Total Yearly Energy Savings:
$17K5-Year Return on Investment:
600%The Backstory:
A Kroger grocery store in Maryville, Tennessee, struggled to consistently illuminate its parking lot due to the aging 1,000-watt metal-halide lights it used. The general contractor leading the job, Pat Walsh, President at Walsh Electric, reached out to LED Lighting Supply to assist in selecting the ideal light fixture replacement solution.
Pat previously worked with our Product Specialist, Jeff Cesenaro, on numerous lighting projects. Given their pre-existing relationship, there was no question which company could help get the job done.
The Challenge of Kroger’s Aging Metal Halide Lights:
A parking lot is one of the most safety-sensitive spaces a retailer manages. Consistent parking lot lighting is essential for a high-traffic location like Kroger, where customer safety and visibility directly impact the shopping experience. The metal halide fixtures on site couldn't deliver the consistency needed and were becoming an ongoing cost. Additionally, the building exterior needed perimeter lighting that extends light coverage to the parking area for safety.
Any solution had to be consistent with the existing pole infrastructure to avoid the cost and disruption aspects of new construction. The contractor was seeking a consultative partner to supply the lights and help streamline the replacement project, and they found that with LED Lighting Supply.
The Strategy & Solution for Kroger’s Parking Lot Lighting Upgrade:
Jeff Cesenaro requested that the contractor send a photo of the existing metal halide lights on the poles to assist with qualifying the need. After reviewing the area and light mounting details, placement, and output, he was able to make a product recommendation.
That review led to a tailored fixture plan built around the existing infrastructure:
- 30 LED shoebox fixtures at 300 watts and 7 at 100 watts, distributed across the 6 existing 20-foot poles
- 37 arm mounts, allowing 2 to 3 fixtures per pole to dial in coverage and uniformity
- 5 LED flood lights at 200 watts mounted to the front of the building for consistent perimeter coverage that reaches into the lot
LED Lighting Supply’s shoebox and flood light fixtures are UL or ETL Listed, with many having DLC Premium. These certifications not only ensure quality, but also make the products eligible for utility rebates when offered. Rebate amounts vary by utility, region, and product listing, but generally present meaningful savings.
The Results of Our Kroger Grocery Store Parking Lot Lighting Solution:
The custom lighting solution provides safe and consistent light levels without requiring any pole layout reconfiguration or additional poles. By replacing the aging metal halide lights with LED fixtures, Kroger reduced the fixture wattage by 70%, driving long-term operational savings while delivering superior, uniform illumination across the area. The financial returns were near immediate. Kroger is projected to see $17,200 in annual energy savings, representing a 41% first-year return on investment. Over five years, those savings compound to $76,500 in total energy savings and a 600% five-year ROI.
The results speak for themselves, and so does the contractor who led the upgrade. Pat Walsh highlights his project process experience for Kroger in a Trustpilot review: “This is my third job with Jeff from LED Lighting Supply, and he has made the process seamless. From ordering to figuring out the right parts to do the job, Jeff has been awesome to work with. Very knowledgeable about his product line and how to adapt it to a customer's needs. From design to purchasing, his team is wonderful to work with.”
Kroger’s Estimated Savings & Payback From Choosing Our LED Lighting Solution:
| Within 1 Year | Within 5 Years |
|
|
* Savings and payback estimations are based on the local utility rate of $0.11 per kWh for commercial buildings in Maryville, Tennessee.
For Kroger and contractors like Walsh Electric, the LED Lighting Supply difference comes down to expertise, partnership, and solutions that deliver from day one.
