Power Over Ethernet Lighting Market By Component (Hardware, Software & Services); By Application (Commercial Buildings, Healthcare Facilities, Educational Institutions, Industrial & Warehousing); By End User (New Construction, Retrofit Projects); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030

Introduction And Strategic Context

The Global Power Over Ethernet Lighting Market will witness a promising CAGR of 18.2% , valued at around $ 419.7 million in 2024 , and projected to reach nearly $1.2 billion by 2030 , confirms Strategic Market Research.

 

PoE lighting systems represent a growing intersection between energy-efficient illumination and IP-based smart infrastructure. These systems transmit power and data over a single Ethernet cable, simplifying installation and enabling real-time control and analytics. From a strategic lens, they’re gaining ground as the backbone of next-gen smart buildings, data centers, healthcare facilities, and education campuses.

 

What’s driving this momentum? For one, the global pivot toward sustainable construction is raising demand for energy-efficient lighting solutions that also reduce material and labor costs. LED technology has matured, but PoE lighting adds a new layer of value: centralized control, remote configuration, and interoperability with building management systems. Plus, smart buildings are no longer a fringe concept. In corporate campuses, hospitals, and smart cities, lighting is evolving into a data-rich utility—used not just for visibility but for automation, security, and user experience.

 

Tech innovation is also reinforcing the market’s trajectory. The expansion of high-wattage PoE standards (like IEEE 802.3bt) has removed prior power limitations. Now, enterprises can power not only lights but also sensors, HVAC components, and security systems—all through a unified cable backbone. This integration potential is pulling PoE lighting into broader discussions around IoT and digital twin technologies.

 

On the regulatory side, energy efficiency mandates and green building certifications (LEED, BREEAM, WELL ) are indirectly promoting PoE adoption. These standards don’t mandate PoE specifically—but they favor low-voltage, digitally controlled systems that align perfectly with PoE lighting’s capabilities.

 

The stakeholder landscape is evolving fast. Leading OEMs are developing modular PoE fixtures with embedded intelligence. Construction firms are partnering with tech vendors to pre-wire buildings with Cat6/Cat7 cabling during the design phase. Facility managers and IT departments are collaborating more closely, blending traditional infrastructure with smart controls. And investors—especially those targeting ESG portfolios—see PoE lighting as a green, scalable, and future-ready asset class.

 

In short, PoE lighting isn’t just about swapping bulbs. It’s a strategic enabler for connected spaces—where illumination becomes part of the digital fabric of the built environment.

 

Market Segmentation And Forecast Scope

The Power Over Ethernet lighting market breaks down along four key dimensions: By Component , By Application , By End User , and By Region . These axes reflect how PoE is no longer confined to experimental rollouts—it’s embedding itself across sectors through tailored configurations and scalable deployments.

By Component

• Hardware : This includes PoE -enabled LED luminaires, Ethernet switches, injectors, sensors, and controllers. Hardware dominates market revenue—accounting for roughly 67% of total market share in 2024 —driven by the upfront cost of smart fixtures and networking infrastructure.

• Software & Services : The value here is rising fast. This sub-segment covers lighting management software, analytics dashboards, commissioning tools, and integration services with HVAC or security systems. As building operators seek fine-tuned control and predictive maintenance, software is becoming a crucial differentiator.

Insight: As PoE systems scale beyond lighting into full-building automation, expect software platforms to pull more share, especially those offering energy dashboards and AI-driven occupancy tracking.

 

By Application

• Commercial Buildings : This includes offices, corporate campuses, data centers, and retail spaces. These environments crave centralized control, dynamic lighting schemes, and energy efficiency.

• Healthcare Facilities : Hospitals and clinics are deploying PoE for adaptive lighting, infection control, and integration with nurse call systems.

• Educational Institutions : From K–12 to universities, schools are adopting PoE lighting to reduce costs and improve occupant comfort.

• Industrial and Warehousing : Rugged PoE fixtures are now used in logistics centers for automated dimming and motion-triggered lighting.

Among these, commercial buildings remain the largest revenue driver, accounting for nearly 51% of global PoE lighting demand in 2024 . That said, healthcare is the fastest-growing segment , with double-digit growth expected as hospital infrastructure modernization picks up pace.

