WHAT IS THE RETURN ON INVESTMENT (ROI) ON SPORTS LIGHTS?
The “ROI” question is perfectly fair to ask and not always easy to answer. So what we’ve attempted to do is give a clear matrix of influencing factors in relation to replacing metal halides with LED lamps. We have focused on replacing metal halide fittings on a one-for-one basis, although the calculation is still valid for new build, assuming you select an LED fitting that will allow you to use the same pole construction as you would with a metal halide fitting i.e. luminaires are the same size and weight.
The main and obvious influences on ROI are power consumption and maintenance costs. However, a number of external factors also will impact a decision like this which are more emotional things which everyone will put a different value on. These are all benefits we take for granted in our homes and businesses but at this early-ish stage of LED development can be easy to overlook in a sporting application when club funds are stretched. These include carbon footprint responsibility, spill light control to have happier neighbours, the convenience of digital app based control and ‘instant on’. Basically the convenience and usability we expect in the 21st century which is often hard to put a price on directly.
Carbon footprint responsibility
There may well be differing views on global warming and how this is impacting our planet and what sort of crises we are generating for future generations. Whichever end of the scale we are at in this argument, saving electricity has to be a good thing. In most countries electricity production is stretched and costs are only going to go one way. Additionally many municipalities offer incentives to use more efficient devices, further enhancing the benefits.
Happier Neighbours
Spill light not only costs money in wasted energy but also makes for aggravated neighbours. Having a pay-to-play system is good news for the club who can maximise their investment, but perhaps not such good news for those nearby who don’t like sleeping in simulated daylight. Many LED systems offer excellent light control due to each LED having an optic. This allows for very specific focus of the light to go just where it should, dramatically reducing the stray light.
App based control
Imagine your facilities manager being able to turn the lights off from his bed at 2am when the last rowdy players have forgotten to do so. Better still, set the app so that the lights turn off after a specified time, or when the key-holder leaves, or when the players’ credit has run out etc. etc. In other words, digital lighting gives us exceptional control of how we manage our lighting to minimise running costs and maximise the clubs ROI. By making pay-to-play so simple and controllable, clubs can rethink how they make the facility available 24/7, boosting attendances and fees without impacting on their pay-roll. Additionally, being able to control the intensity of the lights allows you to have different levels of lighting for different sports or levels of play. This again gives more control of your costs as you can dim the lights to pre-set levels if full power is not required.
Instant On
Have you ever been frustrated with how long your lights take to warm up? Or worse still had a match in progress and the electricity has tripped, causing a 20 minute delay while the lights warm up to full power again? A benefit of LED that is hard to put a value on is the way they power up in seconds. Even with a soft start they are operating at full power in under 5 seconds.
Digital Convenience
Like with many things in our modern world there is a convenience about digital which is hard to put a price on. Ever considered what life would be like without a smartphone? We now can’t even imagine how terrible this would be but smartphones have only been in existence since 2007. Once we have made the commitment to going digital the benefits compound and it becomes very difficult to image how we managed ‘in the old days’.
Conclusion
So, bearing in mind the somewhat ‘intangible’ benefits mentioned above, put your numbers into the ROI Calculator below and you’ll quickly be able to see how long the investment will take to pay off.
Calculate your costs & compare with Legacy LED
These are the comparative costs per year. LED running costs are approximately 40% lower and maintenance costs up to 90% less.
