5b. LED Lights
CITY OF
CHAN HAS SEN
7700 Market Boulevard
PO Box 147
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Administration
Phone: 952.227.1100
Fax: 952.227.1110
Building Inspections
Phone: 952.227.1180
Fax: 952.227.1190
Engineering
Phone: 952.227.1160
Fax: 952.227.1170
Finance
Phone: 952.227.1140
Fax: 952.227.1110
Park & Recreation
Phone: 952.227.1120
Fax: 952.227.1110
Recreation Center
2310 Coulter Boulevard
Phone: 952.227.1400
Fax: 952.227.1404
Planning &
Natural Resources
Phone: 952.227.1130
Fax: 952.227.1110
Public Works
1591 Park Road
Phone: 952.227.1300
Fax: 952.227.1310
Senior Center
Phone: 952.227.1125
Fax: 952.227.1110
Web Site
www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Sharmeen Al-Jaff, Senior Planner
DATE: April 7,2009
SUBJ: Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Lights
ISSUE
Staff was contacted by a developer requesting installation of Light-
Emitting Diode (LED) lights. Staff explained that current city
ordinances allow only High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) lights. Staff
researched the difference between LED and HPS and is requesting
direction from the Planning Commission on how to proceed.
BACKGROUND
The City Code allows high-pressure sodium (HPS) light fixtures only (Sec. 20-
913). This requirement applies to public and private developments. The code
also requires that if a development changes more than 50% of its existing
nonconforming light fixtures, then the new fixtures must meet all standards
specified in the code including the high-pressure sodium.
Chanhassen is a Community for Life. Providing for Today and Planning for Tomorrow
Planning Commission
LED Lights
April 7, 2009
Page 2 of 5
A large number of the city street lights are owned and maintained by Xcel Energy and Minnesota
Valley Electric Company (MVEC). Currently Xcel Energy and MVEC offer HPS only. This
discussion will focus on privately owned lights rather than street lights owned by Xcel Energy.
EXISTING SITES WITH LED LIGHTS
Staff recommends the Planning Commission visit one or more of the following sites to be more
acquainted with LED light fixtures:
. Chan View in Chanhassen (south of the Chanhassen Fire Station) located at 7610 Laredo
Drive, Chanhassen, MN 55317
. Eden Prairie City Hall parking lot located at 8080 Mitchell Road, Eden Prairie, Minnesota
55344
. 1-35W Mississippi River Bridge, Minneapolis
. Cub Foods - Phalen Neighborhood, 1177 Clarence Street, St. Paul, MN 55106
ANAL YSES
One of the more promising and emerging technologies in lighting is LED. It consumes
approximately 50% less energy than HPS making it more energy efficient. The lifetime of LED
is between 10 to 15 years, while HPS lasts 3 to 5 years, requiring more frequent maintenance.
Planning Commission
LED Lights
April 7, 2009
Page 3 of5
Municipalities are investigating the option of switching light fixtures from HPS to LED and they
all want answers to the following questions: "Is this a good light? Is it as bright? Do we get the
same coverage?" As with any such transition, there are advantages and disadvantages.
1000
The cost
associated with
retrofitting
existing
fixtures is still
high; however,
it is falling
rapidly.
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1980
2000
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Figure 2-1: Historical and Predicted Eflicacy of Light Sources
Source: Lumilcds.
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2010
2015
Year
Some of the LED products
available today are marketed
as "energy-efficient," but
actually have lower light
output (illumination)
compared to typical light
sources. The current efficacy
of an LED light continues to
grow. It is anticipated that it
will surpass existing
technologies.
2020
I
J
Planning Commission
LED Lights
April 7, 2009
Page 4 of5
As LED technology advances, costs decrease, and efficiency improve, LEOs will become more
competitive in the market place.
The following chart shows how the light output of LED has increased twentyfold each decade
for the last 40 years, while the cost has decreased tenfold each decade over that same time
period. The figure also shows predictions for price and light output over the next two decades.
10000
... Red SlLumen ... White SlLumen
. Red Flux . White Flux
1000 -Expon. (Red Flux) -Expon. (Red S/Lumen
(ij' +20x IncreaseJDecade..
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1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020
Year
Figure 2-4: Haitz's Law: LED Light Output Increasing; Cost Decreasing
Source: Roland Haitz and Lumileds.
~llte: Both lines arc on the same numerical scale (with different unil~)
The one remaining issue deals with the placement of LED light next to HPS light fixtures. The
output of these lights is visually and esthetically different. LED provides a soft, even, and white
light while HPS is a focused, golden light.
PROPOSED RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the above-mentioned facts, staff believes that LED lighting should become the leading
method of illumination. The City must consider how to facilitate the transition process from
HPS to LED. The following are options to consider:
1. Do nothing: Eventually, the city will react to the changing technology.
2. Allow a mix of LED and HPS fixtures: It will provide the most flexibility; however, it will
lead to a mix of lighting.
Planning Commission
LED Lights
April 7, 2009
Page 5 of5
3. Allow developers the choice of either LED or HPS fixtures: Provides flexibility. Since the
cost ofHPS in the short term is less than LED, developers may opt to install HPS.
4. Require all new developments to provide LED lights: There is a higher short-term cost;
however, the continuing maintenance and overhead cost will be less.
5. Replace existing light fixtures as HPS fixtures need replacing: will require a long-term
commitment on the city part.
g:\plan\issue paper\led.doc