Beachwood first in state with solar-powered residential streetlight program

The city of Beachwood is taking steps toward a more sustainable and energy-efficient future with the launch of a new solar-powered streetlight pilot program in residential areas, according to a news release. Installation of the innovative lighting system has begun along Beachwood Boulevard and Ranch Road, marking the start of a project designed to reduce environmental impact and respond directly to community feedback.

“These solar streetlights represent more than just lighting our community – they symbolize our commitment to innovation through sustainability and meeting the needs of our community,” Beachwood Mayor Justin Berns said in the release.

Berns and the city council view this program as a forward-thinking blend of technology, environmental stewardship and community-centered planning, setting a precedent for future infrastructure projects, the release said.

According to the release, nearly 70% of Beachwood residents voiced a desire for improved street lighting. In February, city council voted unanimously to approve a practical and fiscally responsible solar streetlight pilot program. The administration evaluated six proposals, considering factors such as battery types, installation methods, warranty terms, and costs. The evaluation determined SmartLights from Fonroche Lighting America would be the best option for the pilot program, the release said.

The cost of the pilot program is $114,576.00, covering 29 lights and including installation, remote monitoring, and support from Fronroche Lighting America, according to the release. The majority of the pilot program’s expense, $78,736.00, 68.7%, was covered through a Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council energized community grant, the release said.

“Fonroche Lighting America is honored to support the City of Beachwood in bringing Ohio’s first solar-powered residential lighting project of its kind to life,” Hocine Benaoum, CEO of Fonroche Lighting America, said in the release. “As part of our commitment to major cities nationwide, Fonroche is providing on-site expertise to help complete the project in just a few days – a third of the time and cost for traditional lighting,”

The SmartLights are spaced approximately 150 feet apart and feature an adaptive lighting profile that adjusts brightness based on sunset and sunrise, ensuring efficient, targeted lighting throughout the night, the release said. Dark-sky compliant, these lights reduce light pollution while enhancing visibility where it’s needed most. Each unit operates with zero emissions, uses recyclable materials, and includes wireless monitoring for real-time performance tracking and potential maintenance savings.

The pilot is expected to run for a minimum of two years, allowing city officials to evaluate factors such as the impact of winter weather, battery performance during low-sunlight periods, and the overall effectiveness of the system, the release said.

Residents are encouraged to visit the pilot areas to experience the new lighting firsthand and share their feedback by emailing pilot@beachwoodohio.com. Community input, along with performance data, will play a key role in determining whether the program is expanded citywide, according to the release.