The present device relates to an apparatus and system used in lighting or illuminating signs, logos or sidewall letters using fluorescent lights or lamps, alone or in combination with reflective coating which can be applied to the sign interior, and reflective surfaces added in the sign interior, to deflect, disperse, reflect and direct the light emitted form the fluorescent lamps to a sign front. The apparatus and system comprises a back panel having sidewalls proximate the perimeter of the back panel and which extend upwardly to form a light channel. Sockets for receiving fluorescent lamps and their corresponding ballasts are mounted separately to the back panel such that the distance between the fluorescent lamps and the top of the light channel is maximized and the distance between the socket and the back panel is minimized. The distribution, number and relative position of the sockets and corresponding ballasts on the back panel can be adjusted to achieve the desired light illumination. For example the ballasts can be placed behind the socket receiving end to reduce the shadow caused by the ballasts. In addition, light reflective surfaces or baffles can be added to the light channel to reduce the number of fluorescent lamps.