Smart Lighting Solutions

Save energy and gain efficiencies with smart lighting solutions. They can be controlled remotely, with voice commands or via an app.

Unlike traditional light bulbs, smart ones are wireless and communicate with each other over Wi-Fi. Some use a hub which plugs into your internet router and processes commands from phones, tablets or smart speakers. Others are wired into switches or smart plugs, such as the popular Kasa Smart Plug.
1. Energy Efficiency

Unlike regular light bulbs, which require manual operation, smart lighting solutions incorporate sensor technology and wireless connectivity that allows them to communicate automatically with one another. This automation can reduce energy waste and lower electricity bills, providing significant financial benefits over time.

Many smart lighting solutions feature energy-saving options like daylight harvesting, scheduled brightness, and occupancy awareness. They can also be triggered by other connected devices and networks. For example, a smart street light that detects a car crash can alert emergency personnel and activate a traffic signal, using network technology to re-route vehicles around the scene.

Smart lights that use machine learning can even be programmed to turn on and off at times that mimic the daily lighting patterns of occupants. This can make it appear that someone is home, even when the property is empty for long periods of time.
2. Convenience

Lights turn on and off based on the day-to-day habits of occupants, which reduces wasted energy. Smart lighting can also be used to give the illusion that a home or office is occupied, which may deter burglars.

Some systems have built-in motion and lighting sensors that can detect people, preventing lights from being turned on or off in empty rooms. This feature is useful for businesses that want to reduce their electricity bills and energy consumption.

Smart lighting can also connect to other devices, allowing users to control them with an app or a voice assistant. This is a convenient feature for those who own smart appliances like thermostats and security systems, which can be integrated into a lighting system to create automation scenarios. Be sure to check whether a particular lighting system collects data, as this information can be used for advertising purposes. A reputable company will have strict privacy policies in place.
3. Safety

Integrated smart lighting solutions offer the opportunity to integrate with building, life safety and security systems, providing facilities with an efficient platform for managing multiple systems from one central point. This allows facilities to monitor systems, identify and respond quickly to incidents, maintain a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors, all while saving energy and money.

Smart lights that incorporate motion sensors turn on only when they detect a pedestrian or vehicle and then automatically dim to save energy when no one is around. This is a great way to reduce energy consumption without sacrificing the quality of illumination people expect from traditional streetlights.

Adaptive smart lighting also adjusts to weather elements such as fog, which can greatly diminish a driver’s visibility. This can help prevent accidents caused by drivers being unable to see their surroundings and the road ahead. This is a very important safety feature that many automotive manufacturers are implementing in their vehicles.
4. Control

There’s no need to fumble around a dark home looking for the light switch if your smart lighting system is integrated with your digital assistant. You can control your lights using voice commands and even use a hub or gateway that supports the IFTTT (if this then that) feature to change hues based on interior temperatures, outside weather conditions, and other triggers.

For those who don’t want to invest in a hub-controlled smart lighting system, there are plenty of standalone options for individual bulbs and switches. For example, the Wyze bulb offers a no-frills option that’s app-controlled, dimmable and voice-activated—all for under $10.

Most wireless smart lighting systems include remote controls that can be wall-mounted to replace existing switches, allowing you to avoid messing with wiring. However, it’s important to ensure that your new upgrade is compatible with the protocols of the smart home ecosystem you plan on using it with. Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa are common standards, but support can vary between brands.