Commercial LED Parking Lot Lights

Q: How Much Energy Can LED Parking Lot Lights Save Compared to Metal Halide?

LED parking lot lights deliver 50-67% energy savings over traditional HID lamps . A 150W LED replaces a 400W metal halide system, reducing annual operating costs by approximately $176 per fixture . With 20 fixtures, expect $3,530 in annual savings at $0.13/kWh electricity rates based on 12-hour daily operation.

Q: What Wattage LED Do I Need to Replace a 400 Watt Metal Halide Parking Lot Light?

A 150-200W LED fixture effectively replaces a 400W metal halide system. The LED equivalent produces 15,000-25,000 lumens while consuming less power . Many fixtures include toggle switches for wattage adjustment, allowing fine-tuning after installation based on actual lighting requirements and pole height.

Q: How Long Do LED Parking Lot Lights Last Compared to Metal Halide?

LED parking lot lights offer a longer lifespan of 50,000+ hours compared to 15,000 hours for metal halide bulbs. This means 3-4 fewer bulb replacements per LED fixture lifespan, eliminating approximately $75 per service call for labor and parts. Metal halide bulbs also lose 50% brightness at half-life, requiring earlier replacement for consistent illumination.

Q: What Color Temperature Is Best for Parking Lot LED Lights?

5000K is the most popular choice for parking lots, providing crisp white light ideal for security and visibility. 4000K offers a neutral white option, while 3000K provides warmer lighting. Many fixtures feature toggle switches allowing color temperature adjustment between installations, eliminating guesswork during specification.

Q: What Are Type III and Type V Optics for Parking Lot Lighting Options?

Type III optics create a forward-throw beam pattern ideal for perimeter lighting and roadways. Type V optics provide 360-degree circular light distribution, perfect for center-mounted fixtures in large parking areas. Professional lighting plans help determine optimal optic selection based on pole spacing , mounting height, and coverage requirements to provide optimal illumination .

Q: Do LED Parking Lot Lights Work with Motion Sensors and Photocells?

LED parking lot lights integrate seamlessly with motion sensors and photocells due to instant on/off capability without lifespan impact. Photocells enable automatic dusk-to-dawn operation, while motion sensors allow dimming during low-traffic periods for additional energy savings. Most fixtures accommodate these controls as standard or optional features.

Q: What Mounting Options Are Available for LED Parking Lot Lights?

Common mounting options include slip fitter mounts for direct pole installation, yoke mounts for adjustable positioning, and arm mounts for extended reach. Fixtures accommodate pole heights from 10-50 feet and accept both standard voltage (100-277V) and high voltage (277-480V) configurations to match existing electrical infrastructure and provide wind resistance.

Q: Are LED Parking Lot Lights DLC Listed for Utility Rebates?

Most parking lot LED fixtures are DLC Listed or DLC Premium certified, qualifying for utility rebate programs. All fixtures are UL Listed or ETL Listed for safety compliance. DLC certification ensures energy efficiency requirements are met while providing documentation needed for rebate applications and energy audits.

Q: What Is the ROI Timeline for LED Parking Lot Light Upgrades?

Typical ROI occurs in under 15 months for metal halide replacements when factoring energy savings and reduced maintenance costs. A 20-fixture upgrade delivers $3,530 annual savings in energy costs alone, with additional maintenance savings of $4,500+ over the LED lifespan through eliminated bulb and ballast replacements.

Q: Why Choose LED Lighting Supply for Parking Lot Light Projects?

LED Lighting Supply combines 15+ years of expertise with 25,000+ completed projects to deliver consultative solutions beyond product sales. Our specialists provide complimentary lighting plans, perform detailed energy calculations, and recommend precise wattage and optic combinations based on your specific mounting heights and coverage requirements. All products include 5-year warranties with USA-based support.

