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A Buyer's Guide to LED Parking Lot Lights: What to Look For?

Parking Lot Lighting Design | Stouch LightingWhen choosing the best LED lighting solutions for your parking lot, several key factors should guide your decision. 

These include types of lights, energy efficiency, lighting controls, and beam angles, among others. Each element plays a crucial role in ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of your lighting installation.

 

Understanding Different Types of LED Parking Lot Lights

RAB LED Wall Light | Stouch Lighting

LED lights for parking lots come in various forms, including area lights, floodlights, wall-mounted, and pole-mounted fixtures. 

On the left you’ll find an example of an LED wall light for parking lots from RAB Lighting.

RAB Lighting Floodlight | Stouch Lighting

 

In contrast, floodlights are suitable for focusing light on specific areas. Known for their intense and directed light, flood lights are perfect for highlighting building facades or illuminating signage. They can also enhance security by focusing light on specific, potentially vulnerable areas. To the right you’ll see how floodlights will look on your parking lot from our manufacturer RAB Lighting. 

The choice between wall-mounted and pole-mounted fixtures depends on your specific spatial and lighting needs. Wall-mounted fixtures are great for lighting perimeters or building entrances. They save ground space and can be used to direct light effectively around the boundaries of a lot. Pole Mounted LED Area Light | Stouch Lighting

Pole-mounted area lights options typically provide better coverage for larger areas​. Offering broad coverage, these fixtures are mounted on poles and are well-suited for lighting up expansive areas. The height of the poles can be adjusted based on the need for broader or more concentrated light coverage​. They usually feature wide beam angles to ensure that light spreads evenly across a large surface area. Take a look to the right of an image from RAB Lighting showing you an example of a pole mounted area light.

 

Importance of Energy Efficiency and Controls

LED lights are highly energy-efficient, consuming up to 90% less energy than traditional lighting options, which translates into significant cost savings over time. 

Moreover, the inclusion of smart controls and sensors can enhance this efficiency by adjusting lighting based on real-time conditions, such as occupancy or natural light levels​.

Parking Garage Lighting | Stouch Lighting

 

Beam Angles and Light Distribution

Choosing the right beam angle is essential for effective lighting. Options range from wide beam angles for general lighting to narrow spot beams for focused illumination. The type of beam angle affects how light is distributed and should be selected based on the specific needs of the parking area.

Below are the possible Beam Angles to keep in mind when selecting LED Parking Lot Lights:

  • Wide Beam Angles: Suitable for general area lighting, these angles (90 to 120 degrees) ensure that light is evenly dispersed over a broad area, minimizing dark spots.
  • Narrow Beam Angles: These angles are less than 30 degrees and are ideal for spotlighting and highlighting features without causing light pollution in surrounding areas.
  • Adjustable Beam Angles: Some LED fixtures come with adjustable or zoom lenses that allow for changes in beam angle based on specific needs, offering flexibility in how areas are illuminated.

 

Retrofitting vs. New Installations

Before and After Parking Lot Lighting Retrofit | Stouch Lighting

If your existing fixtures are still functional, retrofitting them with LED technology can be a cost-effective solution. However, for outdated or inefficient fixtures, new LED installations may be more beneficial despite the higher initial investment. 

Evaluate the initial costs against long-term savings from energy efficiency and reduced maintenance. Often, the higher upfront cost of new LEDs is offset by their longevity and lower operational costs.

This decision should consider factors like the condition of current fixtures, potential energy savings, and available rebates​​.

 

Selecting the Right Color Temperature and CRI

Color Temperatures in Kelvin | Stouch Lighting

Color temperature and Color Rendering Index (CRI) are critical in determining the quality of light. 

Cooler temperatures (5000K to 6500K) are often used in parking lots for their brightness and effectiveness in enhancing visibility and security. Warmer tones might be preferred in areas where a softer, more welcoming light is desired.

A higher CRI is crucial where accurate color differentiation is important—such as in retail areas or car dealerships. This metric determines how natural the colors appear under the artificial lighting.

 

 

Consider Long-Term Savings and Rebates

Finally, consider the long-term financial benefits and potential rebates from utility companies. LEDs offer lower operational costs and maintenance over their lifespan, which can be significantly extended by choosing high-quality fixtures that meet industry standards and are eligible for rebates​​.

 

How Can Stouch Lighting Support You in Your LED Parking Lot Lighting Project?

By considering these factors, you can ensure that your parking lot is well-lit, safe, and efficient, making LED lights a smart investment for any commercial property.

At Stouch Lighting, we understand that upgrading your parking lot lighting to LED is a significant decision that impacts not only aesthetics but also functionality, security, and cost-efficiency. 

Our team of experts is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process, from selecting the right type of lights—be it area, flood, wall-mounted, or pole-mounted fixtures—to optimizing the layout for maximum coverage and efficiency. 

We also assist in figuring out the financing for your lighting project, ensuring that your investment is manageable and well-planned. With our comprehensive understanding of LED technologies and smart lighting solutions, we ensure that your investment enhances the safety and attractiveness of your property while also delivering substantial energy savings. 

Let Stouch Lighting illuminate the way to a brighter, more sustainable future for your commercial property.

 

Request A Quote for Your Parking Lot Lighting Project!