HPS vs. LED Street Lights: Which One To Choose?

Cities and municipalities are replacing HPS fixtures with more efficient LED options for several reasons. LEDs provide superior lighting with lower energy consumption, reduced maintenance costs, and compatibility with motion-sensing technology. Below, we compare HPS and LED technology across various key metrics.

HPS vs. LED Lumens and Watts

Both HPS and LEDs offer similar lumen per watt efficiency at around 100 LpW, but recent advancements have allowed LEDs to reach 130-150 LpW, surpassing HPS. LEDs also emit light in a focused direction, reducing wasted light and ensuring more efficient and effective illumination compared to the omnidirectional emission of HPS lamps.

HPS vs. LED Longevity

HPS lamps last around 24,000 hours, while LEDs can last up to 200,000 hours. This extended lifespan means fewer replacements, saving cities on maintenance costs and reducing environmental waste. LEDs also maintain higher brightness levels throughout their lifespan, unlike HPS lamps, which experience significant lumen depreciation.

LED Street Light

HPS vs. LED Ballast Lifespan

HPS lamps require a ballast, which has a lifespan of 20,000 to 60,000 hours, adding to maintenance costs. In contrast, street lighting uses drivers that last up to 100,000 hours, further reducing the need for replacement and ensuring fewer disruptions in service.

HPS vs. LED Costs

While HPS lamps are cheaper upfront, their shorter lifespan leads to higher long-term maintenance costs. LEDs, though more expensive initially, offer lower lifetime operational costs, including minimal maintenance needs and reduced energy consumption, making them a more cost-effective choice in the long run.

LED Street Light

HPS vs. LED Motion Sensing

LEDs turn on instantly, making them ideal for motion-sensing applications where immediate lighting is needed. In contrast, HPS lamps take several minutes to reach full brightness, making them impractical for such uses. The combination of LEDs and motion sensors enables dynamic lighting, further reducing energy consumption.

HPS vs. LED Visibility

LEDs offer better color rendering, enhancing visibility and safety in urban settings. With a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 70-80, LEDs produce light closer to daylight, making it easier to distinguish between colors. HPS lamps, with a CRI of 20-80, emit a yellowish light that hampers visibility, which can be detrimental in safety-critical situations.

Why LED is Helping Advance the Solar Lighting Industry

LED and solar technologies are a perfect match. LEDs' low power consumption makes them ideal for solar lighting systems, which are becoming more competitive and environmentally friendly. With the growing adoption of motion-sensing technology, solar-powered LED lights can deliver high-performance lighting while reducing energy consumption.