5 Benefits of Optimized Lighting Solutions in Industries

We are an electricity- dependent society in our homes and for industrial purposes. If we had to live without electricity to light and heat our homes, appliances and, most recently, to power our cars, most of us could not survive for an extended period of time.

Moreover, society would come to a virtual standstill without access to almost boundless electrical energy. Would you want to live in the 18th century? And could you survive? Most likely not.

For decades, the use of electricity for home and industrial use has gone up. So much so that at times the generating capacity of the electrical grid cannot keep up with the demand. This has resulted, and still results, in significant price increases for electrical energy. While homeowners are hard hit by rising electricity prices, industries and office are suffering even more.

In 2006, the industrial complex of the United States used about one-third of the electric energy produced. However, the growth rates of electricity consumption for industrial and other commercial purposes have leveled out. Actually, the growth rate of industrial electricity consumption is slowing down considerably. This phenomenon occurs both in Europe and in the United States.

What is causing this downward trend? Prices for electricity should go up when more electricity is used but electricity generation stays the same. Correct?

Not necessarily so.

Lighting costs are a significant part of overall energy use. Thus, improved lighting systems are an efficient way to save money. How?

For example, a lighting retrofit in Austin using solar power would reduce the cost of electricity significantly over time.

Another way of saving money is to replace the old, obsolete lighting fixtures with energy efficient lighting.

Look at more than five benefits of better, more modern lighting systems:

  • Modern light bulbs and fixtures are more efficient than the old ones

  • Modern lighting reduces energy consumption

  • Modern lighting requires less maintenance

  • Better lighting improves productivity

  • Lighting retrofits improve safety

  • Retrofitting lighting systems can increase the property value

  • Lighting retrofits may result in tax benefits and/or rebates.

The nature of a business and the status of the electrical system determines how much a lighting retrofit can save. In other words, how much of the old installation needs to be replaced to achieve the most and highest benefits. Replacing ancient installations is bound to save the most.

For example, circuit breakers last between 20 and 40 years. Replacing the old breakers adds more capacity to the system. Automatic switches that turn lights off when nobody is in a room can reduce lighting costs by up to 30 percent. Moreover, upgrading a lighting system to the latest standards makes it less expensive to update it in the future.

In conclusion, a lighting retrofit, in Austin or elsewhere, needs a thorough evaluation of the status and a well-planned course of action. That process is best left to experienced professional companies that specialize in the planning and installation of electrical retrofits.