This commercial lighting ROI calculator gives you the three numbers that matter before signing a lighting upgrade contract: simple payback period, annual energy savings in dollars, and 10-year net return after installation costs. Enter your fixture counts, operating hours, and utility rate — you’ll have your answer in under two minutes.
Typical commercial lighting ROI benchmarks. Actual results depend on fixture type, hours, and local utility rebate programs.
Commercial lighting retrofits are one of the most reliable energy investments available — with payback periods often under 3 years. Enter your current setup to see your projected ROI before you commit to a project.
Current Lighting Setup
Total fixtures being replaced
e.g. T12 fluorescent: 40W, Metal halide: 175W, HPS: 150W
Check your utility bill. NY commercial avg ~$0.15–$0.19
Fixtures + labor. Typical: $150–$300 per fixture installed
Your Lighting Retrofit ROI
$—
Annual Energy Savings
—
Simple Payback Period
$—
10-Year Net Savings
—
kWh Saved Per Year
Savings estimates are based on user-provided inputs and do not account for demand charges, maintenance savings, or utility incentive rebates. Actual payback may be shorter when rebates are applied. Results do not constitute a professional energy audit or project proposal.
Commercial Lighting ROI Calculator — Frequently Asked Questions
What does this commercial lighting ROI calculator include? +
This commercial lighting ROI calculator computes annual energy savings, simple payback, and 10-year net present value for LED retrofit projects. It accounts for existing and replacement fixture wattage, daily run hours, electricity rate, and estimated utility rebate. Maintenance savings from extended LED lamp life (50,000+ hours vs. 10,000–15,000 for fluorescent) are factored in separately.
What utility rebates are available for commercial LED retrofits? +
Most Northeast utilities offer prescriptive rebates of $20–$75 per fixture for commercial LED retrofits. NYSERDA, Eversource, PSEG, and National Grid all run active programs. Rebates vary by fixture type and watt reduction. Use the Northeast Rebate Finder to see current programs in your state, or work with a vetted lighting contractor who handles rebate paperwork.
Is the Section 179D deduction included in the commercial lighting ROI calculator? +
Section 179D expired at the end of 2025 under current law. The calculator shows pre-tax financial metrics. If your project qualifies under a prior-year certification or a potential extension, the deduction (up to $5.00/sq ft) would further reduce net project cost. Consult a tax professional for current eligibility status.
Related Calculators
Once you know your lighting ROI, these tools help complete the picture: Commercial Energy Audit ROI Calculator — model whether a full audit makes sense before committing to specific upgrades. Electricity Cost Calculator — nail down your current cost per kWh if you're estimating from a bill. HVAC Energy Savings Calculator — lighting and HVAC together typically account for 60–70% of a commercial building's energy spend.
