Pictured here is a general sample of what a typical solar powered streetlight looks like. Each solar powered streetlight operates individually, with a solar panel providing the power for the street light fixture. Photo courtesy of the City of Citrus Heights

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - The City of Citrus Heights General Services Department is building the first of three new solar powered streetlights to help enhance public safety near the Sunrise Tech Center.

Notice of the project was provided to members of Citrus Heights Neighborhood Area 7, 8, 9 – CHASEN in a Sept. 27 email by the Citrus Heights General Services Department.

A concrete foundation for one of the new solar powered streetlights was poured on Sept. 28 by the contractor, Bear Electrical Solutions, on the southwest corner of Oak Avenue and Canelo Hills Drive.

The new streetlight will be built in the back of the Sunrise Tech Center campus not far from its fenced-in children’s play area. The pilot/test project to evaluate the overall effectiveness of different solar powered streetlight designs is in three different locations in the city, said Marisa Brown, the city’s communications officer.

Solar powered streetlights can be installed in any location with direct view of the sun, eliminating the need for electric power and meter electric bills associated with it.

By consuming no electricity and using smart power technology, new municipal solar street lighting avoids the installation cost of standard grid-powered lights and might last longer and deliver a better lighting result, according to industry representatives.

“Each location will look different as we test different types, makes and models,” Brown said.

Brown provided two sample images of solar powered streetlights being tested by the city’s General Services Department.

“As construction costs and electricity rates continue to rise, the engineering division is evaluating alternative options to traditional street light installations,” Brown said.

“Traditional street lighting includes connection to SMUD infrastructure, installation of a new SMUD meter and meter cabinet, and trenching conduit for several hundred feet per light, to connect and power a series of streetlights,” Brown added.

“To minimize both construction and electrical costs, the option of solar-powered streetlights in the city is being evaluated,” Brown said.

Solar-powered lights do not require a connection to SMUD’s infrastructure or any conduit or electrical conductors between locations.

The City of Citrus Heights is building the first of three new solar powered streetlights to help enhance public safety. This photo illustrates the design proposed for Walnut Drive, just east of Auburn Blvd. Photo courtesy of the City of Citrus Heights

“Each solar powered streetlight would operate individually, with a solar panel providing the power for the street light fixture,” Brown said.

To evaluate the reliability, cost, maintenance needs and light output over time, three distinct types of solar-powered streetlights are currently in process for installation throughout the city.

The other two locations are at Desimone Lane, just east of Auburn Boulevard, and at Walnut Drive, just east of Auburn Boulevard.

“The three locations will be installed in the next few months and then evaluated over the coming year,” Brown said.

The city will evaluate and review installation, maintenance costs, battery replacement costs and frequency, the ease of installation, and light reliability during all times of the year, including clear and cloudy conditions.

“After evaluation is completed, the city will determine if expanding the program is cost-effective and warranted,” Brown added.

For information about the project, contact the city General Services Department at 916-727-4770.