Essential Lighting Retrofit Guidelines
Select the Right Partner
In response to continuing political and economic emphasis on energy efficiency, many new companies have entered the energy services marketplace. And, because lighting represents the most quantifiable savings and attractive investment returns, the number of companies selling efficient lighting products and services has grown tremendously.
As a result, as you pursue your energy efficient lighting strategy, you need to be certain that you select a design and build lighting firm rather than just a company calling themselves a “turn-key” lighting provider that just packages fixtures and installation.
- expertise in energy management as well as lighting and control technology
- proven savings
- customer testimonials
- a track record of post-installation warranty support and EPACT tax deduction certification
- financial stability
Be Wary of Sole Source Fixture Providers
If a company represents a single fixture manufacturer, chances are they’re working for their vendor and not for you. Their subject matter knowledge is likely limited to the products that their vendor sells.
The many technologies available, such as daylight harvesting, occupancy sensors and timing controls, make it essential that you work with a company that will educate you about the options within each technology and will help you determine which make the most sense for you.
Understand the Products You’re Being Offered
Lighting fixtures vary greatly in quality, features and benefits. At last count, there were more than 50 domestic companies manufacturing 4-lamp T5HO high bay fixtures. While the energy efficiency of these fixtures may be the same, the quality of components and performance can vary widely!
Any credible lighting partner will provide a photometric analysis, a straightforward way to compare lighting output of different fixtures in (an apples to apples comparison). Also be certain to ask about unique features and benefits of different manufacturers and technologies to make sure you’re getting the functionality that you need or want.
Expect a Comprehensive Proposal
With rare exception, you’ll retrofit your building’s lighting only once. Credible lighting partners provide much more than just a price quote and expected savings page. Make an informed decision based on a comprehensive analysis including a proposal that clearly defines why a particular retrofit recommendation was made and a photometric analysis to substantiate the retrofit recommendation.
Also expect to see what the energy and cost savings will be, and what rebate and tax incentives are available. Additional detail should include an explanation of tax benefits, fixture and component spec sheets, warranty information, environmental benefits and a transparent description of model inputs.
Involve Key Stakeholders from the Start
Energy efficient retrofits originate from a variety of sources within an organization. Operations may spearhead a project for cost savings, Maintenance for reduced lamp and ballast replacement costs, and Human Resources for sustainability and employee satisfaction concerns. Finance and Purchasing will ultimately get involved, as well.
Regardless of your reasons for implementing a lighting retrofit, it’s safe to say that other stakeholders within the organization have a compelling reason to pursue an energy efficient lighting retrofit strategy, as well, and it makes sense to get them involved in the process sooner than later.
Start with a Professional Audit
It’s impossible to engineer a lighting retrofit solution without a comprehensive audit!
The adage ‘Garbage In, Garbage Out’ is very applicable to every lighting retrofit. A good audit is much more than just counting fixtures, and should allow your lighting partner to simulate your facility environment based on an exhaustive collection of data. Any retrofit recommendation not based on an attentive and detailed audit is highly suspect.
An inadequate audit not only fails to provide the greatest opportunity for energy savings—it can cost you down the road in change orders and system modifications, increased maintenance and productivity.
- recognize opportunities for controls and daylighting
- understand light level requirements by task (as defined by IESNA)
- understand your objectives so that engineers can provide the right recommendations for you to choose from.
Don’t Let Budget Hurdles Slow You Down
Many lighting retrofit projects can be initiated with little or no money down. In fact, experienced and knowledgeable lighting partners always explore obtaining immediate cash payments from state or utility rebate providers, providing for their customers to be significantly cash positive from day one!
Another method that qualified lighting partners provide for immediate positive cashstream is financing a project such that fixed monthly payments are significantly less than energy savings.
Alternatively, sophisticated lighting partners provide a guaranteed savings mechanism based on sub-metered lighting panels and may offer a true shared savings plan, in which no fixed payments are required and the only payments you make are based on measured and verified energy savings.
Simply put, postponing a retrofit is a terrible waste of money. With the right partner to guide you through your financial options, you will have few, if any, hurdles to both an improved lighting system and financial gain.
