Introduction
When selecting a lighting solution, it is tempting to focus solely on the upfront cost of the fixtures. However, for businesses aiming to optimise their investments, the Total Cost of Ownership provides a much more accurate picture of what a lighting system will truly cost over its lifetime. When considering lighting solutions, it is crucial to evaluate the TCO before finding the cheapest option. TCO covers all costs associated with the lifespan or warranty period of a fixture, including operation costs, maintenance, downtime, installation, disposal and potential component replacement.
As an OEM lighting manufacturer and solutions provider, we understand that purchasing lighting is just the beginning. Here is why understanding TCO is essential for making a smart, long-term investment in your lighting infrastructure.
Purchase Price vs Long-Term Investment
While the purchase price is an immediate expense, it only accounts for a portion of the overall costs associated with lighting. A comprehensive TCO approach considers various factors that influence both short-term and long-term costs. This includes installation, maintenance, energy consumption, and system longevity, all of which can significantly impact the overall budget and efficiency.
Key Components of Total Cost of Ownership
a) Installation Costs
The cost of installing a lighting system can vary widely based on the type of lighting solution chosen. Different systems require different installations, connectors like Wago allow for easy plug-and-play connection, which reduces time and labour costs, further adding to the benefit of total cost of ownership.
b) Energy Costs
Energy consumption is a significant factor in the TCO of lighting solutions. Low-quality LEDs often use higher wattage for a given light output, than high-quality LEDs, resulting in increased energy usage over time. Higher wattage in turn means less lifespan for the fitting due to heat exposure and component longevity. This is an important factor when considering TCO.
Maintenance and Replacement Costs
Maintenance and replacement are ongoing costs that affect the TCO. While some lighting systems may be cheaper to install initially, they might require frequent maintenance or replacements. Our lighting solutions have a 10-year warranty, and maintenance access is always considered a high priority as we understand how costly maintenance can be. Luminaires are constructed from high-quality components, to avoid having to replace them and generate further cost.
c) Control Systems and Automation
Modern lighting solutions often incorporate sensors, to allow for control and communication with the luminaire. Sensors allow access to a multitude of parameters to commission the lighting environment to the customer's specification. Sensor controls generate significant cost and energy savings and should always be considered when assessing the total cost of ownership.
Calculating TCO: A Strategic Approach
To accurately access TCO, it's crucial to gather detailed information on each of these cost components. Working with a lighting solutions provider, such as an OEM, can help you tailor a system that balances initial investment with long-term savings. Tools like lighting audits, energy consumption forecasts, and maintenance plans are invaluable for calculating and optimising TCO.
How We Optimise Total Cost of Ownership
At Patina we focus heavily on Total Cost of Ownership to ensure the highest quality life cycle of every fitting. We use high-quality components that allow the fitting to be fully optimised while factoring in thermal management and system longevity. Ensuring that the driver, diodes and luminaire allow for proper thermal management is crucial in the life span of any fitting. Additionally, the long-life span of LEDs, once correctly mounted and heat shrunk, reduces the frequency of replacement and associated labour costs, particularly in installations where access is challenging or costly, such as industrial facilities or cleanrooms. By minimising energy use and maintenance requirements, high-efficiency LEDs contribute to a lower overall cost of ownership while supporting sustainability goals.
The majority of fittings are subject to Ingress Protection (IP) to maximise durability and exposure protection, further providing extended life cycles and cost savings through reduced replacement costs and maintenance. Fittings in mission-critical environments are a crucial element, and Patina understands the importance of these environments and how costly downtime can be, which is yet another reason for our strong focus on the quality of components, and system and maintenance longevity. Utility fittings are subject to IK testing, project-dependent, fittings are then UL Certified to ensure full safety, performance, and quality standards in the 60Hz region.
The use of sensors allows for smart communication through sensor programming. This means depending on the customer's requirements luminaires can be set to meet specific needs and requirements. This is important for areas like cleanrooms where light spectrum is highly important. Through correct sensor programming, luminaire optimisation, for thermal management, and optical output can be achieved.
Patina has been involved in the lighting industry for over 20 years and understands the need for safe, time-efficient maintenance and installation. For this reason, many of our luminaires have plug-and-play connectors, to allow for quick, easy installation and maintenance, therefore providing time and labour savings.
Final Word
Understanding the total cost of ownership provides a more comprehensive view of the value and efficiency of lighting systems. By factoring in energy savings, maintenance, and longevity, businesses can make more informed decisions, ensuring that their investment in lighting aligns with their financial and operational goals. At Patina, we prioritise TCO in our lighting solutions to offer our clients efficient, reliable, and cost-effective systems tailored to their needs.
Tired of replacing your lights year in year out? Maintenance and energy costs ramping up your monthly bill?
Get in touch today at info@patinalighting.ie to explore your lighting options and tick another yearly worry off the list.
