Why municipalities and businesses switch to LED
Older street lights often still use sodium vapour, metal halide or even mercury vapour lamps. High-pressure mercury vapour lamps (HQL) have not been allowed on the EU market since 2015 – which makes replacements a problem.
- Energy: LED street lights reach high luminous efficacy; the Series 16 for example achieves up to 167 lm/W.
- Light control: Modern optics put the light on the carriageway and footpath instead of into front gardens and the night sky.
- Maintenance: A long service life and rugged housings reduce call-outs with a lifting platform.
- Controllability: Night-time dimming and sensors are easy to implement.
Standards and lighting classes
Street lighting is planned in accordance with the European standard series DIN EN 13201. In Germany, DIN 13201-1 helps to select the appropriate lighting class. The standards distinguish broadly between:
- M classes for roads with motorised traffic – the luminance of the carriageway is assessed.
- C classes for conflict areas such as junctions and roundabouts.
- P classes for residential streets, footpaths and cycle paths and parking areas – illuminance is assessed.
| P class | Average illuminance (maintained value) |
|---|---|
| P1 | 15 lx |
| P2 | 10 lx |
| P3 | 7,5 lx |
| P4 | 5 lx |
| P5 | 3 lx |
| P6 | 2 lx |
Which class suits which road depends on traffic volume, speed, surroundings and use. Whether and to what extent a road has to be lit is not regulated uniformly in Germany and depends among other things on state law and the duty of care.
Converting street lighting affordably – how it works
Affordable does not mean cheap. The most economical installation is the one that costs least over its lifetime: purchase, electricity, maintenance and replacement combined. These levers make the biggest difference:
- Reuse the masts: If masts are structurally sound and cables are intact, civil engineering and foundations are not needed.
- The right optic instead of more wattage: A well-chosen light distribution achieves the lighting class with fewer watts.
- Plan for night-time dimming: Reduced output during quiet hours saves permanently.
- Quality of driver and LED: Surge protection, temperature range and service life decide whether the luminaire runs trouble-free for ten years and more.
- Ask the manufacturer directly: TRiALED manufactures in Germany and is competitively priced – including for larger quantities.
What costs should you expect?
Flat prices per light point say little, because projects differ greatly. The main cost drivers:
| Item | Effect on costs |
|---|---|
| Luminaire including optic and driver | Medium – depending on output and features |
| Replacing the luminaire on an existing mast | Low |
| New mast with foundation | High |
| Cabling and civil engineering | Very high, depending on distance and ground conditions |
| Controls, night-time dimming, sensors | Low to medium |
| Removal and disposal | Low |
For a reliable calculation we need the number of light points, mast heights, mast spacing, the existing luminaires and the required lighting class. You can get a rough idea of the possible energy saving with the LED savings calculator .
Funding for LED street lighting
In recent years there has been funding for municipalities to refurbish outdoor and street lighting, in particular through the municipal guideline of the German National Climate Initiative. Funding programmes, rates and conditions change regularly, however.
Check the current conditions with the responsible funding body before the project starts – an application usually has to be submitted before the contract is awarded. We are happy to provide the technical documents required for an application.
Insect protection and light pollution
Artificial light affects nocturnal insects and other animals. The German Federal Nature Conservation Act contains rules on protecting insects from light emissions, and the federal states add their own requirements. For new installations and conversions the following therefore make sense:
- Luminaires with no upward light output
- Warm white colour temperatures, often 3,000 K or warmer
- Only as bright as necessary, with night-time dimming
- Precise optics that only light the intended area
How a conversion project runs
- Site survey: light points, masts, luminaires, switching
- Defining the lighting classes and the lighting calculation
- Cost-effectiveness analysis and, if applicable, funding application
- Quotation and sample installation
- Installation, commissioning, documentation
Frequently asked questions
What does converting a street light to LED cost?
That depends above all on whether the existing mast can be reused. Simply replacing the luminaire keeps costs manageable; new masts with civil engineering increase them considerably. For a reliable figure we need the project data.
Which standard applies to street lighting?
Planning follows the DIN EN 13201 series of standards. In Germany, DIN 13201-1 helps with selecting the lighting class.
How brightly does a residential street have to be lit?
Residential streets and paths are usually planned using P classes, for example P4 with 5 lx or P5 with 3 lx average illuminance. The right class follows from the specific situation.
Is there funding for LED street lighting?
Municipalities have been able to obtain funding through the municipal guideline. The conditions change regularly, so they should be checked with the funding body before the project starts.
Can LED street lighting be dimmed at night?
Yes. LED luminaires can be dimmed continuously, for example with time-controlled night-time dimming or motion sensors.