By LED Lighting Supply

50%+ energy savings with UL Listed fixtures and 5-year warranties
100,000+ hour lifespan eliminates frequent maintenance and replacement costs
DLC Premium certification qualifies for 50-70% utility rebate coverage

Browse Our Commercial LED Parking Lot Lights

Our commitment to quality Our products are held to the highest standards for performance & reliability LED Lighting Supply Certification Stamp

Commercial LED parking lot lights provide reliable, energy-efficient illumination for parking lots, outdoor commercial spaces, and recreational facilities. These high-performance fixtures offer substantial energy savings over traditional HID lighting while delivering superior light quality and minimal maintenance requirements. LED Lighting Supply Commercial LED Parking Lot Lights feature adjustable wattage and color temperature options, making them ideal for diverse outdoor lighting applications. These versatile fixtures serve multiple commercial applications beyond traditional parking areas. They provide excellent illumination for tennis courts, basketball courts, and pickleball courts, offering the precise light distribution needed for both security and recreational activities. Available in power ranges from 100 to 500 watts, these fixtures accommodate mounting heights from 10 to 50 feet with various mounting options including slip fitter, pole mount, and yoke configurations. The advanced LED technology delivers immediate energy savings of 50% or more compared to metal halide and high-pressure sodium fixtures. Toggle-adjustable wattage and color temperature controls allow fine-tuning after installation, while photocell and motion sensor compatibility enables automated operation for additional energy savings. With 50,000+ hour lifespans, these commercial-grade fixtures eliminate frequent bulb replacements and reduce maintenance costs significantly. UL Listed and DLC qualified options ensure safety compliance and utility rebate eligibility for most installations.

What are LED Lighting Supply Parking Lot Lights?

LED Lighting Supply parking lot lights are outdoor LED shoebox lights designed to light up outdoor parking lots, car parks, parking garages, and other outdoor areas. They are a paramount lighting option for public safety and creating a safe, well-lit outdoor space.

They are also a common fixture used to light up outdoor tennis courts, basketball courts, and pickleball courts. Power ranges from 100 Watts to 500 Watts, and they are available in 3000K, 4000K, and 5000K color temperatures.

Many of our fixtures feature toggle switches for wattage and lumen adjustability, allowing you to fine-tune the light output after installation. Standard voltage (100-277V) and High Voltage (277-480V) are available.

Like all LED Lights, Commercial LED Parking Lot Lights are known for their energy efficiency, with savings of 50% or more over HID lights for street light fixtures and parking lights. LED Parking Lot lights are control-ready. Most can be equipped with photocells for dusk-to-dawn operation.

The U.S. Department of Energy confirms that LED lighting technology offers significant energy savings for commercial outdoor applications. DOE's LED lighting guidance emphasizes that LED fixtures can reduce energy consumption by 75% compared to traditional incandescent and HID lighting systems while lasting 25 times longer.

Some can be equipped with motion sensors so the lights can dim when no activity is in the area. In addition to popular options like shoebox lights, LED area lights are also available for large areas, providing both functional and aesthetic lighting solutions.

Best LED Parking Lot Lights

Our customer upgraded their parking lot in New England with our high-power LED shoebox lights

How to Choose the Right LED Lighting Supply Parking Lot Light Fixture

The following factors can impact the right fixture for your needs:

Light Level Required	How much light do you want it to be? What are your desired light output and illumination levels you need?
Mounting Height	What is the height of your light poles? This can range from 10 to 50 feet in height.
Mount Type	Slip fitter or pole mount. We carry all common mounting options for indoor and outdoor fixtures and can match your existing mounts.
Voltage Required	All we need to know is your current voltage, and we can supply the right driver. All drivers will automatically adjust to the incoming voltage. No action is required by you to set the driver.
Fixture Color	We stock traditional bronze and white.
Are Photocells or Motion Sensors Required?	Motion sensors are a great way to save additional money. Photocells always turn on and off the lights at the proper time of day. This can impact availability and cost.
Commercial Grade	High-Performance Quality Commercial Lighting.
Cost Preference	There is a cost scale based on performance, quality, and warranty: Good, Better, and Best.
How quickly is it needed?	We have many in-stock options.
Color Temperature	The most popular color temperature is 5000K, which is a great choice for metal halide replacement. 4000K is a good choice for fluorescent lighting replacement. If you can't decide, we offer fixtures that are toggle-adjustable, where you can select the color temperature.
Optics / Beam Spread	The most common are Type III and Type V. We can make recommendations based on our 17 years of experience. However, we typically do lighting plans to select the best optic option.

