Induction lighting does have a higher upfront cost than traditional metal halide or high pressure sodium lights. However the extra cost is made up over the lifetime of the fixture with lower wattage and longer life of the induction fixture. Induction lights are typically rated 60,000-100,000 hours.
· Induction lighting can basically run maintenance free during its lifespan, with most big name manufacturers offering a 10 year warranty bulb and induction driver. Retrofit products generally have 5 year warranty.
· Induction lighting is instant on, which is unlike HID lighting like metal halide and high pressure sodium. Because the induction lights are instant on they can be used with occupancy sensors, and operate only when needed.
· Many places have made the switch to LED lights because they too have a longer life than their alternatives, but induction lighting will last as long or longer than LED and usually comes in at less than half the price.
· As mentioned earlier, induction lighting has been around for over a century, and while many commercial outlets are just now learning about its benefits, it has been gradually gaining prominence as an effective lighting alternative for the last 15-20 years.
· In commercial areas the quality of light is equally as important as efficiency, and that is also an area where induction lighting comes out on top. It will produce a crisp, clear CRI (color rendering index) of around 80, as opposed to the 60 for metal halide, and the 20 for HPS lighting.
· The higher the kelvin temperature of a lamp, the cooler the light will be. Induction light come in various temperatures, but the most common fall in the 4100 to 5000 range, which produces a crisp white light.
· For all lighting types lumen output drops as the light ages, but just how much depends on the type of lighting used. The output of HID’s can drop by over up to 30% of the initial lumens after just 6,000 hours of use, which falls well short of the lumen performance of induction lighting which can maintain up to 70%, even after 60,000 hours of use.
· Induction lighting is eligible for Idaho Power incentive money when replacing traditional HID lighting. These incentives for induction lighting can cover up to 50% of the total cost of a lighting upgrade.
