Advances in lighting technology offer incredible solutions for numerous lighting applications in both institutional as well as commercial facilities. The can deliver substantial energy cost savings while improving the quality of light. More sophisticated options also come with great benefits, such as white light color tuning, controllability, and visually comfortable atmosphere. More and more rebate utility programs are now switching to networked lighting control systems.
Maximizing Energy Savings
These new developments have made it possible for lighting retrofits and engineering managers to maximize energy savings whilst incorporating flexibility into their lighting designs. The significant energy savings, sensor miniaturization, improvements in wireless communication, controllability of the light source, as well as integration with luminaires make controls an essential component of retrofits. Certain energy codes demand the installation of automatic shutoff, time-based, or occupancy sensing controls.
Incorporating lighting controls will result in satisfactory energy savings, optimized utility rebates, and reduced labor. However, it’s always important to ensure that the new lamps are compatible with the controls. Smart lights, LED innovations, and high-efficiency ballasts are the latest lighting advances you may want to invest in.
When shopping around for a lighting control system, consider the following factors.
Start by Evaluating Your Options
With the rapid emergence of lighting controls, more manufacturers are entering the market, providing countless options for buyers. You don’t have to get stuck purchasing from a few sellers anymore- you can shop around until you get a system that can perfectly suit your lighting needs. As you try finding a good system, consider the following aspects:
Energy Savings is Key
Pick a lighting control system that offers reporting capabilities as this will allow you to ensure you’re achieving your energy saving targets.
The Power of Oversight
Having a networked system in place will enable you to monitor the status of fixtures as well as sensors located throughout your facility. This feature is highly beneficial for troubleshooting.
The best thing about networks is that they create a feedback loop which allows you to easily meet your savings goals.
Go for a User-Friendly Integration
You don’t have to be an engineer to adjust setpoints or monitor energy consumption. A lighting control system that features a graphical interface will make it possible for you to access granular information in an easy-to-understand format.
Pick an advanced system that can monitor several energy conservation measures and allow sequence operations to be controlled by the software package.
Scalability
As you pursue various options, be keen to check how scalable or expandable each lighting control system is. Does it allow you to expand its reach? In warehouses, you’ve more opportunities to reduce energy consumption because they operate 24-hours.
Settle for a system that allows you to adjust the levels of light to meet the needs of every occupant.
The Importance of Daylight harvesting
Daylight harvesting involves the use of daylight as well as fluorescent bulbs to control the lights. Once the desired parameters are set, the lighting system will automatically operate at those levels.
The Future
It’s expected that lighting controls will expand into other applications like compact fluorescent lamps as well as dimmable table lamps.
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