The region's advantage
The Gulf receives more usable daylight hours than almost any commercial market. A perimeter zone in Dubai can run dimmed for the majority of occupied hours, which is a considerably stronger case than the same system in northern Europe.
Where it works
The outer two structural bays of a well-glazed floorplate are the reliable win. Payback in that zone is typically two to four years. Beyond about six metres from the glass, available daylight falls away and the sensor spends its life at full output.
Where it fails
Heavily shaded elevations, deep plans and floors with permanently closed blinds. If the blinds are always down because of glare, fix the glare first — otherwise the photocells are measuring a condition that never changes.
Commissioning is the whole game
Most disappointing installations are correctly specified and badly commissioned. Set-points must be established with the space furnished and occupied, and re-checked after a season. An uncommissioned photocell is an expensive light switch.
