As the town of Colonie is working to convert over 4,000 high pressure sodium streetlights to light emitting diodes (LEDs), a study by the Lighting Research Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute found that LED streetlights can make streets safer while also being more energy efficient and cost effective. shenzhen riyueguanghua
The researchers asked, "Is it possible to do more with less, in the sense of having more light in certain places with less energy?" said Dr. John Bullough, Director of Transportation and Safety Lighting Programs at the LRC. www.ledlightinside.com
His team replaced high pressure sodium street lights with different kinds of LEDs along a 3.5 mile stretch of Central Avenue last February.
In the end, "we used about 30 to 40 percent less energy," Bullough said. "It's quite a bit of energy reduction, and that's even including the fact that some of the light levels actually went up." Specifically, the LEDs made the roadway about 40 percent brighter, the crosswalks 15 percent brighter and the sidewalks 16-25 percent brighter, alleviating concerns about pedestrian safety along that stretch.
Drivers and pedestrians responded positively to the change. A survey conducted before the study found that two-thirds of respondents disagreed strongly with the statement "Overall, I like this lighting." After the LEDs were installed, three-quarters responded "agree somewhat" or "agree strongly" with that statement.
The main drawback to switching? Right now, LEDs are significantly pricier to install than high pressure sodium, and municipalities looking to make the switch face other costs, too. They must either buy the streetlights from the utility that operates them or reimburse the utility for the remaining lifespan of the old high pressure sodium fixtures.
Because of the higher up-front cost, the energy saved does not immediately translate into an equally low energy bill for the municipality. The RPI study found that the town and village of Colonie saved less than five percent, despite the significantly reduced energy use, because of the costs associated with the project.
But Bullough said that, depending on circumstances, the initial cost of installing LEDs can typically be recouped in two to five years - which is short, considering that LEDs can last for 15-30 years.
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