Tech-driven, sustainable smart lighting solutions for net zero

In this discussion, Anuj Dhir walks us through Wipro’s smart lighting solutions for the Indian market and shares their tech-driven, solar-powered solutions that aid in achieving net zero.

What factors drive the demand and growth for smart lighting solutions in India?  
Smart lighting includes home lighting solutions and professional lighting solutions. With the Indian market becoming increasingly global and tech-inspired, especially post-COVID, professional lighting solutions have shifted towards improving occupant well-being inside buildings. Key factors driving this shift include ESG considerations, which focus on energy conservation and social impact, along with certifications like the WELL Building Standard and IGBC Green Building Certification, especially for offices and factories.

Smart lighting solutions help in energy savings and data collection, which can be analysed for decision-making on space optimisation. LEDs, being digital light sources, allow users to control lighting, aid in energy savings, provide better lighting control, and enable preventive maintenance. Additionally, government initiatives towards smart cities have significantly contributed to the growth of smart lighting solutions in outdoor applications, enhancing urban infrastructure with energy-efficient and connected lighting systems.

How are IoT and AI transforming the Indian lighting industry in particular? What are your technology-based product offerings?
LEDs are tech-driven, which allows them to play a larger role in IoT. IoT allows for lighting control by allowing on-off action, dimming of light, and change in colour and colour temperature. IoT plays a crucial role in energy savings and monitoring energy cost, space utilisation, and impact on the wellness and productivity of occupants. These may be achieved by wired, wireless, and Power over Ethernet (PoE) solutions.

We offer PoE solutions through CAT6 cables instead of normal electrical wires. This unified infrastructure controls lighting and provides analytics on all the collected data. We also provide wireless systems that use Bluetooth technology to achieve similar outcomes. Additionally, we provide human-centric lighting solutions through our inSync™ technology, which mimics sunlight inside an office, aligning with people’s circadian rhythm and positively impacting occupant well-being.

How are your products tailored to minimise light pollution?
Light pollution is an important issue globally, and experts are trying to identify dark zones, which is a challenge in cities. Artificial light is a major contributor to light pollution, and we constantly try to address this.

We have a portfolio of outdoor application products made in India and Dark Sky-certified. We design lighting to minimise the contribution of light in the upward direction. Additionally, our LEDs in outdoor lights are designed with minimal impact on nocturnal life. These specialised LEDs reduce the impact of artificial light and, eventually, pollution. By incorporating visors into light fixtures, we ensure light is directed only where needed, preventing unwanted light spills.

Can you walk us through your renewable energy-powered lighting solutions?
Our range of solar-powered LED streetlights, SolaRISE™, has built-in solar panels, sensors, and batteries. They charge during the day and operate at night, providing consistent illumination. Efficiency is optimised through sensors—lights turn on at 100 percent when movement is detected and dim down automatically when there is no movement, which enhances battery life. We also provide low-wattage lights, from 15 W to 120 W. We also offer hybrid solar solutions for critical applications and during extended monsoons or regions where sunlight is scarce.

Can you describe how your products fall in line with sustainability principles?
First, we provide solutions that offer a longer lifespan. In terms of performance, our company is currently the best in class in terms of the declared life of LEDs and electronic components used. We encourage our customers to focus not just on the initial cost of the product but on the total cost of ownership (TCO), emphasising durability and efficiency. Second, we assist our customers in their journey towards net zero by helping them optimise their energy costs related to lighting systems.

We offer comprehensive solutions that drive efficiency across the entire spectrum. Our smart lighting solutions help reduce energy costs, optimise space utilisation, and lower/optimise overall building expenses. By enhancing building efficiency and creating occupant-friendly environments, we contribute to improved employee well-being, leading to higher productivity.

For more information, visit: https://www.wiprolighting.com/