 

By End User

• New Construction Projects

• Retrofit Installations

New builds still lead overall deployments, but retrofits are catching up . Many facility managers are now upgrading outdated fluorescent or halogen lighting with PoE -compatible systems—especially in data-driven environments like labs and government offices.

Commentary: While new buildings can be wired for PoE from day one, the retrofit wave signals mainstream adoption. It’s a sign that PoE lighting is no longer "just a smart building experiment."

 

By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia Pacific

• LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East, Africa)

North America leads due to an aggressive push toward smart commercial infrastructure, along with the presence of key OEMs and early adopters. However, Asia Pacific is on track to post the fastest CAGR —thanks to urbanization, rising green building construction, and government-backed smart city rollouts in China, South Korea, and Singapore.

Scope Note: While the current wave is concentrated in tech-forward commercial hubs, wider adoption will depend on cost reductions, easier commissioning tools, and clearer ROI communication to end users.

 

Market Trends And Innovation Landscape

Power Over Ethernet lighting is undergoing a rapid transformation—less because of a single breakout invention, and more due to a convergence of small but critical shifts across networking, building design, and user expectations. Here’s where the innovation momentum is building:

High-Power PoE Standards Are Expanding What’s Possible

The release of the IEEE 802.3bt standard has been a game-changer. It increased PoE wattage from 30W to 60W and even 100W per port. That means designers can now power entire lighting zones—including sensors, emergency lighting, and ventilation devices—without additional electrical wiring.

This change removes the “low-power limitation” that once held PoE back in large-scale projects.

 

Lighting as a Sensor Network

Modern PoE lighting systems are evolving into sensor-rich data platforms. Embedded occupancy, ambient light, temperature, and motion sensors are turning lighting grids into information networks. These systems feed real-time data into smart building dashboards, enabling features like:

• Space utilization tracking

• Adaptive dimming

• Predictive HVAC control

Vendors are developing multi-sensor luminaires that do more than just illuminate. They help optimize energy, reduce HVAC waste, and even improve employee comfort.

One VP of facilities at a U.S. corporate campus noted: “The lights now tell us when to heat or cool a floor—automatically. That’s a whole new value layer.”

 

AI and IoT Integration Are Reshaping Building Management

Several players are embedding edge AI capabilities into lighting controllers—allowing real-time decision-making without relying on cloud latency. Some platforms can:

• Learn occupant behavior over time

• Adjust light color temperature based on circadian rhythms

• Prioritize emergency lighting in critical zones

Meanwhile, integration with IoT platforms like Amazon AWS IoT , Microsoft Azure, and KNX is becoming standard, allowing PoE lighting to seamlessly talk to HVAC, security, and access control systems.

 

Modular Fixtures and Plug-and-Play Ecosystems

To reduce commissioning complexity, OEMs are focusing on preconfigured plug-and-play luminaires , smart junction boxes, and low-voltage mounting kits. The idea is simple: make lighting as easy to install as networking gear. Some manufacturers even offer app-based commissioning—cutting install time from days to hours.

This shift is especially important in retrofits, where labor costs and downtime are key concerns.

 

Sustainability Is No Longer Just a Buzzword

PoE lighting cuts both energy use and materials waste —especially when paired with LED luminaires. By centralizing power distribution and eliminating traditional AC wiring, building owners can reduce copper usage and minimize the need for bulky conduits.

And because it’s DC-based, PoE integrates well with renewable energy systems like rooftop solar + battery setups. This DC-to-DC compatibility means higher system efficiency and better long-term ROI for net-zero buildings.

 

Strategic Partnerships Are Driving Ecosystem Maturity

We’re seeing a surge in collaborations between:

• Lighting OEMs and networking giants (e.g., Cisco, Molex)

• Software startups and BMS providers

• LED module makers and sensor platform vendors

These partnerships are key to delivering seamless user experiences. In one example, a smart lighting vendor partnered with a real estate REIT to roll out PoE lighting across multiple urban campuses—bringing cost savings, tenant comfort, and ESG reporting under one umbrella.

