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Title 42, The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-110

§17173 Daylighting Systems and Direct Solar Light Pipe Technology

Title 42 › CHAPTER 152 — ENERGY INDEPENDENCE AND SECURITY › SUBCHAPTER V — ACCELERATED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Part A — Solar Energy › § 17173

Last updated Sep 22, 2026|Official source

Summary

The Secretary must set up a research program to test and promote direct solar lighting, including light pipes, as alternatives to electric lights. Any device funded must show how many kilowatt-hours it saves compared to the lights it replaces. The Secretary must send Congress an annual report with each project’s measured results and the energy savings. Definitions: direct solar renewable energy = sunlight made into usable indoor light without changing its energy form. Light pipe = a device that brings sunlight indoors while limiting heat gain. $3,500,000 is authorized for each fiscal year 2008 through 2012.

Full Legal Text

Title 42, §17173

The Public Health and Welfare, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)Establishment
The Secretary shall establish a program of research and development to provide assistance in the demonstration and commercial application of direct solar renewable energy sources to provide alternatives to traditional power generation for lighting and illumination, including light pipe technology, and to promote greater energy conservation and improved efficiency. All direct solar renewable energy devices supported under this program shall have the capability to provide measurable data on the amount of kilowatt-hours saved over the traditionally powered light sources they have replaced.
(b)Reporting
The Secretary shall transmit to Congress an annual report assessing the measurable data derived from each project in the direct solar renewable energy sources program and the energy savings resulting from its use.
(c)Definitions
For purposes of this section
(1)
(2)the term “light pipe” means a device designed to transport visible solar radiation from its collection point to the interior of a building while excluding interior heat gain in the nonheating season.
(d)Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for carrying out this section $3,500,000 for each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2012.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective on the date that is 1 day after Dec. 19, 2007, see section 1601 of Pub. L. 110–140, set out as a note under section 1824 of Title 2, The Congress.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

42 U.S.C. § 17173

Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare

Last Updated

Sep 22, 2026

Release point: 119-110