Multiply pole height by 2.5 to 3 to get spacing distance. A 30-foot pole needs lights spaced 75 to 90 feet apart. Road width determines arrangement: single-sided for roads under 30 feet, staggered or opposite for wider roads. IES RP-8 standards specify lux levels by road classification.
LED street lights support 0-10V dimming, DALI protocols, and wireless IoT controls. Motion sensors dim fixtures to 30-50% when no activity is detected, saving an additional 20-30% on energy. Smart city systems enable remote monitoring, scheduling, and automatic fault reporting through cellular or mesh networks.
Dark sky compliant LED street lights use shielded optics with zero uplight (BUG rating U0) and warm CCT of 3000K or lower. Full cutoff fixtures direct all light downward, preventing sky glow and light trespass. IDA-certified fixtures meet International Dark-Sky Association standards for wildlife and community protection.
Retrofit kits replace the lamp and ballast inside existing fixtures, costing 40-60% less than full replacement. New fixtures provide better optics, thermal management, and warranty coverage. Retrofit works best for poles under 15 years old with compatible arm mounts. Full replacement suits aging infrastructure or major upgrades.
DLC-listed LED street lights qualify for utility rebates of $30 to $150 per fixture, reducing upfront costs by 15-30%. DLC Premium fixtures earn higher rebates due to superior efficacy. Municipalities must submit product documentation, invoices, and installation verification. Rebates can shorten payback periods from 4 years to under 2 years.