Warehouse LED Lighting Retrofit in Ontario: A Buying Checklist
Planning a warehouse LED upgrade in Ontario? Begin with a survey of the existing fixtures, operating hours and work areas. Then compare replacement options and check rebate eligibility for the exact models. A fixture count and a wattage alone are not a complete lighting plan.
Prepared by Selix Kala. Program reference checked October 25, 2026.
Browse LED high bay lights and review our Ontario lighting rebate page.
1. Divide the building into lighting zones
Record storage aisles, receiving areas, packing stations and any offices separately. For each zone, note the mounting height, fixture count, operating schedule and the tasks performed there. A single building can need several lighting solutions.
Take a wide photograph of each area and, where safely accessible, a clear photograph of a fixture label. Do not climb or open energized equipment to obtain information; ask your electrical contractor for any details that require access.
2. Compare the complete fixture specification
Use the following questions when comparing quotes. They help reveal whether two proposed fixtures are actually equivalent.
| Item to compare | Question for the supplier |
|---|---|
| Light distribution | Does the proposed layout suit our aisles, racks and work areas? |
| Output and input power | What lumen output and wattage apply to the selected setting? |
| Electrical compatibility | Does this model match the site's supply and intended controls? |
| Controls | Which sensor is included, and how will its settings be commissioned? |
| Installation | Are mounting accessories, removal and disposal included? |
| Support | What are the warranty terms and replacement arrangements? |
Ask for a lighting layout or photometric review where needed. Do not select a higher-wattage unit simply because it looks like a safer choice. For office areas within the warehouse, consider the separate LED panel range and evaluate it as its own zone.
3. Calculate energy savings with visible assumptions
A basic estimate without controls is:
Annual kWh saved = fixture quantity × (existing system watts − proposed watts) × annual operating hours ÷ 1,000.
Illustration only: Suppose 60 fixtures use 250 W each and a suitable replacement uses 150 W, with both operating 3,000 hours per year. The estimated difference is 60 × 100 × 3,000 ÷ 1,000 = 18,000 kWh per year. At an assumed avoidable energy cost of CAD $0.15/kWh, that equals CAD $2,700 per year.
These are invented inputs for explaining the calculation, not a Selix Kala case study, a recommended replacement design or a forecast for your building. Use the existing system input, including ballast consumption where relevant. Check your electricity bill to choose an appropriate avoidable rate; fixed charges do not disappear when energy use falls. Account for any change in fixture quantity or operating hours.
4. Check high bay rebates by exact model
The official Instant Discounts requirements use product categories and technical criteria, including lumen and wattage thresholds for high bay measures. They require the relevant qualified product listing. A “DLC” label or a sensor option by itself does not establish your final discount. Ask the distributor to identify the eligible model and applicable category in writing.
For the broader site checks, read who qualifies for Ontario commercial lighting rebates. The official requirements remain the reference for program conditions.
5. Compare the net installed cost
Request separate lines for equipment, confirmed discount, installation, access equipment, disposal and applicable taxes. Keep electricity savings separate from the upfront discount. This makes it easier to compare two quotes and understand what is included.
If sensors are proposed, ask how occupied and unoccupied hours were estimated. Do not add an arbitrary percentage of sensor savings on top of a calculation that already assumes reduced operating hours.
What should you send to Selix Kala?
- Installation address and business contact.
- Fixture count and photographs for each zone.
- Ceiling or mounting heights, and a floor plan if available.
- Current operating hours and intended installation date.
- Any proposed products, existing quotes or prior incentive funding.
Request a warehouse lighting quote. We can discuss product options and the information needed for a model-specific rebate review. Final product selection should be coordinated with your installer and the site's lighting requirements.
Related Ontario lighting guides
- Who Qualifies for Ontario Commercial Lighting Rebates?
- LED Panel Rebates in Ontario: An Office Lighting Buying Guide
- Occupancy Sensor Lighting Rebates in Ontario: What to Check
Comparing fixture formats? Read our UFO vs linear high bay guide to evaluate the selected output, layout and mounting requirements before accepting a quote.