An LED streetlight pilot program in the city of West St. Paul, Minn., has provided noticeable energy savings.
The new commercial lighting installation included more than 500 low voltage LED lights. Four meter readings of 67-watt LED fixtures found energy consumption did not exceed 20 kilowatts. Readings on the old 100-watt high-pressure sodium lights saw energy consumption max at 36 kilowatts. For 130-watt LED fixtures, maximum energy consumption was reduced by 47 kilowatts when compared to a 250-watt HPS fixture.
LED lighting systems have been shown to provide an additional 80 percent energy savings in various indoor and outdoor applications. With less power, they are able to supply light that is brighter, is more uniform and has better color quality.
City officials are reporting better visibility with the new lights.
"You used to see that dull yellow haze," Mayor John Zanmiller told the Star Tribune. "Now it's a crisp view of the street. When you get a nice snow on the ground, it just illuminates everything.''
LED commercial lighting systems have improved color rendering and temperature. This feature allows them to produce cooler white light. The result is softer illumination instead of harsh yellow glow.
LEDs are taking over in all applications
LED technology is being adapted to replace all other lighting choices as the most environmentally friendly light for any application.
According to a podcast from Energy Efficiency Markets, the technology has advanced enough to be used for any lighting need.
"Well, I think we're at the point with technology where LED can claim any socket or any application that's in home, commercial or industrial facility," stated Cree Vice President of Corporate Marketing Mike Watson.
Since their beginnings, LEDs have been adapted for flashlights, automobile headlights and energy efficient commercial lighting. With their advanced color quality and energy savings, there are not any applications where LEDs would not be useful.
Low profile lighting systems also pay for themselves over time. Money saved on electrical and maintenance costs can be redirected toward the lighting financing. Some states offer huge rebates for switching over to green lighting solutions. There are even energy savings performance contracts that tailor a new lighting system to a commercial property's specific needs and guarantees savings that pay for financing in only a few years.
