Networked Lighting Controls are the Energy Efficient Future of the Internet of Things

We’ve all interacted with the Internet of Things (IoT). Some people have home network devices like Amazon Echo, Google Home or Nest, or a homemade Arduino Board or Raspberry Pi. They might connect to a video camera, a thermostat, a home audio system, or lighting. There are also less obvious ways we interact with the IoT: at work or the grocery store, you might notice the overhead lights get just a little bit dimmer when the sun comes out or darker when it goes away.

One part of the IoT includes networked lighting controls (NLCs), which help provide more efficient and better lighting solutions. Networked lighting controls are an IoT technology that connect fixtures to a single controller via bluetooth, wifi, or another comparable signal; the controller is responsible for the user interface that will help determine the settings for your lighting.

Do you want the lights to go out when no one is around? Or do you want the lights to turn on at only 25 percent of their usual power when the sun is out? Or do you prefer a different color of light after dark?

NLCs, and their IoT companion technology luminaire-level lighting controls (LLLCs) which have controls on each fixture, can help you do all that and more. Encentiv Energy Product Manager, Kelli DeThomas writes, “Interior NLC systems require capabilities including the networking of luminaires and devices, occupancy sensing, daylight harvesting/photocell control, high-end trim, zoning, individual addressability, continuous dimming, and energy monitoring in some instances,” according to the latest update from the Design Lighting Consortium.

The power of NLCs are in the name: they give you more control. More control over lighting means better responses to lighting and more efficient usage. In one study of a retrofit project at a brewery in Connecticut, the brewery was able to cut an additional 16 percent from their energy usage with much of the savings coming from daylight monitoring and occupancy sensors. Lighting performance increased, as well. With these reductions and a rebate from their local utility, the brewery will pay off the cost of the entire project in just seven years of increased energy efficiency. 

NLCs and LLLCs hold a surprise in their technology. Their sensors can be used to increase your HVAC energy efficiency. With their IoT connections, sensors on your lighting fixtures that respond to temperature, humidity, occupancy, and other energy uses can send signals to your HVAC units as well. Just like at home with your Google Nest that controls your lights and your thermostat, NLCs and LLLCs are a critical part of the IoT system that will increase your energy efficiency, decrease your carbon use, and benefit the planet’s green future.  

NLCs and LLLCs are the future of energy efficiency, and rebates for these lighting fixtures are starting to reflect that. For more information on specific rebates, you can visit our blog post about the mid-year updates for 2024 utility rebates, or you can reach out to us at hello@utilitygenius.com to learn more about UtilityGenius where we can help you find the right rebates for you!