As part of our commitment to sustainability and long-term cost savings, the Board has made the decision to transition to solar-powered street lighting across the estate. The existing street light columns are at the end of their serviceable life and require full replacement. Given the rising cost of electricity and the environmental benefits of renewable energy, solar lighting presents a forward-thinking solution that will eliminate ongoing energy expenses which are a significant part of our community fees. This will also lower our carbon footprint, and enhance the estate's overall resilience for the future. 

Our current infrastructure is over six decades old. Many of the columns are at risk of structural failure, presenting a real safety concern for pedestrians. Moreover, our lighting system is powered by conventional electricity sourced from the national grid. The cost of maintaining these outdated fixtures, combined with escalating energy rates, has created an urgent need for a more sustainable and financially viable alternative.

Solar lighting technology has undergone rapid advancements. The units we plan to install are fitted with high-lumen LED heads, mono-crystalline solar panels, LiPO4 batteries, and passive infrared (PIR) sensors. These features ensure dependable illumination while reducing energy consumption and light pollution. The PIR sensors activate full brightness only when motion is detected, conserving battery life and reducing disturbance to local wildlife during quiet hours.

Financially, the current annual electricity bill for the estate's street lighting is approximately £2,700 and increasing by about 5% annually. The transition to solar will effectively eliminate this cost. Over the course of a 15 years, this represents a total saving of approximately £58,261 when adjusted for inflation. All of the money saved on electricity can be redirected into the estate’s reserve fund for future infrastructure and sustainability projects.

Our preferred supplier, Pro-Light Solar, has provided lighting solutions to communities across the UK. Their installations in areas like Oak Tree Close in Somerset and Thistledown Crescent in Scotland have demonstrated measurable success. Both locations reported decreased maintenance costs, lower environmental impact, and overwhelmingly positive community feedback. In Oak Tree Close, residents observed an estimated £400 annual savings on communal energy costs, while Thistledown Crescent reported a 92% satisfaction rate post-installation.

When compared to traditional electric street lighting, solar options offer clear benefits:

• Zero electricity bills
• Minimal maintenance (only annual panel cleaning required)
• No trenching or external cabling, preserving green space
• Reduced CO₂ emissions (7.85 tonnes over 10 years)

The proposed system will deliver reliable, clean, and autonomous lighting—transforming our estate into a safer, greener model for privately managed communities. 

Over 10 years, this project will save an estimated 7.85 tonnes of CO₂ emissions—equivalent to driving over 20,000 miles in a typical petrol car or charging 950,000 smartphones.

According to the UK Government’s latest emissions conversion factors, the average carbon output for electricity use is approximately 0.233 kg of CO₂ per kWh. Based on our previous energy usage (12 columns, each consuming around 281 kWh annually), our current system emits an estimated 785 kg of CO₂ per year.

Over 10 years, this equates to 7.85 tonnes of carbon emissions—roughly equivalent to:

• Driving 20,000 miles in a petrol vehicle
• Burning nearly 8,700 pounds of coal
• The carbon sequestered by 130 tree seedlings grown for 10 years

By eliminating grid dependence, we will avoid these emissions entirely.

Other Benefits we Considered in Making our Decision:

Reducing Reliance on Fossil Fuels 

Traditional street lighting is typically powered by electricity sourced from the national grid. While the UK energy mix has improved, a considerable proportion is still generated from fossil fuels. Solar lighting provides an independent and renewable alternative that eliminates emissions at the source.

Minimising Light Pollution and Protecting Biodiversity 

The lights we have selected feature PIR sensors and dimming capabilities that help reduce unnecessary light during inactive periods. This limits light pollution, supports nocturnal wildlife activity, and preserves the dark skies valued by rural communities like ours. In particular, we anticipate improved conditions for bats, owls, and other species that inhabit our local hedgerows and tree cover.

No Excavation, No Cable Disruption Installing traditional lighting often involves trenching and significant ground disturbance. By contrast, our solar units are mounted on galvanised root-fixed columns that require no underground cabling. This reduces ecological disruption and helps preserve our green space.

Long-Term Sustainability The lights require minimal maintenance, powered entirely by daylight. With lifespans exceeding 10–15 years and no reliance on external energy sources, they offer one of the lowest-impact lighting solutions available. The installation represents not only an environmental win today, but a lasting infrastructure choice for the future.

In summary, this project demonstrates how even small, privately managed estates can lead by example—making climate-conscious decisions that deliver measurable impact. With this investment, we can eliminate 7.85 tonnes of CO₂, reduce habitat disruption, cut our energy consumption to zero, and inspire neighbouring communities to pursue similar sustainable pathways.

Quoted Cost £26,000.00+/-