One of the quickest ways you can pocket some extra cash for your business is to convert your outdated parking lot lights to LED technology.
At Design Electric, we have seen our clients save as much as 70% on their facilities energy cost whilst achieving higher quality lighting with aesthetically pleasing fixtures that create a safe and bright environment.
What is the best way to pursue converting your parking lot fixtures?
Option 1: simply install an LED bulb
Many people think that the best course of action is to simply install an LED bulb into their current HID or Mercury Vapor fixture. Allow us to explain why this may not be a desirable choice.
First and foremost, the old metal halide and mercury vapor fixtures were not designed with heatsinks to dissipate the thermal heat LED modules and drivers produce. This excessive heat buildup significantly shortens the life of the LED fixture and leads to premature failure. Additionally, the old fixtures that are in place have most likely been there for some time. The gaskets having been subjected to weather, become worn and allow precipitation inside. By switching out the bulb, you have only perpetuated the problem of leaky gaskets since moisture will continue to seep in. The unfortunate long term result is a rusty and dysfunctional fixture.
Option 2 : install a new LED fixture
Although installing a new fixture is more of an investment upfront it provides long term benefits. Having a fixture that is designed to correctly manage the thermal characteristics of an LED system will provide reliable and continuous quality light output as well as a resilient maintenance free fixture life.
Let's briefly revisit what is typically found in a parking lot and look at the numbers. A 400 watt metal halide or high pressure sodium light can typically be replaced with an LED light in the 100-180 watt range (depending on height). If we break down the numbers here is where we arrive in a hypothetical situation:
The numbers
100 watt to replace a 400 watt MH or HPS system. Typical usage as follows:
12 hrs/day, 52 weeks, 365 days per year, .10 energy cost per kwh.= 1,310 kWh saved per year and $130 saved in electricity per year on just one light!
The benefits are clear, safe and well-lit parking lots, energy savings, maintenance elimination, and fixtures that make your space safer and more attractive.
At Design Electric, we are ready to help you get there! Give us a call, and we will come out and look at your next LED project. At no cost, we will provide you with a quote, return on investment as well as a lighting layout so you can actually see the light levels BEFORE they are installed.