There’s a lot of talk about converting industrial high bay lighting to something more energy efficient. It seems like everyone is interested in LED, but when they hear the cost to convert to LED lighting, aren’t quite ready to make the investment. Below are some facts to help you make an informed decision.
High bay conversion from 400 watt metal halide HID fixtures
First of all, if you’re still using 400 watt metal halide, HID lighting in your facility, it’s definitely time to make a change, period. The opportunity to convert to T5 lighting has been around for many years and saves your bottom line 50% immediately! You’ll realize significantly more light and reduce your lighting energy bill dramatically.
Your other option is to go directly from HID lighting to LED high bay light fixtures. The energy savings with LED high bays is closer to 70%, with fixture maintenance virtually non-existent.
From a labor standpoint, converting to T5 or LED fixtures costs the same to install. Because LED high bays are typically rated for 60,000-70,000 hours, your LED option will have a greater upfront cost, but then saves more over the long haul when it comes to energy savings as well as ongoing maintenance costs.
Keep in mind, regardless if you choose to convert to T5’s or LED high bays, if you operate more than one shift, your payback will always be shorter since your upfront cost of installation is the same, but you’ll be saving 2 – 3 times more energy vs. a one shift operation.
With the higher cost of LED high bay lighting retrofit, after considering the greater energy savings, it’s typical to realize only a slightly longer payback.
For a comparison: A facility with 100 high bay fixtures converting from metal halide to four lamp T5 fixtures, operating 2 shifts would have a 2 year payback, after installation costs are factored in.
That same two shift facility converting to 100 each, LED 16,000 lumen high bay fixtures would have a 2.4 year payback, due to the higher fixture costs along with greater annual energy savings.
In conclusion, if you look at lighting as an investment and don’t plan on moving out of your facility in the next few years, LED may very well be your best option.
ROI Energy Solutions, Inc. is a lighting retrofit contractor who specializes in turnkey lighting projects for industrial buildings. If you are a manufacturing company or operate a warehouse, ROI Energy is your go to source for a hassle free, lighting upgrade to energy efficient lighting. Bob Taussig can be reached at 330-931-3905 or Bob@ROI-Energy.com.
Website: www.ROI-Energy.com
