5 Reasons Cities are Switching To Solar

Cities are increasingly switching from traditional streetlights to solar-powered options. While solar lighting was once seen as experimental, it's now standard in many public spaces as municipalities recognize the cost-saving, safety, environmental, and community advantages. Here are the top driving factors behind the switch to solar lighting in public spaces.

Reason 1: Up-Front Cost Savings

Cities juggle tight budgets for municipal services, and because every new project competes for limited funds, cost-saving options are highly valuable. While solar lighting comes with an upfront investment, it also provides long-term savings on installation and operation.

Traditional streetlights require trenching, wiring, and the right contractor, which can drive up project costs by thousands of dollars per fixture. Self-contained solar lights eliminate these installation needs, with FLT in many cases saving municipalities up to 50% on costs.

Solar and other renewable energy sources have become more affordable to produce and are increasingly adopted across municipalities, with studies estimating that adoption will reach up to 74% by 2035. Additionally, municipalities can offset upfront costs by accessing grants and assistance from the Department of Energy's Office of State and Community Energy Programs and other incentive programs.

Reason 2: Safer Streets and Communities

High-quality, reliable street lighting makes neighborhoods feel safer. It's one of the most cost-efficient ways to encourage people to use parks, walking paths, and bike trails, building more active and vibrant communities. Well-lit areas also make it harder for crimes to go unnoticed, and studies show that bright lighting can reduce crime by 15% at night. Proper lighting can reduce the risk of accidents and improve the visibility of potential hazards, such as uneven surfaces, obstacles, or traffic.

Because solar lighting doesn’t require a grid connection, it keeps public spaces safe during power outages and extreme weather.

Reason 3: Resilient and Self-Sufficient Cities

Because solar lighting doesn’t require a grid connection, it keeps working when storms, wildfires, or heatwaves knock out the electricity. When blackouts hit, solar lighting operates independently and continues to illuminate public areas.

Reliable lighting also supports emergency services during these scenarios. Well-lit streets enable police, firefighters, ambulances, and other first responders to navigate safely and reach people or areas that require their support. With proper lighting, evacuation routes, shelters, and gathering points remain illuminated and more easily accessible. In short, solar lighting translates to better community preparedness and reduced vulnerability in the event of emergencies.

Reason 4: Keeping The Night Sky

FLT products are Dark Sky certified, utilizing optics that minimize glare and allow for warmer color temperatures, reducing disruptions to wildlife and human sleep cycles. Specifically, amber lighting options and Lumileds NightScape Technology LED’s reduce disruptive blue light content while still providing comfortable illumination on pathways and streets.

By controlling uplight, these designs preserve the night sky and protect the well-being of the community and local wildlife. Flagstaff, Arizona, was designated the first Dark Sky City in 2001, and now 19 states have Dark Sky legislation, including Hawaii, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, and Florida, to protect ecologically sensitive and culturally significant areas.

Reason 5: Streamlined and Flexible Lighting Solutions

Flexibility and installation speed are among the most practical benefits of solar streetlights. Without utility coordination, trenching, or laying cable, solar light installation is fast and minimally disruptive.

Self-contained solar lights are particularly advantageous in rural or remote areas where access to utilities may be limited. With solar lights, cities can illuminate trails, waterfronts, and new developments without the cost or impact of expanding grid infrastructure.

Looking Ahead: Solar Lighting as Urban Infrastructure

Solar lighting has evolved into a full infrastructure solution, supporting safer streets, improving city-wide resilience during outages, reducing emissions, and providing equitable access to reliable lighting in public spaces, all while lowering costs compared to traditional lighting.

For municipalities planning infrastructure upgrades, solar lighting offers financial, environmental, and community benefits that align with long-term city needs. Learn more about how FLT's outdoor light and solar light expertise can support your next project.