LED Parking Lot Light Distribution Patterns

Professional lighting design follows established industry standards for optimal performance and safety. The Illuminating Engineering Society provides comprehensive recommended practices for parking lot lighting that address uniformity ratios, light levels, and distribution patterns. IES recommended practices help ensure proper visibility and security while minimizing light pollution and energy waste.

Led Retrofit Kits Installed In Parking Lot Fixture

Our customer used our LED parking lot lights to upgrade from high-pressure sodium fixtures

Benefits of our LED Commercial Parking Lot Lights

There are many. Here are a few based on our 10+ years of experience.

Energy savings	Represent one of the most compelling reasons to upgrade to LED parking lot lights. You should expect upwards of 50% reduced costs over traditional outdoor lighting fixtures. This dramatic reduction in energy consumption directly impacts your monthly utility bills. LED lights will reduce your amp load significantly, eliminating the need to upgrade your electrical panel during the retrofit process. When compared to older light sources such as high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, LED lighting offers superior energy savings and lower operational costs that continue year after year.
Minimal maintenance requirements	Create substantial labor and material cost savings over time. HID Metal Halide bulbs typically need replacing at around 15,000 hours of operation. These bulbs lose significant brightness throughout their lifespan- at half-life, they have already lost 50% of their original lumen output. For parking lot lighting applications requiring consistently bright illumination, like sports fields, you may find yourself replacing bulbs much sooner than expected. High-intensity discharge lamps like metal halide and HPS also require ballast replacements and more frequent maintenance visits compared to long-life LEDs.
Instant on and instant off capability	Eliminates the lengthy warm-up time associated with traditional lighting technologies. Metal halide fixtures can take several minutes to reach full brightness after being switched on. LED parking lot lights reach full illumination immediately, which enhances security and provides immediate visibility when needed most.
Superior compatibility with motion sensors and photocells	Opens up additional energy-saving opportunities. Because LED lights can turn on and off instantly without affecting their lifespan, they integrate seamlessly with automated lighting controls. This compatibility allows for sophisticated lighting management systems that further reduce energy consumption.
Advanced dimming capabilities	Are available in select LED models, though not all fixtures offer this feature. For commercial parking lot applications, dimming means you can automatically lower light levels when the parking area is empty or during low-traffic periods. These lights work exceptionally well with dimming motion sensors that can detect occupancy and adjust brightness accordingly.
Effective light pollution control	Addresses growing environmental and regulatory concerns. LED parking lot lights can be equipped with back shields and precision optics designed to direct all visible light downward rather than allowing it to escape into the sky. If your facility needs to meet dark sky compliance requirements, these fixtures provide the technical solutions necessary to achieve those environmental goals.
Superior light quality	Enhances visibility and security in parking areas. Higher color rendering index values and longer lifetime produce consistently better lighting results than traditional technologies. LED technologies deliver high brightness levels and maintain that brightness throughout their lifespan, ensuring adequate parking lot lighting and visibility for large outdoor areas like parking lots.
Color temperature adjustability	Provides flexibility for different applications and preferences. Many parking lot lights feature onboard toggle switches that allow you to choose the color temperature after installation. Typical adjustment options range between 3000K and 5000K, letting you fine-tune the lighting appearance to match surrounding fixtures or meet specific requirements.
Wattage adjustability	Offers unprecedented control over light output and energy consumption. These advanced parking lot lights include onboard toggle switches that allow you to choose the power output based on actual site conditions. This flexibility means you can select the optimal light output even after installation, ensuring you're not over-lighting or under-lighting the area while maximizing energy efficiency.

