A parking lot is one of the essential infrastructures in a city, playing a pivotal role in promoting urban development. It's widely recognized that parking lots are closely linked with lighting structures, where effective illumination is crucial for their smooth operation. However, the need for continuous nighttime lighting can escalate property owners' energy bills. Among the different types of light bulbs, LEDs stand out for their exceptionally low energy consumption.
In this blog post, I will present the most comprehensive information regarding LED parking lot lighting. Let's get started!
LED parking lot lights provide a superior and even distribution of light compared to the conventional HID lamps commonly used for parking lot lighting. Moreover, LED lights require significantly less frequent maintenance, resulting in substantial savings on maintenance costs. In contrast, traditional lighting systems rely on mechanical components like filaments, contact wires, and support wires, which inherently heighten the vulnerability to glitches and breakdowns. This makes LED lights more efficient and reliable, making them a prudent choice for modern parking lot illumination.
Safety: Diminished illumination in parking lots can give rise to heightened safety apprehensions during the night. Inadequately illuminated parking lots are susceptible to increased crime rates and a higher likelihood of vehicular accidents. The substantial brightness output of LED lights significantly enhances the safety and visibility of the parking area. Moreover, their clear illumination significantly improves the performance of CCTV systems, aiding in capturing any accidents that might occur.
Energy-saving: LED parking lot lights surpass their HID counterparts by up to 70%, which contributes to significant savings in energy expenses but also aligns with eco-friendly practices. Moreover, they can deliver up to 140 lumens per watt which enhances their performance and cost-effectiveness greatly.
Cost: Embracing LED lights translates to reduced energy expenses and eliminates the need for regular maintenance. LEDs boast an extended replacement cycle, ranging from 5 to 25 years, a remarkable contrast to the frequent changes required by conventional lighting systems.
When choosing between LED and HID for parking lot lighting, the decision depends on core needs like energy efficiency or maintenance costs.
LED is the better choice for 90% of parking lot applications, especially if you value long-term savings and low maintenance. LED parking lot lights excel in energy efficiency, converting 80-90% of energy into light and slashing long-term electricity costs. For large lots or poles that are hard to access, LED eliminates the hassle and cost of frequent bulb changes.
HID, by contrast, is rarely a practical long-term choice. It may seem appealing for extremely tight upfront budgets, temporary setups, or when existing HID infrastructure is already in place, but even then, LED retrofits are often more cost-effective over time. HID technology is also becoming obsolete, with manufacturers phasing out bulbs, making replacement parts harder to find.
In general, a higher lumen value corresponds to greater brightness. The specific lumen requirement to illuminate a parking lot hinges on various factors including its dimensions, desired brightness, and proximity to neighboring structures.
For installations at heights of 15-20 ft, two 20,000-lumen lights per pole are recommended to ensure ample illumination. If the lights are mounted at 29-30ft, a 40,000-lumen bulb offers suitable brilliance, with a recommended spacing of 30ft between poles. To make informed decisions about lumen output, consulting an expert is highly recommended.
Retrofit regarding LED light fixtures is upgrading or converting an old or outdated light like the incandescent, halogen, or fluorescent bulb to an LED technology without replacing all the light components. This is done using an LED retrofit kit solution.
Non-retrofitting, or LED replacement, involves fully replacing an old light fixture with an LED fixture. It requires you to dispose of the components of the old light bulb completely.
Retrofitting your old light is better than completely replacing the light source in your parking lot when trying to cut costs. This is an excellent option for companies who use large parking lot spaces, especially if their budget is low. Retrofitting helps you get the same benefit while saving costs.
If you're in search of a dependable LED supplier, look no further than LEDVANCE! As a trailblazing lighting company, we're wholeheartedly committed to brightening your world with state-of-the-art solutions. We’ll also help you find the best lighting solution.
For LED parking lot lights retrofit, we highly recommended UltraLED™ Area Light, which is designed for high output benefits of today's LED. Seamlessly replacing conventional lighting, it effortlessly brightens parking lots and garage roofs alike. Plus, experience up to 68% energy savings compared to conventional sources. Boasting straightforward installation and an array of distribution options, it extends unmatched adaptability for diverse applications.
The number of lighting fixtures needed for a parking lot depends on several key factors, including the lot’s total size and layout, required light intensity, fixture type, pole height, and local building codes or safety standards. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Calculate the total square footage and then reference industry standards for light levels.
Step 2: Consider the fixture’s coverage area and lumen output. Local codes also play a role. Some areas mandate minimum light levels for walkways, crosswalks, or entrances, which may require additional fixtures near these high-priority zones.
Step 3: For accuracy, it’s best to use a lighting design tool or consult a professional, as they can account for variables like pole spacing and light loss over distance.
The cost of replacing or installing parking lot lights varies depending on factors such as fixture type, pole height and number, and whether you’re upgrading to LED. On average, replacing an existing light fixture with an LED can range from $300 to $800 per fixture, including labor. If you’re installing an entirely new system with poles, wiring, and fixtures, the cost can range from $3,000 to $10,000 or more per pole, depending on site conditions and specifications.
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