In addition to the cost and aesthetics of outside street lights, other considerations should also be considered when planning the installation of these fixtures. These include the number of luminaires per post, the materials used to construct them, and their color, finish, and style. It is important that the street lights be part of a unified line of amenities, coordinating with other elements of street furniture and litter receptacles. In order to create an aesthetically pleasing environment, street lighting should fit in with the surrounding architectural elements and the aesthetic sensibilities of the community.
Cost of street lights
The cost of outside street lights is paid for by the property owner. These lights need constant maintenance and energy. The cost of street lights is also reflected in taxes. It is a good idea to have a plan for replacing broken lights. Most light poles don’t require meter readings and the utility company will estimate how much energy is consumed by the street lights. The costs of outside street lights are reflected in the annual property tax bill.
Typical outside street lights cost about $100 to $150 per watt, and are generally installed on a light pole that is about 12 meters long. A high-pressure sodium street light will cost approximately $1 per hour to operate. A metal halide street light will cost around $172.8 per month to operate. This cost will increase over time as the lamp needs to be replaced. However, LED lights require much less maintenance than HPS lamps.
Types of street lights
There are several types of outside street lights. The types are categorized according to the way they project light. Light projection indicates the way lights spread out in a vertical direction along a street, while light extension refers to how light is projected horizontally across a street. Narrow, medium, and wide lamps are available in different configurations. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to know which one is right for your needs.
While most types are made from strong plastics or corrosion resistant metals, many are pole mounted. Some are dedicated poles, while others are installed on existing utility poles. The features of each type affect the functionality of the street light, such as the amount of light it provides and the supply voltage. These factors are important in determining total energy costs. You can find outdoor street lights of different types in your neighborhood, so be sure to check your neighborhood’s needs before choosing the style that best suits your needs.
Placement of street lights
Before you make a decision about where street lights should be placed outside, make sure you know what the regulations are. If you don’t understand how street lights work, it’s important to know a few facts about street lights. First, you should know that NYC DOT issues permits for the temporary removal and placement of street lights. However, you should be aware that if you remove street lights that are part of an existing streetscape, you’ll have to pay the costs associated with the temporary removal and storage of the light posts. Moreover, if you change the location of the light, you have to keep in mind that you must maintain the temporary lighting near the original street light.
Secondly, streetlight pole placement must consider traffic flow. If a pole is mounted in a median, it can fall into the traffic lane on the other side, blocking visibility. It is recommended to discuss traffic concerns with your local municipality, which should install barriers or set up a “clear zone” around the poles. If all these precautions aren’t enough, there are several options for placement of street lights outside.
Energy efficiency
To help meet municipal energy reduction targets, many cities are developing programs to improve the energy efficiency of their outside street lights. These programs often involve partnering with utilities to develop and implement energy-efficient lighting solutions. As the world population continues to grow, street lighting is expected to continue to grow, as well. According to the International Energy Agency, street lights make up a significant portion of a city’s energy consumption and are a major burden on municipal budgets.
A common method of assessing the energy consumption of outside street lights is to monitor them for energy consumption. Various technologies exist that can be used to monitor and manage these installations. For instance, visualization software can be used to remotely manage the energy consumption of groups and individual lamps, as well as the overall street lighting system. Figure 5 shows a graphical panel for the lighting system. Using this software, municipalities can determine the energy efficiency of outdoor street lights and identify potential energy savings.
Safety
There have been numerous studies done on the effect of outside street lights on crime rates. According to a study in New York City conducted in 2016, outside street lighting reduced index crimes by 36%. This reduction may be due to spillover, but without spillover, the results are still impressive. The study also found that outside street lights reduced the overall crime rate by 4%. However, some concerns remain. If you are concerned about the safety of your neighborhood, consider installing smart lighting.
Research on the impact of outside street lighting on crime rates shows that the benefits of outdoor lighting far outweigh the costs of installing them. While earlier studies showed that outside street lights did not significantly reduce crime, more recent studies showed that they reduced crime by as much as 21%. The results were higher in property crimes, though. And the effect was greater for violent crimes, as well. Ultimately, a study like this should lead us to think twice before putting up street lighting without a clear benefit in mind.
Environmental impact
The environmental impact of outside street lights is often not considered. This is despite the fact that most streetlights are installed primarily for safety at junctions or in urbanized areas. Nevertheless, they are likely to have an effect on the environment, as a lit transect near a junction may experience elevated levels of air pollution, headlight glare, and car noise. This may not be the only benefit of outdoor streetlights.
However, the problem of light pollution is not new. In 2009, the American Medical Association (AMA) strongly supported the implementation of energy-efficient outdoor street lights and the reduction of light pollution. Light pollution takes many forms, including glare, sky glow, light trespass, and clutter. Each of these effects can be caused by one source of light. In fact, light pollution in a city can result in a variety of health problems.
