What to Know Before Installing Pole Lights on Your Property

by | May 15, 2025

Pole Lights

Whether upgrading your commercial space’s exterior lighting or installing new parking lot lights, pole lights can be an effective solution to provide high-quality illumination. If you’re considering pole light installation for your commercial property, there are several factors you need to know before proceeding.

1. Why Install Pole Lights?

Let’s understand why pole lighting is a common choice for businesses and property owners.

  1. Improved Visibility: Pole lights are designed to illuminate wide areas, ensuring that customers, employees, and visitors can navigate your parking lot or outdoor spaces safely, even after dark.
  2. Aesthetic Appeal: Pole lights can be aesthetically pleasing, contributing to your property’s overall design and ambiance.
  3. Energy Efficiency: With advancements in lighting technology, modern pole lights, particularly LED ones, offer energy-efficient solutions that provide consistent lighting while reducing energy consumption and costs.

Now that we understand why pole lights are essential for many commercial properties, let’s explore the key factors you should consider before installing them.

2. Types of Pole Lights

Various types of pole lighting are available, each designed for different purposes and lighting needs. Below are the most common types of pole lights:

LED Pole Lights

LED pole lights are among the most popular choices for commercial properties due to their energy efficiency, long lifespan, and bright, clear light output.

Advantages of LED Pole Lights:

  1. They have a Long Lifespan.
  2. They offer Durability
  3. They provide Better Light Quality

Metal Halide Pole Lights

Due to their bright white light and high lumen output, these are popular for large areas. They are frequently used in parking lots, streets, and sports fields.

Advantages of Metal Halide Pole Lights:

  1. High Lumen Output: These lights produce bright, crisp white light, ideal for illuminating large areas.

High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) Pole Lights

These could be used in street lighting and large parking lots.

Advantages of HPS Pole Lights:

  1. Energy Efficiency: HPS lights are more energy-efficient than older technologies like incandescent lighting.
  2. Longevity: These lights have a higher lifespan and less maintenance hassle.

Solar Pole Lights

They are ideal for properties looking to reduce their carbon footprint and energy consumption.

Advantages of Solar Pole Lights:

  1. Zero Energy Costs: Solar lights use solar panels to generate electricity, meaning no electricity bills are associated with their operation.
  2. Environmentally Friendly: Solar lights reduce reliance on grid power and lower your carbon footprint.

3. Choosing the Right Lighting Design

Once you’ve decided on the type of pole lights you want, it’s important to consider the design and layout. Here are some factors to consider:

Lighting Levels

Parking lots, for example, need higher levels of illumination for safety and security. Recessed lighting can be an alternate option for walk ways.

Spacing of the Poles

Too much space between poles can leave dark areas, while poles placed too closely together can result in excessive lighting that wastes energy. The optimal distance will depend on the wattage of the lights and the size of the area you need to illuminate.

Light Distribution

Another crucial consideration is the light distribution pattern. Different types of pole lights will have different beam spreads. Some lights may focus the beam more narrowly, ideal for lighting specific areas, while others provide a broader spread, useful for larger spaces.

4. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

When choosing your pole lights, consider their energy consumption and environmental impact. However, modern LED pole lights are designed to be much more energy-efficient, providing the same or better illumination while consuming much less power.

Furthermore, energy-efficient lights contribute to sustainability efforts by reducing your business’s carbon footprint. You may also be eligible for government incentives or rebates for choosing energy-efficient lighting solutions, especially if you opt for solar pole lights.

5. Installation Costs and Maintenance

The costs of installing and maintaining pole lights depend on various factors. Some factors to consider include:

  1. Installation Costs: The upfront cost of installing pole lights includes the fixtures, poles, wiring, and labor. Like those offered by Got Electric LLC, professional installation services will ensure that your lights are installed correctly.
  2. Maintenance Costs: While LED pole lights require minimal maintenance, other lighting types, such as metal halide or HPS, may require more frequent replacements. Consider the long-term maintenance costs when selecting the type of pole light for your property.

A well-designed system will also minimize the need for frequent repairs and provide long-term savings in energy costs.

6. Compliance with Local Regulations

Before proceeding with pole lighting installation, you must check with your local authorities or zoning office. Some municipalities have specific rules regarding the height of light poles, light pollution (such as “dark sky” ordinances), and the type of lighting allowed.

7. Choosing a Professional Installer

A professional installer will ensure that your lights are properly positioned and installed, ensuring maximum efficiency and safety.

Experience: Choose an installer with experience in parking lot light installation and exterior lighting for commercial properties.

  1. Reputation: Look for a company with a good reputation for providing quality work and customer service.
  2. Licensing and Insurance: Ensure the installer is licensed and insured to perform electrical work.
  3. Warranty and Support: Choose a company that offers warranties on installation and the lighting equipment.

At Got Electric LLC, we provide expert parking lot light installation and other exterior lighting solutions for businesses. Our team can help you choose the right type of pole light, design an effective lighting layout, and install your system to ensure safety, functionality, and energy efficiency.

Experience: Choose an installer with experience in parking lot light installation and exterior lighting for commercial properties.

  1. Reputation: Look for a company with a good reputation for providing quality work and customer service.
  2. Licensing and Insurance: Ensure the installer is licensed and insured to perform electrical work.
  3. Warranty and Support: Choose a company that offers warranties on installation and the lighting equipment.

At Got Electric LLC, we provide expert parking lot light installation and other exterior lighting solutions for businesses. Our team can help you choose the right type of pole light, design an effective lighting layout, and install your system to ensure safety, functionality, and energy efficiency.

Conclusion

Installing pole lights on your property is a significant investment that can enhance security, visibility, and the overall appearance of your commercial space. With the right approach and professional installation from Got Electric LLC, you can ensure that your lighting system serves your needs for years.

With offices in Ijamsville, MD & Linville, VA, Got Electric offers residential and commercial electric work, including installation, safety inspections, repairs, lighting design, and troubleshooting.

Contact us now

Got Electric also specializes in solar Energy Projects. Our electricians are fully licensed by state and local jurisdiction, ensuring that your electrical projects will be installed to industry and code standards.

Energized by Auxilium Technology

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Explore more from Got Electric

With offices in Ijamsville, MD & Linville, VA, Got Electric offers residential and commercial electric work, including installation, safety inspections, repairs, lighting design, and troubleshooting.

Contact us now

Got Electric also specializes in solar Energy Projects. Our electricians are fully licensed by state and local jurisdiction, ensuring that your electrical projects will be installed to industry and code standards.

Energized by Auxilium Technology

Ceiling fans