LEDs and Parking Lots: What’s the Big Deal?

A majority of parking lots in Scottsdale are currently being illuminated by high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting. HID lighting includes high-pressure sodium lamps and metal halide bulbs. This trend is beginning to change, however, as the emergence of energy efficient light-emitting diode (LED) technology becomes more prevalent.

Continued improvements in quality and efficiency have allowed LED technology to offer superior surface illumination at a fraction of the cost of the traditional HID lamps, in addition to a more durable option that requires less maintenance. Even though LEDs are still considered, by some in Scottsdale, as relatively new technology, they have a bright future in regard to parking lot applications.

The Inner Workings of LED Bulbs

LED bulbs are designed to look more like the modern computer chip than the average lamp. The semiconductor diode, which is chemically treated, emits light when connected to a source of power. LEDs can focus light in one direction, unlike the HID lamps, which produce light that goes in all directions. Each LED fixture consists of numerous rows of small diodes, tightly grouped together. The LED fixture is able to direct light precisely where it is needed – on the surface of the parking lot – reducing the waste created by the multi-directional HID lamps.

Performance and Benefits

The question remains – what’s the big deal of LEDs being used in parking lots? LED technology is continuing to advice and expand, offering a number of new applications. Benefits of LED lighting over more conventional lighting options in Scottsdale parking lots includes:

• Efficiency: Due to the direction nature of the LED lighting, virtually 100 percent of the light created leaves the fixture.
• Life: LED lamps can last anywhere between 50,000 and 100,000 hours for a number of outdoor uses, compared to 15,000 to 35,000 hours of life expectancy for HID lamps.
• Uniformity: Since LED offer directional light, it enhances the distribution and uniformity of the light produced.
• Durability: Modern LED bulbs are less fragile and susceptible to damage than other bulbs.
• Maintenance: Maintenance costs are reduced due to the longer life and superior durability.

Payback and Cost

The potential for savings will depend on the scope of the application of the lights. For example, a shopping center in Scottsdale replaced the 28 400-watt HID fixtures with LED lamps – 25 at 120-watts each. The lamps used much less energy, with superior light output, and as a result the company had recouped the initial investment within three years.

Other Reasons to Use LEDs in Parking Lots

LEDs create a safe parking lot environment. Due to their additional light output, they can help to better protect vehicles and make trips and falls in the parking lot much less likely. Those who are working at night will feel safer, since the parking lot will be illuminated much better than what traditional bulbs produce.

LEDs are being adopted by many businesses due to all the benefits highlighted here. They may cost more upfront, but the long-term savings are well-worth this investment.