Switching to smart lighting is one of the most impactful ways for a business to reduce energy costs. Intelligent lighting systems not only use less electricity, but also provide data and automation that allows for even more savings. This guide will explore all the ins and outs of transitioning to smart lighting to save your business money.
What is Smart Lighting?
Smart lighting refers to networked LED light bulbs and fixtures that are digitally connected and can be remotely monitored and controlled. This allows for:
- Automatic adjustments based on time of day and occupancy. Lights dim or turn off when not needed.
- Advanced scheduling and automation tailored to your usage patterns.
- Remote monitoring and management of all lights from a central interface.
- Data collection on energy use and lighting performance.
- Integrations with other smart building systems.
Smart lights are energy efficient on their own, but their connectivity and intelligence enable even more energy savings capabilities.
Key Components and Technologies
A complete smart lighting system generally consists of:
- LED light fixtures and bulbs - Long lasting and efficient. Dimmable for even more savings.
- Sensors - Occupancy and daylight sensors automate lighting.
- Wireless protocols - Enables communication between components. Bluetooth, Zigbee and WiFi are common.
- Lighting control units - Manages multiple fixtures on a zone or building level.
- Management software - Centralized remote monitoring and control via desktop or smartphone app.
- Analytics - Collects and analyzes data like energy usage over time.
Benefits of Smart Lighting for Businesses
Intelligent lighting offers many advantages that lead to lower electricity bills and better lighting for employees.
1. Automated Lighting Adjustments
Smart lighting systems can automatically adjust light output based on time of day, occupancy, and daylight availability. For example:
- Lights dim when rooms are unoccupied.
- Daylight harvesting measures ambient light and dims electric lights up or down accordingly.
- Scheduling turns lights on/off or dims them based on time and business hours.
This automation ensures lights are only on at the appropriate brightness when needed. Studies show automation alone can create 30-70% lighting energy savings.
2. Advanced Analytics and Reporting
Smart lighting provides data on energy use that identifies savings opportunities:
- Track usage over time - Find peak demand times or problem areas.
- Occupancy analytics - Assess utilization of different zones.
- Maintenance alerts - Know when luminaires need servicing.
Sharing lighting analytics with staff can also drive engagement in energy initiatives.
3. Increased Control and Customization
With smart lighting you can tune lighting to perfectly match usage needs:
- Adjust schedules and automation rules
- Group lights and control zones independently
- Set custom dimming levels per area
- Integrate with other systems like HVAC and security
This custom control reduces waste and creates the right lighting environment.
4. Improved Light Quality
Smart lighting provides higher quality illumination:
- LEDs last longer and provide better lighting quality than outdated lighting technologies.
- Tunable white LEDs allow color temperature adjustment from warm to cool white to match activities and human circadian rhythms.
- Daylight harvesting reduces eye strain by matching interior brightness to exterior levels.
- Occupancy sensing turns lights on immediately when needed for safety.
This improves the workspace while still saving energy.
Smart Lighting Use Cases
Here are some examples of how businesses can leverage smart lighting capabilities:
Offices
- Conference rooms - Lights turn off shortly after rooms become vacant. Occupancy sensors turn lights on when people enter.
- Desk zones - Banks of fixtures above workstations dim up and down based on available daylight.
- Break areas - Tunable white lights shift from bright during days to warmer tones in evenings.
Warehouses
- Aisles and high bay areas - Rows of smart fixtures switch off when no motion is detected for 15 minutes.
- Loading docks - Lights dim to 50% output after hours when docks are not in full operation.
- Exterior security lighting - Smart floodlights brighten when motion sensors detect activity after dark.
Retail Stores
- Sales floor - Track and analyze lighting energy usage hour-by-hour to identify savings opportunities.
- Entry areas - Color changing LEDs create branded light experiences that shift throughout the day.
- Window displays - Lights accent merchandise then turn off 1 hour after closing time.
The options are endless. Smart lighting can be fully customized around how your business operates.
Costs and Return on Investment
Transitioning fully to smart lighting represents a notable upfront investment, but the long term savings generally provide a fast payback:
- Smart LED fixtures cost 20-60% more than standard LED fixtures.
- Lighting controls and sensors add another $0.50 - $1+ per square foot.
- Software and labor for commissioning the system adds additional cost.
However, utility incentives like rebates can cut overall costs by 25% or more. The scale of savings also makes the investment worthwhile:
- Energy savings of 50-90% compared to outdated lighting.
- Maintenance savings from LED lifespan of up to 100,000 hours.
- Utility incentives and rebates offset upfront costs.
- Payback within 2-3 years in most cases.
A lighting contractor can provide a custom ROI analysis based on your current lighting and energy costs.
Tips for Choosing a Smart Lighting System
Follow these best practices when evaluating and selecting smart lighting:
- Get multiple bids - Compare quotes from a few qualified vendors.
- Prioritize lighting quality - Don't sacrifice light levels or quality to save cost.
- Consider controls expansion - Ensure the system can easily add zones, fixtures, and sensors later.
- Check software capabilities - Reporting, analytics, and mobile access are key.
- Plan for maintenance - Factor in lamp replacement and sensor recalibration needs.
- Review warranties - LED fixture warranties should be at least 5 years.
- Verify utility incentives - Rebates can make a big difference in ROI.
With smart lighting, the energy savings will keep adding up for years to come. Follow these tips to choose a high quality system tailored to how your business operates.
Conclusion
The advanced sensing, automation, and data analytics of smart lighting can unlock enormous energy and cost savings for businesses. Intelligent LED systems provide the right light levels at the right times, while minimizing waste and match lighting quality to the task. With utility incentives bringing down initial costs, smart lighting systems pay for themselves in 2-3 years or less in most cases. Consult with a qualified vendor to implement a strategically designed smart lighting system across your facilities.