Currently, there are several laboratory prototype LED porch light fixtures that represent the current state of the technologies to be developed within this project. These prototypes involve LED arrays integrated with occupancy sensors and will serve as a launching point for this project's research activities.

Also, the vast majority of residential porch lights employ incandescent light sources. A small but increasing fraction of porch lights utilize screw-based compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). Porch lights that utilize motion detectors and/or light sensors are uncommon (exterior luminaires that utilize motion detectors and light sensors are more commonly security lights).

A significant niche market exists for porch lights that utilize yellow "bug lights." This is of interest for this project as the color of these lamps is not substantially different than that of amber LEDs. Amber LEDs are some of the cheapest, brightest and most efficient of the LEDs that are currently on the market.