One of the most common questions we receive about sports lighting is “Will I save money if I switch to LEDs?”. While quality and performance are also important, it is only natural that clubs want to know the costs associated with a switch to LEDs.
Answering this question is, of course “yes” with a loud voice. This blog will examine what makes LEDs so great for saving money on energy bills, and other areas.
Lower energy costs
The energy savings that result from switching to LED lighting are one of the strongest arguments for doing so. This factor, which has been a major driver for many lighting upgrades in the past, is now even more relevant due to the recent increase in electricity costs. According to data from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSM), the cost of electricity rose by 349 percent between 2021-2022.
Efficiency is the key factor. Metal-halide lamps and sodium-vapor lights are still used by many sports clubs, but they’re significantly less efficient than alternatives. The energy is converted to heat and the light is not directed correctly. The result is a high level of waste.
LEDs on the other, focus more light and convert more energy. They use less energy to achieve the same, and in most cases better, levels of uniformity and quality. LEDs use about 50% less energy than other lighting systems. However, these savings can reach up to 70% or 80%.
Reduced running costs
Even though energy efficiency is important, it’s not the only factor to consider when reducing running costs. Clubs should not only ensure that their lights help to reduce power consumption when switched on but also consider how they can decrease the overall running time of their lighting systems.
Again, it is outdated technology that has caused the biggest problem. Both metal-halide lamps and sodium-vapour lights need to be “heated up” in order to reach their peak brightness. This will usually take between 15 and 20 mins, which can add a lot of running time on your bill over the year.
The fact that the older lighting systems are not dimmable is another problem. The lights will always be at maximum capacity, whether you are hosting a cup match of high profile or a simple training session on a weekday night. LEDs are a great solution for both issues. They can be switched on or off instantly and offer a variety of dimming settings.
Reduced maintenance costs
Maintenance is another ongoing cost that clubs should budget for. Lighting systems, like any electronic device require regular maintenance to keep them performing optimally. This can range from a simple cleaning to major repairs or replacements.
The lifespan of LEDs is significantly longer than that of other lighting systems. Metal halides degrade four to five time faster than LEDs. This means that they have to be changed much more often. This means that in addition to the cost of materials, more money is needed for maintenance contractors.
The LEDs are not the only ones that can burn out bulbs. The “ballast”, which controls the energy flow in luminaires, is also susceptible to failure. These issues can result in maintenance costs of up to USD6,000 per three-year period for older lighting systems.
Lower installation costs
A possible saving, but when it is applicable, the savings are huge – so it’s worth mentioning.
One of the main differences between LED luminaires and older lighting systems is their weight. Even similar LEDs vary in weight: VKS’s luminaires are noticeably lighter than other systems. It can be an important factor in determining installation costs.
It is more likely that an existing club mast can accommodate a new lighting unit if it weighs less. Masts add up to 75% of the cost of an upgraded lighting system. It makes sense therefore to reuse existing masts whenever possible. Due to their weight, metal-halide and sodium vapor lamps can make this difficult.
Why not start saving money by switching your light into LED lighting systems first ?
Post time: May-12-2023
