The Light Direction Blog:

Daylight Harvesting: A Gift of Energy & Health by Frank Grobmeier

The sun lies at the heart of our solar system where it is by far the largest object. It’s roughly 109 times the diameter of the Earth. It’s critical to the survival of not only our planet, but also our solar system. As it turns out it could also be the key to our future indoor lighting environment as well. As the world becomes more conscious about the environment, many are turning to various innovative ways to conserve energy and reduce our carbon footprint. One such method that is gaining popularity across the globe harnesses the power of the sun and sunlight and is called daylight harvesting.

Put simply, daylight harvesting is the practice of adapting artificial lighting systems to maximize the use of natural light in a building or space. The aim is to reduce the amount of energy these lighting systems consume during the day, while still maintaining optimal lighting levels.

The solar energy spectrum produces 45% of its energy as visible light and is available to us on average for about 9-11 hours per day in most locations on Earth. To be able to save energy costs associated with our indoor lighting by using the available sunlight makes sense, but it requires a building system approach to make it happen.

Daylight harvesting involves a combination of sensors, automated controls, and efficient lighting sources that are designed to adjust light levels based on the amount of natural light available. Light fixtures with dimmable ballasts or LED fixtures that use pulse-width modulation (PWM) are used in this system.

The main advantage of this system is the huge reduction in energy costs associated with running artificial lighting fixtures during the day. This also has an added benefit of reducing heat generation from traditional lighting sources and lessening the workload on building automation processes since less amount of light equals no excess heat generation unnecessarily reducing the burdens on HVAC systems.

This approach not only reduces expenses for the property owner, but it is also sustainable. A report by the US Department of Energy estimates that commercial lighting represents approximately 38% of a building's electricity usage. As such, taking steps to reduce the amount of electricity consumed by your lighting network can have a significant impact on your carbon footprint.

Using the available sunlight as a light source indoors also produces comfort and a healthier work / living space. Providing the right amounts of light to people helps maintain proper circadian rhythms that are crucial to good health and adequate sleep. The natural light also produces better concentration and drives a healthier and more motivated workforce.

By leveraging the power of natural light, you can reduce wattage and save on building energy expenditures while contributing towards a more sustainable and greener world. Best of all, you and your family or employees might see the health benefits of it.

Frank Grobmeier has over 30 years of product management and marketing experience with lighting manufacturers including decades in general lighting and specialty lighting with traditional and LED sources. He currently serves as on the Fanlight / Naturaled marketing management team and resides in the Chicago area.