10 Challenges Faced by Outdoor Lighting Designers in 2018
Release date: January 29, 2018
Source: CNLED Network
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Outdoor lighting was one of the first sectors to adopt LED technology. While the energy efficiency benefits are widely appreciated, this shift has also introduced a number of new challenges that outdoor lighting designers must constantly address. Here are the top ten issues that were expected to shape the industry in 2018.
Glare
Glare remains a significant issue in outdoor lighting. As LEDs became more popular, many poorly designed luminaires caused discomfort and even safety concerns for residents. This problem continues to be a major focus for lighting engineers aiming to balance illumination with visual comfort.
2. End of Civil Active Financing (PFI)
The era of large-scale private funding for LED projects is coming to an end. While this may lead to more sustainable investment models, it also raises questions about project value and whether quality compromises have occurred during the rapid deployment of LED street lights.
3. Electric Vehicle Charging
Many governments see street light infrastructure as a potential solution for electric vehicle charging. However, technical challenges—especially at high currents—remain unresolved. Outdoor lighting engineers often find themselves explaining why these issues can’t be ignored.
4. Connectivity
With the rise of 5G, streetlights are being considered as ideal platforms for network connectivity. Cities like London are planning to install hundreds of thousands of smart light poles equipped with Wi-Fi and other services. This integration brings both opportunity and complexity for lighting designers.
5. Street Lights Being Turned Off
Street lights are frequently turned off due to budget constraints or public complaints. Some cities are exploring dimming or motion-based control systems, but securing funding for such upgrades remains a challenge.
6. Blue Light Hazards
High blue light content in some LED street lights has raised health concerns. The American Medical Association recommended limiting color temperatures to 3000K, sparking ongoing debate among lighting professionals and policymakers.
7. Smart City Initiatives
Smart city projects are gaining momentum, with streetlights playing a central role. While the concept is promising, there's still confusion about what "smart" truly means. Integrating sensors and IoT capabilities into existing infrastructure is both exciting and challenging.
8. Light Pollution
NASA images have shown that LED lighting hasn't reduced light pollution as expected—it may have even worsened it. This calls for stricter regulations and better design practices to ensure responsible lighting solutions.
9. Lack of Long-Term Strategy
Planning for the future of urban lighting over the next 30 years is a complex task. Many cities lack a clear strategy, which makes it difficult to integrate new technologies and services without creating long-term inefficiencies.
10. Preparing for the Future
As new lighting technologies emerge, how will cities integrate additional services like CCTV, air quality monitoring, and Wi-Fi without increasing budgets? This is a growing concern for outdoor lighting designers who must plan for the future while staying within financial limits.
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