Illumination for streets is a public utility that is provided in cities and towns across the globe. Old-fashioned street lamps are high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, which include high-pressure sodium, metal halide, and mercury vapor lamps. However, significant progress has been made in LED technology recently; therefore, LED street lights are better in most aspects. Here are the top 10 reasons more and more municipalities are switching over to LED street light fixtures:
Here are the top 10 reasons more and more municipalities are switching over to LED street light fixtures:
Dramatic Energy Savings
LED street lamps are more efficient than conventional HID lamps as they consume 40-70% of electricity due to higher luminous efficacy and directional light emitting capacity. This means local governments save enormous amounts of money in energy bills for the entire lifespan of fixtures, even if they have to spend more on LED fixtures. Based on a survey by the U. S. Department of Energy, the use of LEDs in street lighting can help cut down energy use by thirty-five percent in the whole country.
Longer Lifespan
An LED street light is designed to last at least twice as long as a Sodium Vapour or Metal Halide fixture. While some manufacturers have implemented 10-15 year warranty options, LEDs significantly reduce the street light’s maintenance costs regarding frequent bulb/ballast replacements. The longer lifespan also minimizes the use of resources such as fuel, oil, and tires required for vehicle replacement.
Superior Light Quality
LED’s illumination is white and transparent, unlike the yellow/orange coloration seen with conventional legacy HID street lamps, which results in better visibility and safety at night. Improved color rendering and optical control also confine the glare and extent of light pollution to other areas. LEDs are immediately bright when powered on, while HID bulbs take a few seconds or several minutes to reach full brightness.
Focused Light Direction
Traditional outdoor lamps could be more efficient and lose up to 50% of their luminance since the light shines in all directions, including upwards, where it is unrequired. LED street lights that are designed effectively ensure that light is directed accurately down to the ground for the proper illumination where they are needed.
Environment & Climate Friendly
LED street lights do not have toxic mercury content as would be the case with conventional bulbs, and therefore, the disposal process is environmentally friendly. It also implies that the amount of electricity generated from fossil fuels is lower, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike filaments or glass, used in other forms of lighting, LEDs are solid state, and thus, more resistant to vibrations and weather elements.
Smart Lighting Compatibility
LED fixtures enable the integration of innovative features such as sensors, wireless connectivity, adaptive controls, and other intelligent functions under the Smart City concept to enhance one or many services offered in the city through street lighting.
Resistance to Temperature Fluctuations
LED light performance and lifetime remain almost unaffected by on-off cycles or low-temperature conditions, which have degrading effects on sodium vapor and metal halide lights. Owing to the integrated passive cooling heat sinks, LED lifetime and efficiency levels are improved.
Quick Installation
LED street lamps are small. They do not need complex connections like other lamps with cables. They just need to be fitted to poles or wired systems. No lengthy re-wiring is required. All you have to do is replace the old fixture housing with this new one, and you’re ready to go! In most LED retrofit projects, it is typical to install hundreds of street lights in a couple of weeks.
Government Subsidies & Rebates
Several federal, state, utility, and local agencies promote subsidies, tax credits, and grants. They target cities, towns, and counties to adopt LED street lighting. LED is sustainable and eco-friendly. It is for the sustainability plan and climate change initiative.
Enhanced Public Safety
LEDs offer better lighting intensity and distribution on streets. They also have better colors than traditional lights. This makes it easier for police and CCTV to identify suspects. This reduces the risk of robbery and vandalism on side streets. It also makes people feel safer at night.
LED technology has reached the point where it is the best for new or updated outdoor public lighting. This is due to the many benefits, from the huge cost cuts to gains in safety and the environment. Initial LED street lights cost more. But, over each light’s life, they cost less. They also give a smart and modern look to the city. This is a winning change. Every local government should consider it and start it soon.