LED Corn Bulb vs New LED Fixture: Which Retrofit Option Wins?
Compare LED corn bulb retrofits with complete LED fixture replacements. Covers cost, performance, DLC rebates, lifespan, and which approach is best for your project.
When replacing old HID (metal halide, HPS) fixtures, you have two options: drop in an LED corn bulb or replace the entire fixture. Here's how they compare.
What is an LED Corn Bulb?
LED corn bulbs are cylindrical LED lamps with a mogul (E39) or medium (E26) base that screw directly into existing HID fixture sockets. They get their name from the rows of LED chips that resemble corn kernels.
Auvolar offers corn bulbs from 36W ($29) to 80W ($49).
Comparison Table
| Feature | LED Corn Bulb | New LED Fixture |
|---|---|---|
| Installation time | 5 minutes | 30-60 minutes |
| Electrician needed | No | Yes |
| Upfront cost | $29-$49 | $69-$349 |
| Efficacy | 110-130 lm/W | 140-160 lm/W |
| Lifespan | 30,000-50,000 hrs | 50,000-100,000 hrs |
| DLC certified | Some | Most |
| Rebate eligible | Rarely | Usually |
| Heat management | Limited by old housing | Optimized heat sink |
| Optics | Omnidirectional | Precise distribution |
| Warranty | 3-5 years | 5-10 years |
When Corn Bulbs Make Sense
When New Fixtures Win
Total Cost of Ownership: 10-Fixture Parking Lot
Replacing 250W metal halide wall packs, 12 hours/day operation:
| Corn Bulb (54W) | New Fixture (50W Wall Pack) | |
|---|---|---|
| Product cost | 10 × $39 = $390 | 10 × $55 = $550 |
| Installation | $0 (DIY) | $500 (electrician) |
| DLC rebate | $0 | 10 × $30 = -$300 |
| Net cost | $390 | $750 |
| Annual energy | $284 | $263 |
| Replacement at year 5 | $390 (new corn bulbs) | $0 |
| 10-year total | $3,620 | $3,380 |
Over 10 years, new fixtures win — even without counting the better light quality, warranty, and zero maintenance.
Our Recommendation
- Short-term (<3 years): Corn bulbs for immediate savings
- Long-term (3+ years): New LED fixtures for maximum ROI
Auvolar carries both options. For corn bulbs, see our CB Series (36W-80W). For replacement fixtures, browse our full catalog at auvolar.com/products.
Need Help With Your Lighting Project?
Auvolar provides free lighting design, photometric layouts, and rebate assistance for commercial projects.