It is always a good idea to keep in mind that there are pros and cons to both LED streetlights and HPS streetlights (High Pressure Sodium). The cost of LED lights has typically been higher than that of traditional bulbs, even though they have been proven to be more energy efficient. Although HPS bulbs cost less initially than LEDs, they consume much more electricity. As you can see, it’s not an easy decision and careful consideration must be given before making your choice when selecting which type of lighting will best suit your needs for the long term. Our goal in this blog post is to help you make an informed decision about which type is right for you by looking at the advantages and disadvantages of each one in detail!

Why not Converting Street Lights to Led? 

LED street lights were first introduced in 2006 or so, but they were not widely used and promoted until recent years. At that time, LED street lights weren’t widely used due to their high initial cost, and it takes several years for the energy savings to cover their cost.

But in the following years, In the context of energy saving and emission reduction, the outstanding advantages of led street lights in energy saving make them become the key municipal lighting products implemented by governments, thus pushing the industry to continuously carry out technological innovation. The performance of Led street lights continues to improve, and the cost is continuously reduced, even close to the cost of installing traditional street lights, which makes Led street lights progressively replace HPS street lights and become the most popular road lighting kits. 

However, this does not mean that there is no place for high-pressure sodium lamps. The fact is that the leading brand of lighting, Philips,  does not stop producing high pressure sodium bulbs and related components such as high pressure sodium ballast, and ignitors.  Most of the HPS lamps and accessories were bought for replacing old fixtures and a few for new projects. 

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between LED and HPS streetlights, and make an updated comparison of the two types of streetlights based on the newest situation to help you make an informed purchasing decision.  

Comparing the Pros of LED Streetlights and HPS Streetlights

Among the options for street lighting, LED and HPS is the most popular. While both types of lights serve the same purpose of illuminating streets and roadways, they have some significant differences in terms of their pros and cons.

Below, we’ll explore the pros of LED streetlights and high pressure sodium streetlight fixtures, comparing them to help you make an informed decision when choosing the right type of streetlighting for your needs.

Pros of LED Streetlights:

● Energy Efficiency: One of the most significant advantages of LED streetlights is their energy efficiency. To give the same brightness (Unit: lumens), LED lights consume significantly less energy than HPS lights, which can result in significant cost savings over time.

● Enhanced life expectancy: LED lights have a much longer life expectancy than HPS lights. It’s not uncommon for HPS lights to last between 24,000 to 28,000 hours, whereas LED bulbs can last up to 100,000 hours, which means fewer maintenance costs and fewer replacements.

● Customization: LED lights offer a wide range of customization options, including color temperature, brightness level, dimming mode, and beam angle, making it possible to create the desired ambiance and lighting effect.

● Instant On : LED lights turn on instantly, with no warm-up time required, making them ideal for use in areas with immediate illumination.

Pros of HPS Streetlights:

● Low Cost: HPS lights are relatively low-cost compared to LED lights, making them a cost-effective option for cities and municipalities with limited budgets.

● Warm Light: HPS lights emit a warm, amber-colored light that some people prefer over the cooler, bluish light of LED lights.

● Good for High-Pressure Areas: HPS lights are ideal for areas with high-pressure sodium vapor, such as industrial parks and manufacturing facilities.

Ultimately, the decision to choose one over the other depends on your specific needs and requirements for the street lighting project.

Comparing the Cons of LED Streetlights and HPS Streetlights

In addition to their respective pros, LED and HPS streetlights also have some disadvantages that must be considered when choosing the right type of street lighting. Below, we’ll compare the cons of LED streetlights and HPS streetlights, with a focus on initial installation costs, light quality, and maintenance and replacement costs.

Cons of LED Streetlights:

● Initial Installation Costs: While LED streetlights can save money over time due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan, they have a higher upfront cost than HPS streetlights. This can be a significant barrier for cities or municipalities with limited budgets.

