How to Choose the Right High Bay Lights for Your Warehouse (2026 Guide)

Choosing the right high bay lights for a warehouse is one of the most impactful lighting decisions a facility manager or contractor can make. The wrong choice wastes energy and money; the right choice can cut energy costs by 60-80% while improving visibility and safety.

UFO High Bay vs Linear High Bay: Which One?

UFO High Bay lights are round, compact fixtures ideal for:

• Open warehouse spaces with 15-40ft ceiling heights
• Manufacturing floors and distribution centers
• Gymnasiums and sports facilities
• Areas requiring uniform, wide-angle illumination

UFO high bays from Auvolar range from 100W ($69) to 240W ($139) and deliver 15,000-36,000 lumens. They're the most popular choice for warehouse retrofits because of their compact size and easy installation.

Linear High Bay lights are elongated fixtures best for:

• Aisle lighting in racking warehouses
• Narrow spaces requiring directional light
• Retail backrooms and manufacturing lines
• Areas needing higher mounting heights (30-50ft)

Auvolar's linear high bays range from 165W ($99) to 220W ($129), offering excellent aisle-to-aisle uniformity.

How to Calculate Wattage Needed

A common rule of thumb for warehouse lighting:

Example calculation: A 10,000 sq ft warehouse with 25ft ceilings needs approximately 400,000-500,000 total lumens. Using 200W UFO high bays at ~30,000 lumens each, you'd need 14-17 fixtures.

DLC Certification Matters

DLC (DesignLights Consortium) certification is critical because:

Utility rebates: DLC-listed fixtures qualify for $20-$150+ per fixture in rebates

Energy compliance: Required for many commercial building codes

Quality assurance: DLC tests for performance, longevity, and efficiency

All Auvolar high bay fixtures are DLC Premium listed, qualifying for the highest rebate tiers.

Cost Analysis: LED High Bay Retrofit

For a typical 20,000 sq ft warehouse replacing 400W metal halide fixtures:

• Old system: 30 x 400W MH = 12kW, ~$14,400/year electricity
• New LED system: 30 x 150W LED = 4.5kW, ~$5,400/year electricity
• Annual savings: $9,000
• Fixture cost: 30 x $89 = $2,670
• Minus rebates: ~$50/fixture = $1,500
• Net cost: $1,170
• Payback period: Less than 2 months

Key Features to Look For

Wattage/CCT selectable: Adjust brightness and color temperature on-site without ordering different fixtures

0-10V dimming: Essential for motion sensor integration and further energy savings

IP65 rating: Protects against dust and water in harsh environments

5+ year warranty: Look for manufacturers with US-based support

High CRI (>80): Important for quality inspection and safety

Bottom Line

For most warehouses under 30ft ceilings, UFO high bays offer the best value. For tall racking aisles, go with linear high bays. Always choose DLC-listed fixtures to maximize rebate savings, and consider motion sensors for additional 30-50% energy reduction.

Auvolar offers free lighting layout design for warehouse projects. Contact our engineering team for a custom photometric plan.