Lighting is one of the largest energy expenses for commercial buildings. If your Aiken business still operates with fluorescent T8 or T12 tubes, metal halide fixtures, or older HID lamps, you are paying significantly more than necessary for the same amount of light. LED technology has matured to the point where a commercial lighting retrofit pays for itself through energy savings alone -- typically within 12 to 24 months.
Unity Power & Light provides complete commercial lighting retrofit services throughout Aiken, SC and surrounding areas. We handle the full project from lighting audit and ROI analysis through installation and disposal of old fixtures. Our goal is straightforward: reduce your energy bill, improve your light quality, and minimize disruption to your business operations during the conversion.
What We Do
Every commercial space has different lighting needs. We tailor the retrofit approach to your building type, operational schedule, and budget.
Fluorescent-to-LED Conversion
The most common retrofit project. We convert T12 and T8 fluorescent fixtures to LED by either installing LED tubes that bypass the existing ballast or replacing the entire fixture with integrated LED panels. Ballast bypass eliminates the most failure-prone component in your lighting system.
T8/T12 Tube Retrofit
For buildings with large quantities of fluorescent fixtures, we offer direct tube replacement using Type A (plug-and-play), Type B (ballast bypass), or Type C (external driver) LED tubes. We recommend the best approach based on your existing fixture condition, ballast age, and long-term maintenance goals.
Warehouse & High-Bay Lighting
Replacing metal halide or HPS high-bay fixtures with LED equivalents in warehouses, manufacturing floors, and large retail spaces. LED high-bays deliver instant-on capability, better color rendering, and 60-70% energy savings compared to legacy high-intensity discharge lighting.
Office Lighting Upgrades
Converting outdated overhead fluorescent panels to modern LED flat panels or troffers. We match color temperature (3500K-4000K) for comfortable work environments, reduce glare that causes eye strain, and integrate occupancy sensors and daylight harvesting controls where appropriate.
Exterior & Security Lighting
Retrofitting wall packs, flood lights, canopy lights, and pole-mounted fixtures with LED equivalents. Commercial exterior lighting operates on long schedules and benefits enormously from LED efficiency. We add photocell and timer controls to further reduce energy waste.
Lighting Controls Integration
Pairing your new LED fixtures with occupancy sensors, daylight sensors, dimming controls, and programmable timers. Intelligent controls can add another 20-30% energy savings on top of the LED conversion itself, dramatically accelerating your return on investment.
Our Retrofit Process
Lighting Audit & Energy Analysis
We survey your entire facility, documenting every fixture type, wattage, lamp count, and operating hours. We calculate your current lighting energy cost and model the savings from LED conversion. You receive a detailed proposal showing projected energy reduction, payback period, and available utility rebates.
Design & Product Selection
We select LED products matched to your space requirements -- correct lumen output, color temperature, beam angle, and IP rating. For warehouses, we calculate mounting heights and spacing for uniform coverage. For offices, we specify fixtures that meet IESNA recommended light levels for the tasks performed.
Phased Installation
We schedule the retrofit in phases to minimize business disruption. For offices, we work evenings or weekends. For warehouses, we work aisle-by-aisle so operations continue in unaffected areas. All old ballasts, lamps, and fixtures are removed and disposed of in compliance with environmental regulations including mercury-containing lamp recycling.
Commissioning & Rebate Filing
After installation, we verify light levels meet design specifications using a calibrated light meter. We test all controls, sensors, and dimming functions. We then assist with utility rebate applications -- documenting fixture counts, wattage reductions, and energy savings calculations required by your utility provider.
Why Professional Retrofit Matters
A commercial lighting retrofit involves more than swapping bulbs. Here is why professional execution delivers better results.
Correct Product Selection
The LED market is flooded with products of wildly varying quality. Cheap LED tubes may flicker, produce uneven light, overheat, or fail prematurely. We specify DLC-listed (DesignLights Consortium) products from established manufacturers that qualify for utility rebates and carry meaningful warranties -- typically 5 to 10 years.
Electrical Safety
Ballast bypass retrofits involve rewiring fixtures to line voltage. This work must be performed by a licensed electrician to meet NEC requirements and maintain your building's electrical code compliance. Improper wiring creates fire hazards and voids insurance coverage. We ensure every connection is safe and to code.
Maximized Rebate Recovery
Utility companies in South Carolina offer rebates for commercial LED retrofits, but qualification requires specific documentation: pre-retrofit fixture inventory, post-retrofit verification, DLC-listed product specification sheets, and energy savings calculations. We handle the entire rebate application process to maximize your financial return.
Proper Light Levels
Simply replacing old lamps with LEDs can result in spaces that are either over-lit (wasting energy) or under-lit (reducing productivity and creating safety hazards). We design the retrofit to achieve proper foot-candle levels for each area based on IESNA standards for the specific tasks performed there.
Commercial Lighting Retrofit Pricing
Unity Power & Light provides detailed project proposals with fixed pricing for commercial lighting retrofits. Every proposal includes an ROI analysis showing your payback timeline.
Volume pricing is available for larger projects. Most commercial retrofits achieve full payback within 12-24 months through energy savings alone, not counting available utility rebates which further accelerate the return.
For a detailed look at energy savings from LED conversion, read our blog post: How Much Can a Commercial LED Retrofit Save Your Aiken Business?
Why Choose Unity Power & Light
Need other commercial electrical work? We offer a full range of commercial electrical services including panel upgrades, electrical maintenance, and new construction wiring.
Ready to Reduce Your Lighting Costs?
Serving Aiken, SC and surrounding communities including North Augusta, Graniteville, New Ellenton, Jackson, and Clearwater. Schedule your free lighting audit today.