Innovative solar-powered lighting enhances safety, sustainability, and savings across key Rowlett corridors
Fort Worth-based Fonroche Lighting America partnered with the City of Rowlett to supply and install 130 new solar-powered streetlights along a busy corridor of Texas State Highway 66 in Rowlett which until this week had no street lighting whatsoever. The solar alternative cost nearly half of the $2.8 million originally budgeted for a traditional grid lighting system, allowing the city to expand coverage to Rowlett Road and Dalrock Road. The new lighting system along State Highway 66 addresses safety concerns and offers a sustainable, cost-saving solution, and is the longest stretch of solar lighting on a state highway in the United States. “By choosing solar street lighting, the city is not only improving public safety but also making a lasting investment in energy independence and environmental responsibility,” said Hocine Benaoum, CEO of Fonroche Lighting America, which recently opened a new U.S. headquarters at 2224 SE Loop 820 in southeast Rowlett. “We’re proud to partner with a community like Rowlett that is lighting the way toward a smarter, more sustainable future.”
Fonroche Lighting America, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is the leader in infrastructure-grade solar lighting solutions. With offices across the United States, Fonroche serves the public lighting needs in cities like Los Angeles, San Antonio, and Denver. Fonroche systems deliver efficient, reliable, and durable lighting for applications ranging from pickleball courts to major state highways.
Illuminating the Future of Rowlett Rowlett Mayor Jeff Winget says he is thrilled to have the new addition to three of the city’s most highly trafficked streets. “By investing in solar-powered infrastructure, we’re enhancing safety, reducing costs, and reinforcing our commitment to sustainability,” said Winget. “These new lights illuminate more than our roadways though. They reflect our commitment to the safety and security of the people who live and work here and those who visit. I am proud to be a part of the Rowlett community as we continue to innovate and move forward with intention in our growth as a city in North Texas.”
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Benefits of Solar Lighting on Roadways
Safety. By providing consistent lighting when it’s dark outside, even during power outages, the new solar system by Fonroche improves visibility for drivers and pedestrians. Plus, the system’s softer LED light means less glare on the road for drivers.
Sustainability. The solar streetlights also significantly reduce environmental impact by eliminating the need for grid connections, leading to zero energy consumption and substantially lower carbon emissions compared to traditional streetlights. Plus, the system is dark sky compliant to minimize light pollution by directing all lights (which are warm toned) downward. Zero Energy Costs. The lights are powered by the sun and not connected to the electrical grid like traditional roadway lighting systems so there will be no electricity bills for these three roadways.
By the Numbers 3 for 1. Because of the reduced cost for solar lighting compared to a grid system, Rowlett officials were able to add streetlighting on three major corridors instead of one. 24 /7 for 365. The solar lights, equipped with Fonroche’s Power 365 battery systems, are designed to perform reliably in extreme temperatures ranging from -40°F to 158°F. They also feature an “All Night Lighting Guarantee,” which ensures uninterrupted illumination throughout the night.
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