Cost Considerations

Costs can be greatly affected by using a newer technology lighting system rather than relying solely on a least cost fixture (in the case of a new installation), or the currently installed system (in the case of a retrofit). A more complete cost consideration requires examining the differential of total initial cost as well as projected three year savings and lumen maintenance.

While first costs are important to every job, we recommend that they not be the only criteria for lamp and fixture selection. In fact, long-term avoided costs, especially those gained through energy efficiency, can play a significant role.

To that end, it is important to keep in mind that today's linear fluorescent systems have about the same efficacy as metal halide systems, yet provide superior lumen maintenance. And, since all lighting jobs are designed for mean lumen values (40% of rated life for fluorescent and HID), one has the opportunity to use less energy with fluorescent lighting while still providing the light levels of a standard metal halide layout.

The application examples in this brochure consider all of these costs and factors using three methods of analysis: initial cost comparison, annual energy savings, and total system savings.