LED vs Metal Halide: Complete Cost & Performance Comparison (2026)

If you're still running metal halide (MH) fixtures in your parking lot, warehouse, or sports facility, you're paying 2-3× more in electricity than you need to. The LED vs metal halide decision isn't even close anymore — but understanding the exact numbers helps justify the investment.

Quick Comparison Table

Real Cost Comparison: 10-Fixture Parking Lot

Scenario: 10 fixtures, running 12 hours/day, 365 days/year, $0.18/kWh (California average)

Metal Halide (400W each)

• Actual system wattage: 458W (ballast overhead)
• Annual kWh: 458W × 10 × 12 × 365 = 20,069 kWh
• Annual electricity: $3,612
• Bulb replacement (every 2 years): 10 × $45 + labor = $750/cycle
• 10-year total: $39,870 (electricity + maintenance)

LED Replacement (150W PLB Series)

• System wattage: 150W (no ballast)
• Annual kWh: 150W × 10 × 12 × 365 = 6,570 kWh
• Annual electricity: $1,183
• Maintenance: Near zero (L70 at 100,000 hrs)
• Fixture cost: 10 × $270 = $2,700
• 10-year total: $14,530 (fixtures + electricity)

Savings: $25,340 over 10 years (64% reduction)

ROI: Payback in 13 months

Wattage Equivalency Guide

Why Metal Halide Is Still Being Used

Honestly? Inertia. Metal halide has been the commercial lighting standard for 40+ years. The reasons people haven't switched:

Upfront cost concern — LED fixtures cost more initially (but pay back in 1-2 years)

"It still works" — Working ≠ efficient. A running 400W MH costs $131/year MORE than an equivalent LED

Rebate unawareness — California utilities (SCE, PG&E, LADWP) offer $30-150/fixture rebates for LED retrofits

Fear of quality — Early LEDs (2010-era) had issues. Modern LEDs from reputable manufacturers are vastly superior

California Utility Rebates for MH→LED Retrofit

Requirement: Fixtures must be DLC listed (all Auvolar products qualify).

How to Retrofit: Step by Step

Audit current fixtures — Count fixtures, note wattages, measure mounting heights

Use LightSpec AI — Input your space dimensions and current fixtures → get instant LED recommendations with exact fixture count

Apply for rebates — Pre-approval required for most California utilities

Install — Most retrofits are direct 1-for-1 replacement

Document — Save photometric reports for rebate submission

[Start your free retrofit analysis with LightSpec AI →](https://www.auvolar.com/tools/lightspec-ai)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I put LED bulbs in my metal halide fixtures?

A: LED "retrofit kits" exist but we don't recommend them. The fixture geometry is designed for omnidirectional MH bulbs, not directional LED. You lose 20-40% efficiency. Full fixture replacement is better ROI.

Q: Do I need a new pole for LED area lights?

A: Usually no. LED fixtures are lighter than MH (PLB Series is 14 lbs vs 35+ lbs for MH). Same pole works. Verify wind load if upsizing.

Q: What about HPS (High Pressure Sodium)?

A: Same story as MH but worse color rendering (CRI ~22 vs LED 70+). The orange glow of HPS is being phased out everywhere. LED is the clear upgrade.

Related Reading

• [How to Calculate LED ROI](/blog/led-lighting-roi-calculator-guide) — Payback period and 10-year TCO formulas
• [Warehouse Lighting Guide](/blog/warehouse-lighting-how-many-high-bays) — High bay selection by ceiling height
• [Parking Lot Lighting Design](/blog/parking-lot-lighting-design-guide) — IES RP-20 compliance guide
• [California LED Rebates 2026](/blog/california-led-lighting-rebates-2026) — Every CA utility rebate program