At a time when organizations of all sizes are looking to trim costs while maximizing performance and efficiency, light-emitting diode (LED) lights are the only viable option for those looking to install or upgrade parking-lot lighting. Years ago, HID and high pressure sodium fixtures were options, but today those lighting solutions are obsolete.
Here are questions to answer when designing your parking lot lighting.
- Which fixtures will you purchase?
- What quantity will you need?
- Where will they be placed on the site?
- What color temperature is required?
- How many lumens are necessary?
- What distribution types will be most efficient?
- Where should you place the specific fixtures by distribution?
- How will they be mounted?
How to Purchase and Install LED Parking Lot Light Fixtures
Parking lot lights (site lights or area lights in industry terminology) are a critical component of a well-designed parking area. Experts who help business owners, utility companies, and contractors with their LED lighting use comprehensive checklists to ensure all key factors are taken into consideration. Here are examples of steps to follow to create a well-lit, efficient lighting system for a parking lot.
- Take advantage of existing infrastructure
If you already have poles and lights mounted throughout your parking lot, the first step is determining whether you can retrofit the old lights for new ones, taking advantage of your existing infrastructure.
Contact a lighting expert to determine whether your existing poles and mounts will work with new LED lights. They’ll also help you decide:
- How many LED lights you’ll need to produce the same, or better, light coverage as your old lights. LEDs produce superior luminescence more efficiently than legacy alternatives, so you likely need fewer total lights.
- The various types of LED fixtures available to you, and which best suit your needs
A lighting expert will also diagnose issues that you may not have considered, such as dark corners that fall outside the reach of your existing parking lot lights, how the weight and size of the fixture affects your space, and future maintenance obstacles that may arise in the future.
- Determine how well-lit you want your lot to be
Different parking lots have varying lighting requirements. If you are in a relatively safe area that sees little vehicular or pedestrian traffic at night, you may only need to purchase enough LED flood lights so that your building’s users can find their vehicles when they leave.
For many, though, extensive and nuanced LED lighting solutions provide personal protection, peace of mind, and practical utility. This is especially true of businesses and other venues that operate at night—which in the winter comes early.
A thorough parking lot lighting framework may include powerful area lights, motion-sensitive security lights, sign lights, and transition lights that spare motorists and pedestrians from temporary blindness. The good news: There is an LED-specific solution for every kind of parking lot and options/accessories for every use case.
An LED lighting professional can draw up a plan that meets your needs, taking into consideration high-traffic areas, dark corners, and the hours throughout the year the lights will be on.
- Price out fixtures, electrical modifications, mounting, and other expenses
While LED parking lot light fixtures will deliver substantial long-term value in terms of energy costs, replacement, and disposal expenses, you’ll need to account for the upfront cost of any product and installation. If you are starting from scratch, you’ll likely bear the cost of installing and electrifying poles, whereas your costs may be significantly less if you’re only replacing lights (and perhaps mounts) with LED fixtures in a retrofit project.
- Mount the lights
LED parking lot fixtures offer a variety of mounting options for different looks and applications. For safety and proper function of the lights (and to adhere to the terms of your lease) have a light installation professional mount your new LED fixtures. Be sure to verify that appropriate liability insurance is in place before contractors begin work.
Contact EnergyLite, of Solais Lighting Group, to Bring Bright and Cost-Effective Lighting to Your Parking Lot
Solais Lighting Group can advise and assist with every aspect of your parking lot lighting. From drawing up a comprehensive lighting plan to recommending LED products that best fit your goals and budget, Solais + EnergyLite will meet your lighting needs.
Contact us today at 469.294.1516 to get a quote and answers to any lighting-related questions you may have. You can view our range of exterior lighting products on our website. Brighten up your parking lot today—and save money over the long term—with cutting-edge LED lights.