How many times have customers or guests complained to you about your parking lot lights? How many times have you been in a parking lot where the parking lot lighting systems seem to be outdated? If a parking lot is using high-pressure sodium lights, there is a very high chance that the parking lot lighting system is outdated. If a parking lot lighting system is outdated, this could mean the owner is spending too much on electricity and there is likely a lack of the proper lighting controls.
Today, it has been extensively accepted that LED lights are more efficient, last longer, and have better color than the traditional lights that were used in the pants. LED lights are being used in many parking lots and parking spaces today. If you have a parking lot that you will need to make changes to, we encourage you to consider making the change to LEDs. When you make the switch to LEDs and upgrade your parking lot, you will be able to save a significant amount of money on energy costs.
In previous years, the majority of lighting was controlled by a basic system. The systems were easy to install, but they often worked independently. There was no way to control the lights by an outside source.
While this type of setup can work in some situations, many parking lot setups would prefer to have a lighting system that is more intelligent. A lighting system that can connect multiple lights and sensors will give you the opportunity to monitor multiple areas that you need to control.
1. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
One of the most compelling reasons to upgrade to LED lighting is the significant reduction in energy consumption and maintenance costs. Traditional lighting systems such as high-pressure sodium or metal halide lamps are notorious energy hogs, consuming large amounts of electricity and driving up utility bills. In contrast, LED lights are incredibly energy-efficient, consuming up to 80% less energy while providing the same level of brightness. By making the switch to LED for your exterior and parking lot lighting, you can expect substantial savings on your energy bills, leading to a rapid return on investment.
Detroit Metropolitan (DTW), has a plan that may ease the pain of this experience with the replacement of 6,050 lighting fixtures with LED bulbs. With the current bulbs having an average life of only 13 months, the new LED lights will keep shining for years. As Wayne County Airport Authority (WCCA) CEO Tom Naughton states in Parking Network, “It will improve lighting in our parking facilities, reduce energy consumption, save on maintenance costs, and shrink our carbon footprint.”
The planned DTW project may be the country’s largest LED conversion thus far. While the project is slated to cost $6.2 million, the cost savings will continue to pay off to the tune of $1.2 million yearly. The energy saved alone can power 880 households for a year.
Incorporated with the energy-saving LEDs will be a motion detection system. This system will automatically reduce lighting when there is no activity in the area and then activate additional lighting when vehicles and pedestrians are detected.
DTW airport is not the only site saving energy costs by using LED technology. According to the Environment News Service, the University of California Davis campus also replaced their parking lot lighting systems. Michael Siminovitch, director of the university’s Lighting Technology Center, spearheaded the project using 20 percent of the energy of conventional parking lighting systems.
The U.S. Department of Energy conducted case studies at two retail parking lots, replacing their light fixtures with LEDs. The retrofits have dramatically decreased energy costs while improving both lots’ lighting.
Raley’s Supermarket in West Sacramento, California, replaced half of its parking lot’s 320-watt metal halide fixtures with LEDs. Their LED fixtures came installed with a motion sensor that turns the lights to a lower power after five minutes of inactivity. The LEDs consume 149 watts at full and 52 watts at low power. Much of their savings came from the motion sensor, which was only 55% of the time at full power. The supermarket also saved a substantial amount of money on maintenance fees. According to the report, annual maintenance costs for the metal halide fixtures were $200-$215 per fixture. They were also supposed to last 3-5 years, but the company owner said they were “lucky to get two years.” The LED fixtures are estimated to last 50,000-90,000 hours, which can mean as much as 20 years of maintenance-free lighting. Raley’s Supermarket’s payback period is expected in 3-4 years.
T.J. Maxx in Manchester, New Hampshire, replaced its parking lot’s 400-watt high-pressure sodium fixtures and 400-watt metal halide fixtures with LEDs. These fixtures also came installed with a motion sensor. On top of energy savings, the business also saved $11,000 annually on maintenance for spot relamping. Their expected payback period is in 3 years. A survey was administered to employees of the plaza where T.J. Maxx is located about the new lighting. According to the study, 78.1% of the employees said the new lighting system provided more light than the original system and improved the parking lot’s appearance. Employees also said the new parking lot lighting “helps to increase safety and security within the plaza.” The motion sensors “use less energy, which is better for the environment.”
2. Longevity and Durability
LED lighting is renowned for its longevity and durability, making it the ideal choice for outdoor applications. Unlike traditional lighting technologies that have relatively short lifespans and require frequent maintenance and replacements, LED lights have an impressive operational lifespan of up to 100,000+ hours. This extended lifespan translates to fewer disruptions and maintenance costs, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business confidently.
LED lights are highly durable and resistant to shock, vibration, and extreme temperatures, making them suitable for harsh outdoor environments. Whether it’s rain, snow, or the intense Arizona heat, LED lighting will continue to shine, ensuring consistent illumination and safety in your exterior and parking lot areas.
3. Enhanced Visibility and Safety
Effective outdoor lighting is essential for ensuring the safety and security of employees, customers, and visitors. LED lighting offers superior brightness and uniformity, enhancing visibility and reducing the risk of accidents, theft, and vandalism in parking lots and exterior spaces. With improved lighting quality and coverage, you can create a safer and more welcoming environment for visitors and employees.
Can you imagine walking out of your building when it is dark, during those late nights? The lighting is weak, inadequate, and not all of the lights are working. What if you have forgotten where you parked? Would you feel safe walking through the parking lot, or would you wish someone would have walked with you?
4. Environmental Sustainability
In today’s environmentally conscious world, businesses seek ways to reduce their carbon footprint and embrace sustainable practices. LED lighting aligns perfectly with sustainability goals, with little environmental impact and less energy waste. LED lights are free of toxic chemicals such as mercury, which is commonly found in fluorescent and HID lamps, and they are fully recyclable at the end of their lifespan.
By switching to LED lighting, you reduce your energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a cleaner and healthier planet for future generations.
5. Rebates and Incentives
Many utility companies offer rebates and incentives for businesses that upgrade to energy-efficient lighting. These financial incentives can help offset the initial cost of the upgrade and accelerate the project ROI, making it even more cost-effective to transition to LED lighting for your exterior and parking lot areas.
Our turnkey approach to implementing energy-efficient LED lighting solutions helps property owners and site managers navigate the complex landscape of rebates and incentives, ensuring that savings are maximized. From initial assessment to installation and future service, we’re committed to managing every step of the process and helping you reap the rewards of energy-efficient lighting.
Upgrading your exterior and parking lot lighting to energy-efficient LED is a smart investment that continues to benefit any type of business. Whether you own a 300,000-square-foot manufacturing facility or a 50,000-square-foot distribution center, outdoor lighting is critical to maintaining safety and improving the bottom line with substantial lighting-related energy cost savings.
If you have been thinking about making the switch to a new parking lot lighting system, we encourage you to ask about LED lighting.
There are multiple things you will need to consider when it is time to enhance your parking lot lighting:
- Do you prefer to use bright lights?
- Do you want lights that will be consistent with their lighting?
- What type of colors do you want your lights to display?
- How long will your lights last?
- How much will it cost for you to have your lights on at all times?
It does not matter what type of lighting setup you are considering, we encourage you to think about an intelligent LED lighting system. Contact us today to find out how you can save money on your LED lighting investment.