● Light Quality and Color Temperature Differences: LED streetlights emit a cooler, bluish light that some people find less appealing than the warmer, amber-colored light emitted by HPS streetlights. It is also important to note that if LED lights are not properly installed, they can cause glare and light pollution.

● Maintenance and Replacement Costs: LED streetlights require less maintenance than HPS streetlights; however, they can be costly to replace if they fail. In some cases, the entire fixture must be replaced rather than just the bulb, which can be expensive.

Cons of HPS Streetlights:

● Energy Efficiency: HPS streetlights are less energy-efficient than LED streetlights, which means they consume more energy and result in higher electricity bills over time.

● Light Color: HPS streetlights have a warm, amber-colored light that some people prefer, but this color can make it more difficult to distinguish colors and objects at night, which can be a safety concern.

● Maintenance and Replacement Costs: HPS streetlights require more frequent maintenance and bulb replacements than LED streetlights, which can result in higher maintenance costs over time.

Making an Informed Decision – Weighing the Pros & Cons of LED vs HPS Street Lights

To make the right decision, you need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of both LED and HPS street lights. Both types of street lights have unique advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice will depend on the specific needs and requirements of your project. Here are some factors to consider when making an informed decision:

Energy efficiency: The energy efficiency of LED street lights is incredibly high compared to HPS street lights, which can result in a considerable reduction in operating costs. LED streetlights may be the best choice if energy efficiency is a priority.

Light Quality: LED street lights emit a cooler, bluish light that can be harsh on the eyes, while HPS street lights emit a warm, amber-colored light. If light quality is your primary concern, then HPS street lights may be the better option.

Maintenance and Replacement Cost: Due to their longer lifespan, LED street lights require less maintenance and bulb replacement than HPS street lights. Nevertheless, LED street lights are expensive to replace when they need to be replaced. HPS street lights require more frequent maintenance and bulb replacements, but they are generally less expensive to replace.

Initial Installation Costs: LED street lights have a higher upfront cost than HPS street lights, but they can save money over time due to their energy efficiency and longer lifespan. If budget is your primary concern, then HPS street lights may be the better option.

Environmental Impact: LED street lights are more environmentally friendly than HPS street lights, as they consume less energy and do not contain harmful chemicals like mercury. If environmental impact is your priority, then LED street lights may be the better option.

4 Reasons Why LED Streetlights are becoming increasingly popular

As cities and municipalities seek to improve the safety and efficiency of their street lighting systems while reducing costs and environmental impact, LED streetlights are becoming the preferred choice.LED streetlights are becoming increasingly popular for several reasons, including:

● LED streetlights are more energy-efficient than traditional streetlights, such as high-pressure sodium (HPS) and metal halide (MH) lamps. They require less energy to produce the same amount of light, which can result in significant cost savings over time.

● The light emitted from Led street lights is more bright and clear that improving visibility and safety on roadways and streets. Moreover, Led street lights can be customized with different color temperatures and come with a dimming mode.  

● LED streetlights are more environmentally friendly than traditional streetlights, as they consume less energy and do not contain harmful chemicals like mercury. This makes them an ideal choice for cities and municipalities looking to reduce their carbon footprint and improve sustainability.

● LED streetlights can be integrated with IOT smart control systems based on Zigbee or Rola technology with wireless communication, to provide real-time data on the work situation of the street lights.

Solar Powered Led Street Light Manufacturer

There are many solar-powered LED street light manufacturers around the world, so it may be helpful to do some research to find the one that best fits your needs. It’s important to research different options and consider factors such as quality, durability, warranty, and customer support before making a decision. 

SLD Solar & Lighting is a solar LED street light manufacturer from China that can provide custom solutions based on the customer’s requirements. Their high-quality products, excellent customer service, and commitment to sustainability make them a great choice for anyone looking for reliable and environmentally-friendly lighting solutions.

If you find this guide useful and want to light up your environment with LED street lights, SLD offers a range of solar-powered LED street lights that are suitable for various applications, including residential streets, commercial areas, and parking lots. Contact SLD today with your lighting needs and budget. You will receive a quick response from our customer service unit.