Do you eat in the dark? Do you work in the dark?
Many of the barns we visit do not have the recommended light levels. Even on bright days, when the lights are turned off, the majority of the barn requires additional light. Our team of electricians understand that good lighting needs to provide light at the right levels and with consistency and uniformity. Our network of dealers and electricians can guide you through the design process to ensure the best decisions are made for your farm.
The Design Process
1. Facility Assessment
The first step in the process is to understand your needs and your barn. This includes many elements that factor into the design process including: dimensions of the space; height of the ceiling; slope of the ceiling; natural light that may be coming into the barn via sidewall curtains or ridge light panels; and ceiling and wall materials for light reflection characteristics. Additionally, we consider other aspects of the barn including livestock group management; farmer use and workflows or barn activities; and locations of activity such as feed locations, cow beds, etc.
We also consider your current lighting and electrical. One of the first steps in this process is determining existing light levels in the barn with a light meter. Our goal is to find the right solution and minimize the need to do extensive electrical work. However, your goals will also determine the need to modify the electrical work to host more lights or locate lights in different spots.
2. Photometric Design
From all the data attained from the barn we then create a photometric design. We begin by choosing the right fixture for the space and application. By working with the fixture’s characteristics we then begin to work on designing an optimal plan for fixture placement. Where it’s possible we work with existing electrical. Where prudent we may recommend altering the current lighting plan. It is important to reach the right level of light so that it accommodates the needs of the facility, not just upon install but throughout the life of the fixture (including natural degradation). The real goal is to attain a design that creates a very balanced and uniform light level.
3. Estimate and ROI Model
Once the photometric design is complete, we then develop a corresponding estimate. This will look at the capital investment to be made to acquire new fixtures and can also include the electrical work required to install and possibly retrofitting the electrical. We can also provide you an Return on Investment (ROI) Model that will look at some of the savings for making the decision. This will take into account capital cost but then factor in hydro savings and lamp replacement costs. Where control systems can be used we can also factor in dimming that increases life of the fixture and reduces hydro usage. Additionally, we can also research the rebate programs that may exist in your location. Finally we consider your herd management program at a very high level to determine (based on accredited research) what potential for improvement could be recognized in the form of production increase or reproduction increases.
Fill in the form on our LED Quote Request page to receive an estimate