Bottom line: PoE lighting is maturing fast—driven by quiet but profound innovations. It's not about flashy form factors; it’s about smarter infrastructure, tighter integration, and frictionless deployment.

 

Competitive Intelligence And Benchmarking

The Power Over Ethernet lighting market isn’t overflowing with hundreds of players—but the ones in the game are moving fast, forming alliances, and racing to differentiate through software, integration, and vertical-specific offerings. Here’s how the landscape breaks down.

Signify (formerly Philips Lighting )
Signify remains one of the most influential players in the PoE lighting ecosystem. Its Interact platform supports advanced building automation, offering real-time control, analytics, and integration with third-party BMS systems. They’ve rolled out PoE lighting in high-profile projects like The Edge in Amsterdam, which set global benchmarks for smart buildings. Their strength lies in end-to-end solutions—from fixtures to analytics—and strong visibility in both North America and Europe.

 

Cisco Systems
Not a lighting company per se, but Cisco has been pivotal in making PoE infrastructure scalable. Their Digital Building architecture supports lighting, HVAC, and security over Ethernet. They partner with OEMs like Signify, Molex, and Cree Lighting to provide PoE switches that can manage thousands of lighting endpoints. Cisco’s role is foundational—they provide the digital backbone, positioning themselves as the infrastructure enabler for connected environments.

 

Molex
Known for its structured cabling systems, Molex has carved out a strong niche in modular PoE lighting platforms . Its CoreSync solution allows plug-and-play lighting setups, integrating seamlessly with sensors, access controls, and HVAC systems. Molex focuses heavily on ease of deployment and retrofitting flexibility, making them a go-to for facility managers wary of complex commissioning.

 

Cree Lighting
Cree offers PoE -enabled LED fixtures optimized for enterprise and education settings. They focus on long life cycles, high-lumen efficiency, and integration with building controls. Their solutions are used in academic institutions and government projects where energy compliance and reliability are key. Cree’s PoE lighting is often bundled into energy modernization projects.

 

Ubiquiti Inc.
A newer entrant in the PoE lighting conversation, Ubiquiti brings its IT-first approach from wireless networking into smart infrastructure. Their UniFi line now includes PoE -powered lights and sensors integrated into one unified platform. They're disrupting through aggressive pricing, cloud-native control, and IT-department-friendly interfaces.

 

Igor Inc .
Igor stands out with its Nexos platform , which acts as a lighting-centric IoT ecosystem. They’ve positioned themselves not just as a lighting company but as a data infrastructure layer , where lights become smart endpoints delivering insights on energy, occupancy, and building health. They’ve executed projects in hospitality, healthcare, and commercial real estate sectors.

 

Platformatics (acquired by Cree in 2020 ) Though now under Cree’s umbrella, Platformatics helped pioneer plug-and-play PoE lighting systems and cloud-connected lighting control hubs. Their legacy IP still influences Cree’s PoE solutions.

 

Competitive Trends

• Software is the new battleground : Hardware differentiation is narrowing, so platforms offering advanced analytics, predictive maintenance, and seamless BMS integration are winning more deals.

• Vertical specialization is growing : Healthcare and education-focused solutions are being marketed separately—optimized for patient comfort or classroom productivity.

• Edge AI and energy optimization are emerging as tie-breakers in competitive bids.

To be honest, this market isn’t about flooding the field. It’s about precision—companies are staking territory in specific verticals, aligning with ecosystem partners, and pushing interoperability as their key differentiator.

 

Regional Landscape And Adoption Outlook

PoE lighting adoption is following the smart building curve—more advanced in digitally mature regions, but picking up steam globally as infrastructure policies and energy mandates push modernization. Here’s how the regional outlook plays out.

North America

North America leads the global PoE lighting market, largely driven by:

• A mature smart building ecosystem

• Government energy efficiency mandates (e.g., California Title 24)

• Heavy concentration of tech-forward commercial real estate in cities like San Francisco, Austin, and Boston

The U.S. also benefits from the presence of key players like Cisco , Signify , and Cree , whose early deployments have helped validate PoE at scale.

Enterprise campuses, K–12 schools, and hospitals are the top adopters. Corporate real estate developers increasingly spec PoE lighting into LEED-certified or WELL-rated buildings to meet ESG criteria and future-proof infrastructure.

