Solar street lighting project planning guide for contractors and city planners in urban parking lot with LED solar lights at sunset

Step-by-Step Guide to Solar Street Lighting for Planners & Contractors

Contractors face a major challenge when it comes to providing safe, and well‑lit roads. They have to provide these amenities while staying within strict budgets and deadlines. This is where Solar street light project planning comes in. With no trenching, wiring, or monthly utility bills, solar street lights are quicker to deploy, simpler to finance, and better in the long‑term. 

This guide acts as the perfect resource that teaches you how to install solar street lights. It also entails all the follow up steps for a successful solar street lighting project. Along with that, it enlightens you about vendors like Beyond Solar who provide solar solutions designed to help you succeed! 


How to install solar street lights

Solar street light project planning and installing is simple. Just follow these steps:

 

1. Site Needs & Lighting Requirements Assessment

Off-grid street lighting installation starts with understanding the site. Contractors should have the knowledge about: 

  • Road type or path type (collector road, residential street, park, etc.)

  • Projected traffic volumes and safety factors

  • Local lighting regulations (IESNA guidelines, municipal regulations)

  • Climatic conditions like shading, snow, or coastal exposure

It is the best practice to conduct photometric studies. Beyond Solar's staff offers photometric layouts to verify the design conforms to standards prior to hardware purchases.

 

2. Choosing the Right Solar Light Models

The appropriate product functioning is dependent on mounting height, lumens required, and the key objectives of the project. Beyond Solar has a range of tried-and-tested models to suit city planner solar infrastructure and contractor requirements:

  • SolePole Dual 45/35: For use on arterial roads and big parking lots, this dual‑arm solar street light uses powerful illumination with distinct panels and battery systems for increased reliability.
  • Beacon Solar LED Street Light: High-output system designed for highways, urban corridors, and city complexes, well-suited to projects with demands for smart controls and scalability. 
  • Pollux Solar LED Street Light: Compact, efficient, and adaptable for neighborhood streets, schools, and park trails. The Pollux finds a balance between lumen output and budget, making it well-suited for phased rollouts.
  • Vitality Solar LED Light: A heavy-duty answer for residential areas and city sidewalks, providing stable lighting with intelligent dimming features and long battery backup.

 

3. Planning Pole Placement & Spacing

Pole placement is essential to provide even coverage and safety. Contractors must:

  • Utilize staggered or opposite positioning based on road width

  • Take into consideration setbacks from intersections and driveways

  •  Coordinate optics to spacing for uniform lighting

Since solar lights are independent systems, pole location is more free form than grid lighting, no conduit runs or transformer sites to limit you.

 

4. Complying with Lighting Standards & Codes

Municipalities typically cite IESNA standards of light levels, uniformity ratios, and glare control. Beyond Solar products are designed to meet and even surpass these standards. During Solar street light project planning, contractors must document compliance upfront, assuring city approvals and avoiding delays.

 

5. Quick Installation: No Trenching or Cabling Required

Traditional lighting involves trenching, cabling, and road closures, which is usually the costliest aspect of a project. However, Solar street light project planning is entirely different and better. Every fixture can be installed in less than two hours. Just install the pole, mount the light, position in the right direction, and commission. No trenching translates to no disruption of traffic or landscaping.


6. Permitting & Approvals

As solar lights follow off-grid street lighting installation and are self contained, electrical permitting is often convenient. However, contractors should still check local requirements for pole foundations, right‑of‑way rules, and historic district guidelines. In many jurisdictions, the reduced electrical footprint helps speed approval timelines.

 

7. Collaborating with the Right Vendor

The choice of the right vendor is essential. Beyond Solar offers:

  • Photometric design assistance

  • Technical support based in the U.S.

  • Financing advice

  • Proven product warranties (up to 5 years)

These aforementioned tools assist in creating better city planner solar infrastructure and keeping projects simplified from RFP to installation. 

 

8. Case Example: How A Contractor Saved Time & Budget With Solar

A mid-city community had to decide whether to bring grid power across a high‑traffic intersection or turn to solar. By installing Beacon and SolePole Dual systems, the contractor saved $500,000 in trenching expenses and reduced installation times by half. The community enjoyed up‑front city planner solar infrastructure enhancements and long‑term energy savings.

 

9. Where Cities Are Adopting Solar Projects

Cities all over the U.S. are embracing solar street light project planning for quicker deployments and robust infrastructure. In Phoenix and Dallas, as well as Orlando, Atlanta, and Denver, contractors and planners are all turning towards Beyond Solar systems to upgrade lighting to avoid the cost and delays of traditional methods.

 

Looking for expert guidance on product selection, design, or financing? Request a Free Quote and let Beyond Solar help you plan your project with confidence.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to install each solar street light?

Generally less than two hours per fixture. Since no trenching is needed, several units can be installed in a day by contractors.

1. Are solar street lights compliant with municipal brightness standards?

Yes. Beacon and SolePole Dual are designed to be compliant with IESNA and municipal standards for roads and public spaces.

2. What permits do solar street lights need?

Electrical permits are usually reduced or not needed because the system is off-grid. Pole and foundation permits are typically necessary.

3. How do solar street lights function in cloudy conditions?

Quality systems provide battery autonomy for 2–4 nights, ensuring uninterrupted use even in less sunny weather.

4. What is the range of expected battery lifespan?

LiFePO₄ batteries have a typical lifespan of 5–10 years based on climate and use. LEDs can last for 100,000 hours.

5. How can Beyond Solar assist planners and contractors?

Beyond Solar provides photometric layouts, product selection assistance, financing, and warranty assistance to make your projects successful.

 

Conclusion

Solar street lighting project planning ensures better illumination, lower costs, and resilient performance. For contractors and city planners, working with Beyond Solar means access to proven products like SolePole Dual, Beacon, Pollux, and Vitality all backed by expert support. 

Whether you’re upgrading a single corridor or rolling out citywide improvements, city planner solar infrastructure is the clear choice for modern neighborhoods. 

👉 Ready to start your project? Get tailored recommendations, photometric layouts, and pricing support directly from our experts. Request a Free Quote Today and make your solar street lighting project a success.

 

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