The safety and security of your tenants are of the utmost importance. One aspect that often goes overlooked is parking lot lighting. High-quality parking lot light design is essential for ensuring safety and security, and it can be achieved without breaking the bank.
Tip 1: Find the Right LED for Parking Lot Lighting
LED lights are really the only and obvious choice for most lighting needs these days. Their popularity stems from their unrivaled energy efficiency, long lifespan, and affordability. Compared to traditional lighting options such as High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) or Metal Halide (MH) lamps, LED lights consume significantly less electricity while still producing brighter and more uniform lighting.
Solais offers a range of LED lighting options suitable for parking lots, such as the GridLite3 and SecureLite3.
Tip 2: Use Motion Sensors for Parking Lot Light Efficiency
By detecting when people or vehicles are present, motion sensors can turn on the lights only when needed, and then turn them off when there is no activity. This not only saves energy, but can also prolong the life of the lighting system while increasing safety and security by ensuring that areas are well-lit when people are present and that security cameras can capture any suspicious activity.
Some tips for installing and maintaining parking lot motion sensors:
- Choose the right sensor: Select a sensor that is designed for outdoor use and can detect motion in the desired range and direction, such as the Z24 by Solais.
- Mounting location: Install the sensor at a height of 8-12 feet above the ground, and position it so that it has an unobstructed view of the area it is meant to cover.
- Clean regularly: Regularly clean the sensor lenses and surrounding area to prevent the buildup of dirt, debris, or spiderwebs, which can obstruct the sensor’s view and lead to false triggers.
- Test periodically: Test the sensor periodically to ensure it is functioning correctly and responding to motion triggers.
Tip 3: Consider Solar for Parking Lot Lights
Unlike traditional lighting options that must be hooked up to the power grid to work, solar does not require a continuous electrical supply and can be powered entirely by the sun. These can be an excellent option for parking lot lighting, particularly in areas where grid-tied electricity is unavailable, intermittent, or too costly to access. For example, parks and recreational areas in remote areas may benefit from solar powered parking lot lighting.
Solar options use photovoltaic panels to convert sunlight into electricity, which is then stored in batteries for use at night. They are easy to install, require minimal maintenance, and are highly energy-efficient, making them an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution.
Tip 4: Use Proper Placement and Spacing
The proper placement and spacing of parking lot lighting is crucial for ensuring adequate illumination and safety. The recommended height for outdoor parking lot lighting fixtures is typically between 14 and 30 feet, depending on the size of the parking lot and the required level of illumination.
It is also important to consider the orientation of the fixtures, as well as the angle of the light output. Generally, the fixtures should be oriented towards the parking spaces and away from nearby buildings or streets to reduce light pollution.
Common mistakes made when implementing parking lot lights include placing fixtures too high or too low, spacing them unevenly, and not considering the impact of nearby buildings or trees. Another common mistake is using fixtures that are too bright or too dim, which can create glare or dark spots in the parking lot.
Do you want to talk about choosing proper distributions/optics for the space? Solais offers expert guidance on determining the best placement and spacing for parking lot lights. You can also read more about lighting placement in this blog.
Tip 5: Use Reflective Surfaces to Enhance Parking Lot Lighting
By using reflective features, you can redirect the light emitted by your parking lot lighting system, enhancing visibility and security especially at night.
To use reflective surfaces effectively in parking lots, it is important to choose materials that are durable, weather-resistant, and can withstand the elements. Some effective materials include white paint, aluminum, and stainless steel.
It is also important to position the reflective surfaces in strategic locations to maximize the amount of light that is reflected. This includes placing reflective surfaces on building facades, light poles, walls, and on the ground. By using reflective surfaces effectively, property managers can improve the overall visibility and safety of their parking lot.
Tip 6: Perform Regular Maintenance for Long-Term Functionality
Regular maintenance can help identify and address issues before they become more significant and costly problems. Proper maintenance can also extend the life of the lighting system and prevent premature failure, reducing the need for costly replacements.
It’s important to inspect the lighting system regularly and perform necessary repairs promptly. Maintenance tasks can include cleaning the light fixtures, replacing burnt-out bulbs, checking electrical connections, and verifying proper alignment and illumination levels. Also, follow manufacturer guidelines and schedule routine maintenance appointments with a qualified electrician.
Some maintenance issues that may arise with parking lot lighting systems over long periods of time include broken fixtures, damaged wiring, corroded connections, and worn-out components. To address these issues, it is essential to conduct regular inspections and promptly address any identified problems.
At Solais, we are very confident in the quality and longevity of our lighting solutions, but should you need a replacement you can take advantage of the 10-year warranty that comes with each of our products.
To Sum it Up
All of this is to say that you should take the time to carefully plan your parking lot lighting system in order to ensure the safety and security of your tenants and visitors. By implementing the six tips covered in this blog post, property managers can ensure that their lighting system is both effective and affordable. Choosing LED lights, using motion sensors, considering solar lighting, using proper placement and spacing, utilizing reflective surfaces, and conducting regular maintenance can all contribute to a well-lit and secure parking lot.
Check out additional information on installing LED parking lot fixtures, or reach out to us via our contact page.