One North American REIT now mandates PoE -ready lighting in all new developments, citing lower TCO and improved tenant experience.

 

Europe

Europe is close behind, with robust momentum in:

• Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands—where smart building adoption is high

• Nordic countries—where energy-efficiency is deeply embedded in building codes

The EU’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and green taxonomy rules are nudging real estate stakeholders toward PoE and other low-voltage systems.

What sets Europe apart is its emphasis on sustainability and occupant well-being . Dynamic lighting tied to circadian rhythms is gaining traction, especially in healthcare and education projects.

That said, PoE adoption can be slower in heritage buildings , where retrofit costs and preservation laws complicate low-voltage rewiring.

 

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region , led by:

• China and India , where smart city programs and massive urbanization are spurring digital infrastructure investment

• Singapore and South Korea , already front-runners in integrated building automation

Governments across the region are subsidizing energy-efficient infrastructure, and PoE’s lower operating cost is a fit for dense commercial developments.

But the picture is mixed. In many APAC markets, the awareness gap still exists. Decision-makers often equate smart lighting with wireless systems, overlooking PoE’s long-term scalability and cost advantages.

Once that changes—and as Cat6 cabling becomes standard in new construction— PoE lighting adoption is likely to jump significantly.

 

LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East, and Africa)

This region currently represents a small but promising slice of the market. Key developments include:

• Gulf states (UAE, Saudi Arabia) : investing heavily in smart cities (e.g., NEOM, Masdar City), where PoE lighting fits into integrated digital infrastructure plans

• Latin America : gradual adoption in Mexico, Brazil, and Chile—mostly through energy modernization initiatives in public buildings

• Africa : still in early stages, with growth centered around pilot projects in South Africa and Kenya

Challenges in this region include higher upfront costs, limited local technical expertise, and inconsistent regulatory enforcement. But vendor partnerships and donor-backed infrastructure programs are starting to change that.

 

Key Regional Insight

• North America and Europe lead in volume and use-case maturity

• Asia Pacific leads in growth potential, driven by scale and smart city policy

• LAMEA remains a white space, but large-scale government-backed projects could flip the switch quickly

The global story? PoE lighting is no longer a tech-first luxury. It’s becoming an operational strategy—tied to energy savings, ESG compliance, and tenant experience. As regions accelerate their infrastructure upgrades, PoE will ride the wave of intelligent building design.

 

End-User Dynamics And Use Case

Adoption of Power Over Ethernet lighting varies widely by end user, but one theme holds across the board: buyers aren’t just looking for lights—they want systems that work smarter, scale faster, and cut costs . Let’s break down how different user groups are making decisions.

1. Commercial Office Developers and Corporate Campuses
This group leads the market by a wide margin. They’re building or retrofitting Class A buildings to meet LEED or WELL standards, and PoE lighting helps tick the boxes for:

• Centralized control

• Lower energy usage

• Occupancy-based automation

• Integration with tenant experience platforms

These buyers care about tenant satisfaction and long-term ROI . They often bundle PoE with HVAC, access control, and desk reservation systems.

A senior facilities manager at a financial services HQ shared: “Lighting is the data grid now. It helps us understand space usage, reduce HVAC waste, and optimize cleaning schedules.”

 

2. Healthcare Facilities
Hospitals and medical campuses are deploying PoE lighting in surgical suites, patient recovery rooms, and emergency departments. Why?

• Color tuning to match circadian rhythms

• Reduced heat output in sensitive environments

• Integration with nurse call and wayfinding systems

They also appreciate PoE’s low-voltage design , which simplifies compliance with electrical safety standards in patient care areas.

That said, healthcare adoption can be slowed by complex procurement cycles and high stakeholder involvement.

 

3. Educational Institutions
Schools and universities are adopting PoE for:

• Classroom lighting that adjusts based on daylight or activity

• Energy savings during low-occupancy hours

• Safe, low-voltage systems that are easier to maintain

K–12 districts are drawn by the operational savings , while higher education campuses focus more on student wellness and technology integration . Some even use PoE lighting as part of STEM curriculum—letting students interact with real-world IoT systems.

