRC, custom Lighting and Design experts, to upgrade their office to the latest LED Tunable Lighting, fully equipped with customized controls in every room. Full color tuning available in every office allows employees to customize their settings to their personal preferences and increases productivity throughout the workplace.
May 5, 2020
5 Ways to Save Money When Your Building is Empty [checklist]
The Retrofit Companies, Inc., Lighting Designer and Contractor out of St. Paul, Minneapolis, Minnesota, provides suggestions on how to save money with a temporarily empty or semi-occupied building.
March 30, 2020
Advanced Lighting Controls: CLCP Certified
TRC’s Team of Lighting Professionals Recognized by NALMCO CLCP Official! TRC’s entire Project Development team has received their Certified Lighting Controls Professional (CLCP) designation, placing them at the top of the competitive market within the lighting professionals industry. As lighting and controls become increasingly complex, TRC is proud to provide our customers with […]
March 13, 2020
5 Things You Should Know About 2020 Energy Rebates in Minnesota
Minnesota rebate programs have been busy rolling out major updates to their 2020 rebate terms. Updates include “bonus rebates,” extended timelines, and newly qualifying lamps/tubes/fixtures. This is big news for businesses that are considering a lighting retrofit or have been waiting for more incentives to support their lighting upgrade projects. LED lighting upgrades in […]
March 2, 2020
Energy Efficiency Tax Incentives Renewed Through 2020
An enormous and much needed boost to domestic green buildings was just pushed through congress, most notably supporting energy efficient commercial buildings.
January 20, 2020
Xcel Energy Solutions Expo 2019
Energy Champions Once again we were honored to exhibit at this year’s Xcel Energy Solutions Expo as a featured Energy Partner, sharing our knowledge and services that reduce energy usage and support customers in meeting their sustainability goals. This expo brings together energy champions in the industry to celebrate achievements in energy management, […]
November 11, 2019
5 Ways Lighting Reduces Operating Costs
Reducing Operational Costs Through Lighting Plans By: Bret Wobschall Despite cost savings being just one of the many benefits of an LED retrofit, it is typically the primary justification of an organization doing an LED retrofit. What many people don’t know is that there are still many cost savings that are not typically accounted […]
November 6, 2019
Employee Spotlight – Kristin Duerr
TRC has always focused on hiring great people to become part of the TRC family, and now it’s time for you to get to know our employees a little bit better. Beyond their expertise, our team brings a unique mix of backgrounds, hobbies and special skills to the table. Check us out! Introducing Kristin Duerr […]
October 14, 2019
Importance of Proper Light Levels
Whether in industrial or office settings, lighting in your workplace is very important. Believe it or not, proper light levels may increase productivity and alertness in the workplace, whereas poor light levels could cause less productivity, along with health concerns. The perfect level of light can be measured by using foot-candles. Making sure the light-levels […]
September 16, 2019
Difference Between Residential and Commercial Grade Lighting
When shopping for light bulbs it is often hard to know the difference between one another because they all look so similar. You may wonder, “if they all look the same, do they all work the same?” The answer is no. Light bulbs come in all shapes and sizes but what you don’t see are […]
September 10, 2019
Annual Peacock Open 2019
TRC Keeps Company Culture and Customer Relations a Top Priority at Annual Golf Outing Southern Hills Golf Course The Retrofit Companies, Inc. has hosted an annual golf outing for nearly 20 years, bringing employees, customers and vendors together to celebrate successful partnerships. For nearly the past decade we have held our Peacock Open […]
August 30, 2019
Customer Spotlight – Samaritan Bethany
PROJECT OVERVIEW Samaritan Bethany is a senior care facility in Rochester, MN. Coming up on their 100th Anniversary, Samaritan Bethany continues to serve the residents of their community by making sure their needs are met as they age. With the goal of having their facility feel like home, they strive to make the environment as […]
August 5, 2019
Supporting The Interior Lighting Campaign
The Interior Lighting Campaign (ILC) is a recognition and guidance program from the U.S. Department of Energy designed to help facility owners and managers take advantage of energy-saving opportunities from high-efficiency interior lighting solutions. TRC is a proud supporter of this campaign!
May 20, 2019
Customer Spotlight – Amesbury Truth
Customer Spotlight featuring TRC’s Carl Murray, discussing the recent lighting upgrades at Amesbury, Truth in Owatonna in both their office spaces and their production areas. PROJECT OVERVIEW Amesbury Truth, a leading provider of window and door components, has a rich history dating back to as early as 1914 where Truth Hardware began in a […]
May 1, 2019
Xcel Energy Efficiency Award Recipient – 2018
Energy Efficiency Partner Award Once again, The Retrofit Companies, Inc. is proud to accept the Energy Efficiency Partner Award as a Business Lighting Efficiency Program Winner. It is always an honor to be recognized as a top-tier trade partner and to be considered one of the most effective lighting trade allies. Thank you Xcel […]
April 29, 2019
TRC Lighting Experts Receive Prestigious Certifications
Digger Anderson, TRC’s Lighting Project Development Director, and Chris Wendling, TRC’s Project Developer, receive Lighting Certified (LC) Professionals certifications in January, 2019. Digger is one of approximately 62 individuals with this certification in the state of Minnesota, and Chris Wendling is one of 41 individuals in Iowa.
January 9, 2019
Case Study – ISD #299 Caledonia Public Schools LED Upgrade
ISD #299 Caledonia Public Schools prides themselves on empowering learners for life and their strong ties to the community. In a school district serving Caledonia and the surrounding areas, it became abundantly clear to superintendent Craig Ihrke and his team that providing a welcoming environment was a necessity.
September 24, 2018
Customer Spotlight – Steve Grandgenett, Algona Municipal Utilities
“In the process we were able to reduce the amount of energy we use per fixture by 45-50%.” – Steve Grandgenett, Algona Municipal Utilities Located in the small town of Algona, Iowa, approximately 3 hours south of the Twin Cities, the Algona Municipal Utilities (AMU) recently renovated their office building. AMU supplies electric, water, cable, internet, and […]
June 23, 2018
Lakeville School District – Lighting Case Study
Lakeville Schools (MN) and The Retrofit Companies, Inc. (TRC) recently partnered to discuss the district’s 2 and 10 year plans at Eastview Elementary School. Both of the strategic plans included goals of implementing energy saving lighting solutions across the entire district.
February 23, 2018Retrofit Case Study: Interior and Exterior Lighting Upgrades
This church and school decided it was time to update the look of their facility and invest in energy-efficiency by implementing this full facility lighting upgrade and retrofit. The areas addressed in this project ranged from office and classrooms, to a gymnasium/auditorium, and a sanctuary space that required a dynamic lighting control system.
March 23, 2016Lighting Redesign Using LED Technology
A lot of the time, we judge lighting projects on the very dramatic before and after photos we see. That’s certainly a very interesting and immediate way to judge success of a project, does it look better afterward? Well, not all projects look dramatically different before and after, even in the case of this lighting redesign. However, the results for this project are dramatic and easily measured.
October 23, 2015Lighting a Building Exterior: Secure, Efficient & Well Designed
Are you positive you aren’t over-lighting, wasting energy and polluting the night sky with extra light? There is a fine line to stride when it comes to designing the best exterior lighting system for your building.
October 23, 2013