Solis recently started on an extensive LED retrofit for Target. The work involved changing out interior fixtures for almost 300 stores. We dispatched crews across the Western region of the US. For this job, we installed LED fixtures that have Li-Fi capability and connect with the store’s Energy Management System. These fixtures have the potential for multiple uses, including future app development with a programmable IP address, demand response and more.
Li-Fi and Trends in Technology
Data integration and Li-Fi are among the hottest new developments in the tech, manufacturing and retail worlds. Li-Fi stands for Light Fidelity and like Wifi, it’s a system for transferring data. But it’s 100 times faster than Wifi and reduces security risks. Using LED fixtures, Li-Fi uses light to transmit data.
What does this mean for the retail sector? We aren’t in the business of retail sales, but the work we do on Energy Management Systems (EMS) is part of the overall strategy stores employ to engage the customer, drive sales and make best use of technology. Research shows that 85% of customers will use a retailer’s app or website on their smartphone while they’re shopping. Li-Fi technology is still developing, but the potential for data delivery could lead to “richer, more personalized, more engaging experiences in every corner of every store.”
It’s the intimacy of the shopping experience that this technology enhances through targeted coupons and helping customers locate items in the store. In recognizing the potential of Li-Fi, Target came to us for the extensive LED retrofit and upgrade to EMS.
Our Process
We’ve developed a seamless process for the retrofit and installation of LED fixtures for big box stores. The average Target store has 1100-1200 fixtures. We bring in a team of 5 workers along with 5 scissor lifts and in 4 days, all the fixtures are gutted, retrofitted, installed and mapped on the mesh network. The set up starts with our project manager arranging delivery of all the materials, our team then moves methodically through the store demoing and gutting fixtures. In the case of the Target stores, the new LED lights installed include a Bluetooth antenna and Distech Controller for communication with the Energy Management System. Each fixture gets added to the mesh network so the store operates the individual fixtures. This allows the store to control lighting, saving money on energy costs and using lighting design to promote products and track store traffic. The fixtures that have been removed are then recycled.
Money-saving Benefits
Aside from increasing sales, the LED retrofit and EMS upgrade will also save Target money over time. Data transmission via LED lights will allow each store greater control over demand response events. One example of a demand response program comes in conjunction with utility companies and electrical costs. On very warm days, demand for power for cooling increases and costs per kwh spike. Energy Management Systems are programmed to respond to utility company notices and adjust temperatures in order to be eligible for rate discounts. EMS will be controlled via LED lights and Li-Fi in the not too distant future and peak demand load shedding will be one big benefit stores such as Target will see.
Rebate Administration
In many cases, an LED retrofit will make a company eligible for rebates through the federal and local governments. Our team handles rebate administration, monitoring available rebates and submitting necessary documentation.
Quality of Light
An added bonus that came with the LED retrofit was improved light quality in the stores. The LEDs we installed resulted in brighter light that cast less yellow on the products. See for yourself in the photos below.
LED retrofits are just one of the many services our team offers. See the full range of services here or contact us with the specifics of your job. We’re happy to get our team out to your site to size up the job and give you an estimate. Call us today!
