How Daylight Harvesting Transforms Commercial Spaces

At Commercial Lighting, we’re passionate about creating smarter, more sustainable environments through innovative lighting technologies.

Picture an open-plan office in Calgary where lights dim as sunlight floods through the windows, or a Saskatoon warehouse where high bay LEDs adjust as skylights bring in the morning glow.

This is Daylight Harvesting — a simple yet advanced lighting strategy that reduces energy use, improves occupant well-being, and helps businesses across Western Canada operate more efficiently.

What Is Daylight Harvesting?

Daylight Harvesting, sometimes called daylight response, is an automatic lighting control strategy that adjusts artificial light levels based on the amount of available natural light. By blending sunlight and electric light, spaces maintain the perfect illumination balance throughout the day.

The concept is both intuitive and impactful: when natural light increases, fixtures dim; when it fades, lights brighten automatically. The result is optimal visibility, energy efficiency, and comfort—without manual adjustments or wasted power.

How Daylight Harvesting Works

At the heart of every Daylight Harvesting system are photocell sensors (or light sensors) that continuously measure the light levels in a space. These sensors communicate with wireless lighting controllers, which then adjust the output of LED fixtures to maintain consistent illumination.

For example:

• On a bright Edmonton morning, sensors detect high levels of natural light and automatically dim the fixtures.
• When clouds roll in or evening approaches, lights gradually brighten to  maintain consistent light levels.

This closed feedback loop ensures smooth transitions, maximum efficiency, and a seamless visual experience for occupants.

Open-Loop vs. Closed-Loop Systems

There are two main types of Daylight Harvesting systems, each suited to different applications:

Open-Loop Systems

‍Open-loop systems use sensors that measure only natural daylight. These systems are often mounted outdoors, near windows, or under skylights. They adjust indoor LED lighting based solely on outdoor brightness. This setup is ideal for spaces with stable daylight patterns, such as hallways, parking lots, or retail areas with consistent exposure to sunlight.

Closed-Loop Systems

‍Closed-loop systems use sensors placed within the space to measure the combined effect of both natural and artificial light. This allows for highly accurate adjustments in real time. They’re perfect for dynamic environments like offices, classrooms, or studios where blinds, furniture, or room usage can affect lighting conditions.

Choosing between the two depends on your building’s layout, purpose, and natural light availability. Our team of Lighting Consultants can help design and calibrate each system to suit your specific needs — whether in Langley, Regina, or Calgary, etc.

Custom Daylight Harvesting: Tailored for Comfort and Control

Modern systems allow for scene-based customization — a powerful feature that lets building operators set specific lighting scenes based on daylight intensity. For instance, you can program the system to:

1. Activate when light levels fall below a certain threshold.
2. Maintain illumination within a preferred range of brightness.
3. Dim or switch off fixtures when sunlight exceeds a defined level.

This gives users precise control and enhances comfort while preserving the system’s automatic efficiency.

The Bright Benefits of Daylight Harvesting

1. ‍Energy Savings - By automatically adjusting artificial lighting, Daylight Harvesting significantly reduces energy consumption and costs. Businesses can expect measurable savings while extending the lifespan of their LED high bays, panel lights, and other fixtures.
2. ‍Comfort and Convenience - Lighting adapts automatically to the natural environment, creating spaces that eel more natural and visually balanced. Employees and customers experience less glare, fewer lighting fluctuations, and a more pleasant atmosphere.
3. ‍Health and Productivity - Exposure to natural light improves mood, supports circadian rhythm alignment, and boosts productivity. Studies consistently show that well-lit, naturally balanced environments enhance focus and overall well-being.
4. ‍Sustainability - Less energy usage means smaller carbon footprints. Daylight Harvesting supports Canada’s net-zero goals, helping organizations meet sustainability targets without sacrificing comfort or performance.

Beyond Daylight Harvesting: Wireless Networked Lighting Controls

Our products can help elevate Daylight Harvesting to the next level by enabling centralized management, flexible control, and real-time responsiveness.

Key features include:

• Seamless Integration - Ideal for retrofits or new construction projects across BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.
• Real-Time Control - Instantly adjust lighting levels for optimal comfort, efficiency, and safety.
• Scalability - Reconfigure lighting zones and layouts without rewiring as your space evolves.

These intelligent systems can also integrate with HVAC and security systems to optimize overall building performance. Powered by Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, we have solutions that are future-ready, providing a foundation for IoT connectivity and smart building automation.

To learn more about what IoT is, read our two blogs here:

1. IoT Lighting: Smarter, Simpler Solutions for Your Spaces & Environment
2. IoT Lighting 2: Harnessing Smart Lighting for Communities & Businesses

Shining Across Western Canada

From energy-efficient warehouses and educational institutions to modern offices and retail spaces, Commercial Lighting helps businesses across BC, AB, and SK harness the full potential of natural light. With Daylight Harvesting and range of commercial lighting products, we deliver systems that save energy, enhance comfort, and make your space smarter and more sustainable.

Connect with our team or explore our wide range of lighting products today.

Just Ask. We've Got You.