45 Watt Led Retrofit Kit Parking Lot

We were asked to recommend a parking lot fixture to replace 400 Watts High Pressure Sodium. The customer said our lights made the area brighter and safer

Energy Savings and ROI Calculations

150W LED vs 400W Metal Halide Replacement (with ballast)

Assumptions: Based on 18 hours/day, 365 days/year at $0.15/kWh

Metal Halide (460W)	Annual Energy Cost: $453.33 5 Year Energy Cost: $2266.65 5 Year Savings: $0.00
LED UFO Fixture (150W)	Annual Energy Cost: $147.83 5 Year Energy Cost: $739.13 5 Year Savings: $45825.75
Savings & Payback	Single Fixture Annual Savings: $305.51 30 Fixture Annual Savings: $9165 ROI Timeline: Under 5 months
Performance Summary	Energy Reduction: 67% 5-Year ROI: 41560% Lamp Life: 50,000+ (LED) vs 15,000 (MH)

Parking Lot Three Fixtures

Maintenance Cost Savings

Over the 50,000+ hour lifespan of LED fixtures, you'll save significantly on maintenance costs. Metal Halide bulbs require replacement every 15,000 hours, meaning fewer replacements per LED fixture lifespan. With 20 fixtures, this eliminates 60-80 bulb replacements plus associated ballast replacements. At approximately $75 per service call, including labor and parts, the maintenance savings exceed $4,500 over the LED fixture lifespan.

How Many LED Lumens Do You Need to Replace a Metal Halide Parking Lot Outdoor Lighting Fixture?

Here are some replacement guidelines to follow:

250-Watt HID / Metal Halide	9,000 - 12,000 LED lumens
400-Watt HID / Metal Halide	15,000 - 25,000 LED lumens
1000-Watt HID / Metal Halide	35,000 - 50,000 LED lumens
1500-Watt + HID / Metal Halide	50,000 - 90,000 LED lumens

Mounting Options for LED Parking Lot Lights

To achieve optimal light spread and coverage, LED parking lot lights offer a range of versatile mounting options. Common choices include pole mounts, slip fitters, and yoke mounts, allowing for easy installation on light poles, building walls, or other structures throughout parking lots and outdoor environments. The right mounting option depends on the specific lighting needs and the type of fixture being used. Proper installation is essential to ensure that the lights are securely fastened and positioned for maximum effectiveness, delivering uniform illumination without dark spots or wasted energy. Arm mounts are also available, providing adjustable angles and extension for targeted lighting of specific zones within a parking lot.

** Final fixture selection and installation must comply with local electrical codes, pole and foundation load requirements, and should be performed by licensed professionals.

Outdoor Shoebox Retrofitted With Led

Certifications and Quality Standards

All our parking lot lights meet rigorous safety and performance standards. Our fixtures are UL Listed or ETL Listed for safety compliance. Most fixtures are also DLC Listed or DLC Premium certified, ensuring they meet strict energy efficiency requirements and qualify for utility rebates. These certifications assure that our fixtures meet the highest industry standards for performance, safety, and energy efficiency.

Safety certifications are crucial for commercial lighting installations. UL Listed certification ensures electrical safety and performance standards are met.

The Design Lights Consortium sets the industry standard for high-performance commercial lighting products. DLC qualification ensures that LED fixtures meet stringent efficacy, power quality, and performance requirements. DLC's Qualified Products List helps facility managers and lighting professionals identify energy-efficient products that qualify for utility incentives and rebates nationwide.

Warranty and Support

All our lights come with at least a 5-year warranty, and all warranty support is based in the USA. We take customer support seriously, and helping you with a warranty claim is important to us.

