Question 1

What is the ROI on a commercial LED retrofit?

Accepted Answer

Most commercial LED retrofits pay for themselves in 1 to 3 years through energy savings alone, before factoring in utility rebates. LED fixtures use 40% to 75% less energy than fluorescent or HID equivalents and last 3 to 5 times longer, reducing maintenance costs. A typical 10,000 square foot office switching from T8 fluorescent to LED can save $2,000 to $5,000 per year on electricity. With PSE rebates, payback periods often drop below 18 months.

Question 2

What is the difference between a retrofit and a full fixture replacement?

Accepted Answer

A retrofit replaces the lamp and/or driver inside your existing fixture housing, while a full replacement installs entirely new fixtures. Retrofits cost less and work well when existing fixtures are in good condition - you are essentially converting the fixture to LED. Full replacement makes sense when fixtures are damaged, outdated, or when you want a completely new lighting layout. Both options deliver the energy savings of LED. | Approach | Cost per Fixture | Best For | |---|---|---| | LED tube retrofit (Type A) | $15 - $40 | Good fixtures, fastest install | | LED driver retrofit (Type B) | $20 - $50 | Removing ballast, less future maintenance | | Full fixture replacement | $80 - $250+ | Outdated fixtures, new layouts, upgrades |

Question 3

What are DLC-listed fixtures, and why do they matter?

Accepted Answer

DLC (DesignLights Consortium) listed fixtures meet strict efficiency and performance standards. DLC listing is required to qualify for most utility rebates, including PSE and Snohomish PUD programs. Always verify DLC listing before purchasing commercial LED fixtures. Using non-DLC fixtures saves a few dollars per unit but costs you the rebate, which typically exceeds the price difference.

Question 4

What PSE rebates are available for commercial LED upgrades?

Accepted Answer

Puget Sound Energy offers prescriptive rebates for commercial lighting upgrades, typically ranging from $15 to $150+ per fixture depending on the type and wattage reduction. Common rebates include LED troffers, high bay fixtures, exterior area lights, and parking lot fixtures. PSE also offers custom incentive programs for larger projects. Rebate amounts change annually, so confirm current rates before finalizing your project budget.

Question 5

How do I qualify for lighting rebates?

Accepted Answer

To qualify, you must be a current PSE or Snohomish PUD commercial customer, use DLC-listed or ENERGY STAR-rated fixtures, and submit the rebate application with required documentation (invoices, fixture specs, pre/post wattage). Most programs require the work to be completed by a licensed electrical contractor. We handle the rebate paperwork as part of our lighting projects and ensure all fixtures meet program requirements.

Question 6

Can I stack rebates with other incentives?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, yes. Utility rebates can often be combined with federal tax deductions under Section 179D for energy-efficient commercial buildings. Some local jurisdictions also offer permit fee reductions for energy-efficiency upgrades. The combined value of stacked incentives can cover 30% to 50% of your total project cost. Consult your tax advisor for Section 179D eligibility.

Question 7

What color temperature should I use for commercial spaces?

Accepted Answer

Color temperature is measured in Kelvin (K) and affects the feel of a space. For offices, 3500K to 4000K provides a neutral, productive environment. Retail spaces often use 3000K to 3500K for a warm, inviting feel. Warehouses and industrial spaces typically use 4000K to 5000K for maximum visibility. Healthcare and food service have specific requirements. Consistency matters - mixing color temperatures in the same space looks unprofessional. | Space Type | Recommended Color Temperature | Notes | |---|---|---| | Office | 3500K - 4000K | Neutral, reduces eye strain | | Retail / hospitality | 3000K - 3500K | Warm, inviting | | Warehouse / industrial | 4000K - 5000K | Maximum visibility | | Parking lot / exterior | 4000K - 5000K | Security, uniformity | | Healthcare | 3500K - 4000K | True color rendering (high CRI) |

Question 8

What are the required lighting levels for commercial spaces?

