Generally speaking, daylight harvesting is the main daylight sensing methods in LED lighting systems. This article will briefly introduce respective definitions, functions and usage scenarios of it.

What is Daylight Harvesting?

Simply put, daylight harvesting can use natural daylight to offset the quantity of luminaires required for lighting, thereby reducing energy consumption and electricity costs. When the daylight is strong, the luminaires will dim. When the daylight is insufficient, the luminaires will brighten, so that the lighting in the space is always maintained at a constant level. This function can be achieved by using a lighting control system. At present, daylight harvesting has become the standard and development direction of the smart lighting and sustainable building industry.

How Does it Work?

Daylight harvesting systems usually require the use of photosensors, controllers, and lighting devices. By combining these devices, the number of lamps in the lighting space can be automatically adjusted according to the availability of daylight. Light sensors can detect the intensity of daylight in the space, and then dim or turn off the lamps through the controller, thereby maximizing energy conservation and maintaining a constant lighting level. Daylight harvesting can utilize natural light, reduce dependence on artificial lighting, and save energy. Different lighting solutions can make various lighting spaces as comfortable as possible.

Key Components of Daylight Harvesting

Photosensor: A photosensor is a detector in a lighting system that measures natural light, just like your eyes do. It tells the system when the lights need to be dimmed or brightened. 

Dimmable LED luminaires: LED technology is particularly well suited for daylight harvesting due to its dimmability and energy efficiency. You’ll want to confirm that your LED system can provide luminaires that can be dimmed smoothly from 0% to 100%.

Lighting control system: With the data of light levels, you need a system to manage and control it, like a brain. This brain receives photosensor data and controls artificial lighting. We recommend TIOSL smart lighting system, which is very simple to set up and commission.

Advantages of Daylight Harvesting

Energy saving: The biggest advantage of using daylight harvesting is energy saving. It can reduce the dependence on artificial lighting, which means that users only need to invest lower energy costs to meet the required light level.

Improve comfort: Natural light is always one of the factors that have the most positive impact on mood and productivity. Through daylight harvesting, more natural light can be used for lighting, whether it is an office, warehouse or parking lot, it helps to create a more natural and comfortable lighting environment, which cannot be imitated or surpassed by artificial lighting. 

Extend the service life of luminaires: When using daylight harvesting, LED lamps themselves can maintain lower light levels, thereby reducing heat generation, thus extending the service life of LED lamps. With a good control system, the lights can continue to be used for many years, saving long-term maintenance costs.

Get incentives and rebates: The use of daylight harvesting is now encouraged all over the world. In many countries such as the United States and Canada, lamps that support this function can receive additional rebates from utilities.

LED Luminaires for Daylight Harvesting

The best candidates for daylight harvesting are usually LED recessed luminaires, such as troffers, or high-bay LED lighting fixtures commonly found in warehouses. Both of these luminaires are well suited for daylight harvesting. Overall, daylight harvesting is a solution that can balance reducing energy consumption with improving building occupant comfort.