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  • 3 min read
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  • By SolarPath

How One City Lit an Entire Park Without Electricity Costs

How a city transformed a park with zero-energy-cost lighting and no underground wiring

park with solar lights

Table of Contents

The Challenge

“Can we light the park without connecting to the grid?”
That question led them to explore solar-powered lighting for parks – and ultimately to SolarPath.

Project Goals

  • Illuminate walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas

  • Avoid trenching or underground wiring

  • Minimize long-term maintenance and operating costs

  • Use sustainable, grant-eligible technology

  • Complete the installation before the spring season

  • Reduce installation time to meet seasonal deadlines.

The Solution: Off-Grid Solar Lighting by SolarPath

After reviewing several options, the city selected SolarPath to deliver a custom-designed lighting system with:

  • 30 off-grid solar lighting poles

  • Each equipped with high-efficiency LED fixtures

  • Pole-mounted solar panels and battery storage

  • Smart controllers with motion sensors and dimming schedules

  • Durable materials rated for weather and vandal resistance

  • Fully independent power system requiring no grid connection

All lights were installed without trenching, and the system was fully operational in under 3 weeks.

Results

  • $0 monthly energy bills ✔

  • 75% savings compared to wired lighting installation

  • No disruptions to park grounds or landscaping

  • Park lighting compliant with safety and visibility standards

  • Community feedback: overwhelmingly positive

  • No technical issues reported in the first 18 months

  • Installation completed in under 3 weeks

Lessons Learned

  • Solar lighting is a practical option even for large spaces

  • Off-grid systems offer faster installation and lower lifetime cost

  • Smart planning and the right technology can eliminate the need for traditional infrastructure

  • Solar lighting is no longer a backup solution – it’s a primary infrastructure option

What the City Said

City Project Manager – “We didn’t just save money, we created a safer, more beautiful park without digging up the entire space. SolarPath’s team made it easy to move fast and meet our goals.”

Want Similar Results for Your City?

We’ll create a free lighting simulation for your park, trail, or public space based on your location, goals, and budget.

👉 Request a Custom Lighting Plan
📞 Talk to a SolarPath Municipal Lighting Expert

Learn more about our off-grid lighting poles 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can solar lighting really cover an entire park?
Yes – with proper design and spacing, solar systems can illuminate large outdoor areas reliably.

Q2: What if our city has a limited budget?
SolarPath helps identify phased approaches and funding opportunities. Many cities use grants or infrastructure budgets.

Q3: How long does it take to install a solar lighting system?
Most projects are installed within 2 to 4 weeks, depending on site conditions.

Q4: Is solar lighting bright and safe enough for public use?
Yes – we use high-lumen LED fixtures designed to meet municipal safety standards.

Q5: How long do solar lights last?
A: High-quality systems can operate 10–15 years with minimal maintenance.

Let us help you get started.

We’ll create a custom solar lighting plan for your project and share insights into available funding pathways.

Talk to a SolarPath Expert