Accepted Answer

The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) sets recommended foot-candle levels by space type. General offices need 30 to 50 foot-candles at desk height, retail spaces need 30 to 100+ depending on merchandise, warehouses need 10 to 30 foot-candles for general areas and 50+ for task areas, and parking lots need 1 to 5 foot-candles. These are recommendations, but many jurisdictions reference IES standards in building codes. Your lighting design should meet or exceed these levels.

Question 9

What lighting controls are required for commercial buildings?

Accepted Answer

Washington State Energy Code (WSEC) requires occupancy/vacancy sensors in most enclosed spaces, daylight harvesting controls in spaces with significant windows or skylights, and the ability to reduce lighting power by at least 50% in each space. Multi-level switching or dimming is required in spaces over 100 square feet. These controls are not optional - they must be included in your lighting plan and verified during inspection.

Question 10

What is the best lighting for warehouse high bay applications?

Accepted Answer

LED high bay fixtures have replaced metal halide and fluorescent high bays as the standard for warehouses. Choose fixtures based on mounting height: under 20 feet, a standard LED high bay (150W to 200W) works well. Above 20 feet, you need higher wattage (200W to 300W) or narrower beam angles to deliver adequate foot-candles at floor level. Motion-sensing high bays are ideal for warehouses with variable occupancy - they dim when aisles are empty.

Question 11

What about parking lot and exterior commercial lighting?

Accepted Answer

Parking lot LED upgrades deliver some of the highest energy savings because existing HID fixtures (metal halide, high-pressure sodium) are extremely inefficient. LED area lights use 50% to 70% less energy and provide better light uniformity. Photocell controls (dusk-to-dawn) are standard, and some jurisdictions require full cutoff fixtures to minimize light pollution. Pole-mounted LED fixtures typically range from 100W to 300W depending on mounting height and area coverage.

Question 12

What are the emergency lighting and exit sign requirements?

Accepted Answer

Commercial buildings must have emergency lighting that provides a minimum of 1 foot-candle along all exit paths for at least 90 minutes during a power outage. Exit signs must be illuminated at all times and visible from the required distance (typically 100 feet). LED exit signs use approximately 2 to 5 watts versus 20+ watts for older incandescent types. Emergency lighting and exit signs must be tested monthly (30-second test) and annually (90-minute full duration test), with testing documented. See our electrical maintenance page for ongoing testing services.

Question 13

What are the WSEC lighting power density requirements?

Accepted Answer

The Washington State Energy Code sets maximum lighting power density (LPD) by space type, measured in watts per square foot. Key limits include: office (0.82 W/sq ft), retail (1.05 W/sq ft), warehouse (0.60 W/sq ft), restaurant (0.90 W/sq ft), and corridor (0.66 W/sq ft). Your lighting plan must demonstrate compliance through the building area method or space-by-space method. LED technology makes meeting these limits straightforward.

Question 14

How do dimming and sensor controls affect code compliance?

Accepted Answer

Controls can earn you additional credit under WSEC and may allow slightly higher installed wattage if automatic controls reduce actual energy use. Occupancy sensors, daylight dimming, and scheduled controls all contribute. More importantly, the code requires these controls as a baseline - they are not optional add-ons. A lighting control plan is submitted as part of the permit application and verified during final inspection.

Question 15

How long does a commercial LED retrofit take?

Accepted Answer

Timeline depends on the scope. A straightforward retrofit of an existing office (replacing lamps and ballasts) can be done in 1 to 3 days. A full lighting overhaul with new fixtures, controls, and a redesigned layout takes 1 to 3 weeks for most commercial spaces. Warehouses and large facilities may take longer. We schedule work during off-hours when possible to minimize disruption. Permitting adds 2 to 4 weeks to the front end.

Question 16

What maintenance do commercial LED fixtures require?

Accepted Answer

LED fixtures require significantly less maintenance than fluorescent or HID alternatives. There are no lamps to replace on a regular cycle - quality LED fixtures last 50,000 to 100,000 hours (10 to 20+ years at typical commercial usage). Maintenance consists of periodic cleaning, driver replacement if needed (typically after 7 to 10 years), and control system updates. Annual inspections of emergency lighting and exit signs are required by code.

Commercial Lighting & LED FAQ

LED Retrofit Basics