 

4. Industrial and Warehousing Operators
Factories and logistics hubs use PoE lighting for:

• Zone-based dimming tied to motion

• Rapid deployment in high-ceiling areas

• Integration with conveyor or robotics systems

This group values reliability and easy maintenance . However, PoE adoption in industrial sites is still niche—many operators still rely on high-bay AC systems unless modernization is part of a broader digital initiative.

 

5. Public Sector and Government Facilities
City governments are exploring PoE lighting in courthouses, libraries, and administrative buildings—often through pilot programs linked to smart city grants. These users are cost-conscious and politically motivated to reduce energy use and showcase green leadership.

 

Use Case Highlight

A university medical center in Toronto retrofitted its radiology wing with PoE lighting and motion sensors. The lighting automatically dims during image capture, adjusts color temperature to reduce technician fatigue, and switches to emergency backup during outages. Within one year, they saw a 38% drop in lighting-related energy use. Staff also reported improved concentration and fewer lighting-related complaints—boosting both clinical outcomes and employee satisfaction.

Bottom Line : Each end user sees PoE through a different lens. For commercial offices, it’s about control and data. For hospitals, it’s comfort and compliance. For schools, it’s flexibility and cost. The key selling point across the board? PoE is more than lighting—it’s an infrastructure layer.

 

Recent Developments + Opportunities & Restraints

Recent Developments (Last 2 Years)

• Cisco and Signify extended their collaboration (2023) to integrate Cisco’s Digital Building switches with Signify’s Interact platform, streamlining PoE lighting deployment across enterprise campuses and healthcare environments.

• Ubiquiti introduced UniFi PoE lighting modules (2024) as part of its expanding IoT ecosystem, offering affordable, app-controlled lighting for SMBs and IT departments without needing a separate BMS.

• Molex unveiled a new version of CoreSync (2023) , allowing modular sensor-luminaire combos that automatically connect with BMS platforms and support predictive analytics.

• Igor announced a new edge-AI module (2024) for its Nexos platform, allowing PoE fixtures to learn occupancy patterns and adjust lighting dynamically to conserve energy in real time.

 

Opportunities

• Smart Retrofit Boom
  A growing number of commercial and public buildings are seeking non-invasive, low-voltage retrofit solutions . PoE lighting is ideal because it doesn't require rewiring to high-voltage standards. Expect a surge in demand from Class B and C office stock being upgraded to meet energy targets.

• Green Building Certifications and ESG Mandates
  PoE lighting directly supports certifications like LEED , WELL , and Fitwel , as well as emerging ESG reporting frameworks. This opens doors in real estate portfolios and public-private partnerships prioritizing net-zero goals.

• Integration with Smart City Infrastructure
  As municipalities digitize assets like traffic lights, parking systems, and security networks, PoE lighting fits right in. Cities are beginning to test integrated street lighting and indoor public facility systems controlled via PoE and BMS platforms.

 

Restraints

• Upfront Cost and Design Complexity
  While PoE saves money long-term, initial deployment costs—particularly for Cat6/7 cabling and switch upgrades—can be a hurdle, especially for smaller organizations or legacy buildings. Also, MEP contractors often lack PoE design expertise , slowing down implementation.

• IT and Facilities Coordination Gaps
  PoE projects straddle the line between electrical and IT domains. In many cases, lack of cross-departmental coordination leads to procurement delays, technical misalignment, or incomplete installations.

To be honest, PoE lighting is ready for prime time—but not everyone’s ready for it. The tech is solid, the value is proven. What’s missing in some cases is the organizational alignment and skilled integrators to drive execution smoothly.

 

7.1. Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 419.7 Million
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 1.2 Billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 18.2% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2019 – 2023
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2024 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Component, By Application, By End User, By Geography
By Component	Hardware, Software & Services
By Application	Commercial Buildings, Healthcare Facilities, Educational Institutions, Industrial & Warehousing
By End User	New Construction, Retrofit Projects
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., UK, Germany, China, India, Japan, Brazil, etc.
Market Drivers	- Surge in smart building projects - Integration with BMS and IoT systems - ESG goals and green building mandates
Customization Option	Available upon request