Expert Support That Goes Beyond Product Selection

LED Lighting Supply provides complimentary custom lighting plans created by our experienced product specialists for your specific parking lot or facility. Our team performs detailed energy savings calculations based on your current fixtures and usage patterns to show exact cost reductions and payback timelines. With over 17 years in commercial lighting, our product specialists understand parking lot illumination standards and can recommend an efficient solution for your space. We handle complex projects involving multiple fixture types and mounting configurations. This professional consultation service ensures you purchase exactly what you need while avoiding costly over-specification or under-lighting issues that can compromise safety and security.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

After 17 years installing parking lot lighting, I've seen the same mistakes cost facility managers thousands and create dangerous dark zones. Most problems happen during fixture selection when people assume all LED fixtures perform the same.

Using residential grade fixtures for parking lot applications. These fail within 18 months under continuous operation. Always specify commercial grade with DLC certification and minimum IP65 weather rating for outdoor use.
Matching HID wattage directly to LED wattage during replacement. This creates massive overlighting and wastes energy. A 100W LED typically replaces a 400W metal halide fixture based on lumen output, not wattage.
Ordering wrong mounting hardware without checking existing poles first. Slip fitter, yoke mount, and arm brackets are not interchangeable. Measure your existing setup before ordering to avoid expensive returns and delays.
Selecting Type V optics for perimeter poles or building-mounted fixtures. This wastes light into neighboring properties and creates light trespass violations. Use Type III optics for perimeter mounting and save Type V for interior pole locations.
Installing fixtures without considering pole height and spacing requirements. 150W fixtures on 35-foot poles create dark spots, while 300W fixtures on 20-foot poles cause glare. Match fixture output to mounting height using proper photometric calculations.
Choosing fixed output fixtures instead of adjustable models. Site conditions rarely match initial plans. Fixtures with toggle switches for wattage and color temperature prevent costly replacements when you need output adjustments.
Forgetting to verify voltage before ordering drivers. Many parking lots run 277V or 480V circuits, not standard 120V. Installing wrong voltage drivers requires complete fixture replacement and electrical modifications.
Skipping photocell integration during initial installation. Adding dusk-to-dawn controls later requires separate service calls and additional wiring work. Plan for photocells during the retrofit to maximize energy savings from day one.

Commercial LED Parking Lot Lights Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Energy Can LED Parking Lot Lights Save Compared to Metal Halide?

LED parking lot lights deliver 50-67% energy savings over traditional HID lamps. A 150W LED replaces a 400W metal halide system, reducing annual operating costs by approximately $176 per fixture. With 20 fixtures, expect $3,530 in annual savings at $0.13/kWh electricity rates based on 12-hour daily operation.

What Wattage LED Do I Need to Replace a 400 Watt Metal Halide Parking Lot Light?

A 150-200W LED fixture effectively replaces a 400W metal halide system. The LED equivalent produces 15,000-25,000 lumens while consuming less power. Many fixtures include toggle switches for wattage adjustment, allowing fine-tuning after installation based on actual lighting requirements and pole height.

How Long Do LED Parking Lot Lights Last Compared to Metal Halide?

LED parking lot lights offer a longer lifespan of 50,000+ hours compared to 15,000 hours for metal halide bulbs. This means 3-4 fewer bulb replacements per LED fixture lifespan, eliminating approximately $75 per service call for labor and parts. Metal halide bulbs also lose 50% brightness at half-life, requiring earlier replacement for consistent illumination.

What Color Temperature Is Best for Parking Lot LED Lights?

5000K is the most popular choice for parking lots, providing crisp white light ideal for security and visibility. 4000K offers a neutral white option, while 3000K provides warmer lighting. Many fixtures feature toggle switches allowing color temperature adjustment between installations, eliminating guesswork during specification.

What Are Type III and Type V Optics for Parking Lot Lighting Options?

Type III optics create a forward-throw beam pattern ideal for perimeter lighting and roadways. Type V optics provide 360-degree circular light distribution, perfect for center-mounted fixtures in large parking areas. Professional lighting plans help determine optimal optic selection based on pole spacing, mounting height, and coverage requirements to provide optimal illumination.

