The market for lighting controls in commercial buildings has entered a period of dramatic transformation, as the demand for both local controls, such as occupancy sensors and photosensors, and networked controls, rises and the adoption rate of LED lighting systems begins to climb as well. According to Navigant Research, worldwide revenues from networked lighting controls will grow from US$1.7 billion annually in 2013 to more than US$5.3 billion by 2020.
"Building owners and managers, who are accustomed to the idea of centrally monitoring and managing their heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, are beginning to expect the same level of control from lighting systems," said Jesse Foote, research analyst with Navigant Research. "To meet this growing demand, a number of different types of vendors – including pure-play startup companies and traditional lighting vendors – are moving aggressively into the lighting controls market."
As falling prices for LEDs drive up adoption rates of LED lamps, the adoption of lighting controls is also likely to accelerate. The semiconductor nature of LEDs makes them inherently controllable, with a high degree of dimmability, easy integration of controls with drivers, and instantaneous startup. In fact, many LED lamps are being sold with built-in controllability, whether or not there are plans to make use of those features.
