Nov. 3. Existing streetlights in Davidson are being replaced on 11 major street thoroughfares with more energy efficient LED lighting.
This LED streetlight conversion project is perhaps the single most effective energy efficiency opportunity available to the town, according to town leaders.
“This conversion is a huge step forward in terms of energy efficiency, which is why we’ve made it a priority,” said Davidson Mayor Rusty Knox. “We will continue to pursue projects that reduce our carbon emissions and promote a sustainable future.”
The town’s conversion to light-emitting diode (LED) streetlight fixtures is beginning now on 11 major street throughfares.
Utility provider Duke Energy owns the poles and will oversee the project of converting public lights on wooden poles, from conventional lighting to the more energy-efficient LED lighting.
The longer lifespan of the new fixtures will yield reduced maintenance and repair costs. LED streetlights can last for decades before needing replacement.
Additionally, the new lights will use about 50 percent less energy than the existing conventional bulbs. This project offers a cost-savings opportunity for the town over time.
The plan
The town is upgrading 800-plus lights on wood poles and upgrading all mercury vapor lights within the next two to three years.
This includes all streets on the following thoroughfare list as well as some lights that are on the decorative poles.
—Southwest Drive/Northwest Drive
—Griffith Street from Portside Drive to Main/115
—Jetton Street from Northeast Drive to Potts ST
—Beaty Street from Griffith Street to Main/115
—Armour Street: full length
—Davidson Gateway Drive: Griffith to Griffith
—South Street from Main/115 to Antiquity Bridge
—Avinger Road to The Pines retirement entrance
—Woodland Street from Concord Road to Spring Street and Eugenia Street.
Not the purple ones
The LED lights to be installed are not the purple lights used in other communities and that generated a lot of complaints and media attention.
Those lights were defective and will not be used in Davidson.
The new LED fixtures use a uniformly dispersed warm white color and may appear brighter compared to the existing yellow, unevenly dispersed conventional lights.
The town selected 3000 Kelvin LED lights for a balance toward energy efficiency, carbon reduction and safety. These lights are consistent with guidance from the American Medical Association and International Dark Sky Association.
Although they are slightly less efficient, the 3000 Kelvin lights are warmer and appear less bright than the typical 4000 Kelvin LED lights.