Do LED Parking Lot Lights Work with Motion Sensors and Photocells?

LED parking lot lights integrate seamlessly with motion sensors and photocells due to instant on/off capability without lifespan impact. Photocells enable automatic dusk-to-dawn operation, while motion sensors allow dimming during low-traffic periods for additional energy savings. Most fixtures accommodate these controls as standard or optional features.

What Mounting Options Are Available for LED Parking Lot Lights?

Common mounting options include slip fitter mounts for direct pole installation, yoke mounts for adjustable positioning, and arm mounts for extended reach. Fixtures accommodate pole heights from 10-50 feet and accept both standard voltage (100-277V) and high voltage (277-480V) configurations to match existing electrical infrastructure and provide wind resistance.

Are LED Parking Lot Lights DLC Listed for Utility Rebates?

Most parking lot LED fixtures are DLC Listed or DLC Premium certified, qualifying for utility rebate programs. All fixtures are UL Listed or ETL Listed for safety compliance. DLC certification ensures energy efficiency requirements are met while providing documentation needed for rebate applications and energy audits.

What Is the ROI Timeline for LED Parking Lot Light Upgrades?

Typical ROI occurs in under 15 months for metal halide replacements when factoring energy savings and reduced maintenance costs. A 20-fixture upgrade delivers $3,530 annual savings in energy costs alone, with additional maintenance savings of $4,500+ over the LED lifespan through eliminated bulb and ballast replacements.

Why Choose LED Lighting Supply for Parking Lot Light Projects?

LED Lighting Supply combines 15+ years of expertise with 25,000+ completed projects to deliver consultative solutions beyond product sales. Our specialists provide complimentary lighting plans, perform detailed energy calculations, and recommend precise wattage and optic combinations based on your specific mounting heights and coverage requirements. All products include 5-year warranties with USA-based support.

Can LED Parking Lot Lights Be Dimmed for Additional Energy Savings?

Select LED parking lot fixtures offer 0-10V dimming capability for integration with advanced lighting control systems. Dimming enables automatic light level reduction during low-traffic periods or when combined with occupancy sensors. Not all fixtures include dimming, so specify this requirement during selection for various applications requiring variable light output.

What Voltage Options Are Available for LED Parking Lot Lights?

LED parking lot lights accommodate standard voltage (100-277V) and high voltage (277-480V) applications. Drivers automatically adjust to incoming voltage without manual configuration. This flexibility allows direct replacement of existing fixtures regardless of electrical system voltage, simplifying retrofit installations without electrical modifications.

What is the BUG Rating for LED Parking Lot Lights?

The BUG Rating-short for Backlight, Uplight, and Glare-is a system developed by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) to measure how outdoor fixtures control light distribution.

Backlight (B) measures light spilling behind the fixture.
Uplight (U) measures light directed upward into the sky.
Glare (G) measures brightness that can cause visual discomfort.

For LED parking lot lights, a low BUG rating (such as B1-U0-G1) indicates precise light control, minimal skyglow, and compliance with Dark Sky and local codes. Choosing fixtures with appropriate BUG ratings improves visibility, safety, and neighborhood comfort while reducing light pollution.

What's the Difference Between LED Parking Lot Lighting and Parking Garage Lighting?

While both lighting types improve safety and visibility, they are designed for very different environments:

LED Parking Lot Lighting is built for open outdoor areas. It uses pole-mounted fixtures with wide beam distributions to illuminate large spaces uniformly. These lights are weatherproof, often IP65+ rated, and designed with low BUG ratings to reduce glare and light spill into surrounding residential areas.

LED Parking Garage Lighting, by contrast, is made for enclosed or low-ceiling structures. It uses surface- or ceiling-mounted fixtures with controlled optics to prevent glare and maintain consistent brightness in confined spaces. LEDs offer instant-on performance, uniform light levels, and occupancy controls for energy efficiency.