Pub. 7 2017 Issue 3

21 P arking lot lighting is essential for auto dealerships — it can enhance the appearance of the vehicles on your lot, in addition to providing added safety and security — but it can also take up a lot of space on your energy bills. In fact, lighting can account for as much as 55% of energy use at auto dealerships. However, with today's technology, you can significantly reduce your energy costs by making lighting improvements that will also improve lighting quality and create the ideal customer shopping experience. Conventional high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps—such as metal halide and high-pressure sodium—are widely used in parking lot applications but generally have poor light quality, significant loss in light output over time, and a long start delay. LED lighting costs more than standard metal-halide high- intensity discharge lights but offers very clear advantages for auto dealerships: • Lower energy costs: LEDs use far less energy than HID lamps and can reduce your energy usage by asmuch as 80% • Longer life: LEDs require little to nomaintenance and can last up to 100,000 hours • Natural-looking light: LEDs have a better quality of light that is more neutral and showcases vehicle colors better to create the ideal shopping experience • Instant-on capability: LEDs start instantly with no delay to reach full illumination • Improved security: Instant-on capability is ideal for use with motion sensors • Compatible with controls: LEDs are easily integrated with controls, such as dimmers, so lights can be reduced to lower levels at night when the lot is empty • Focused light pattern: Lighting can be directed exactly where it's needed The following table compares LEDs to HID lighting for outdoor applications. Outdoor Lighting Technology Comparison Technology Efficacy (lumens per watt) CRI (0 to 100) Lifespan (hours) High-Pressure Sodium 50 to 115 20 to 22 20,000 to 24,000 Metal Halide 60 to 95 60 to 80 10,000 to 20,000* LEDs 80 to 110 70 to 90 50,000 to 100,000 *Metal halide lamps have a rated operating life of up to 40,000 hours using double arc tubes. Setting the standard As a newer technology, individual LED products may vary in quality and performance, so careful selection is important. Look for fixtures that are independently tested according to recognized standards, such as those published by the Illuminating Engineering Society. Also, make sure LED products meet DesignLights Consortium or ENERGY STAR® performance requirements. By asking the right questions, you can find the right fixtures for your needs. LEDs typically cost more than standard HID lamps, but you can save money and realize a significant return on your investment with reduced energy use and lower maintenance costs for years to come. Resources available for lighting projects The Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program offers cash incentives to help offset lighting project costs and valuable resources to assist with customer lighting upgrades. The program also provides access to energy advisors who can help customers plan projects and identify additional energy-saving opportunities. Other Illinois utilities may offer similar energy efficiency programs; check with your local electric utility to find out more about energy-saving opportunities through their programs.  Drive Energy Savings with Exterior LED Lighting By Bob Baum, Program Manager, Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program