Modernising lighting can no longer be limited to simply replacing conventional light fittings with LEDs. Greater savings are achieved when the system is automatically controlled based on occupancy, natural light and the building’s usage schedule.

Lighting accounts, on average, for over 20 per cent of a building’s total energy consumption, and in industrial halls, warehouses, car parks or public institutions, the energy wasted through unnecessary operation can exceed 35 per cent, according to estimates by Solar Art-Overall Company. The company points out that smart systems can reduce lighting consumption by up to 80–85 per cent, depending on the nature of the space.

The solutions use sensors and management systems that adjust light intensity, control the lighting by zone and enable real-time monitoring of consumption. For businesses, the benefit lies both in reducing energy bills and in integrating lighting into the building’s energy management system.

At the Kendrion factory warehouse in Sibiu, a system that controls 26 devices via five sensors has reduced annual electricity consumption for lighting from 3,611 kWh to approximately 715 kWh, according to data provided by the supplier. The savings ranged from 32 per cent to 82 per cent in the areas analysed. “The significant difference becomes apparent when the lighting begins to respond automatically to the conditions in the space,” explains Adelin Vaicăr, founder and CEO of Solar Art-Overall Company.

Another project, carried out in a Toyota showroom in Sibiu, uses sensors to adapt the lighting to natural light. On sunny days, most of the lights can operate at just 1 per cent of their power, and the monthly lighting bill falls by around 50 per cent, according to the company.

The payback period depends on the building’s operating hours, energy costs and the system’s configuration. Solar Art estimates a payback period of around 13 months for a warehouse operating 24/7 and 20–24 months for one with reduced operating hours. However, these figures must be confirmed by a lighting audit for each site.

The solution’s appeal lies in the combination of a relatively affordable investment, rapid implementation and measurable savings. Smart lighting does not replace other energy-efficiency projects, but it can be one of the first measures taken to reduce operational costs and automate buildings.