A scalable model for sustainable cities—and a first for Ohio.
Beachwood, Ohio has officially become the first city in the state to implement a residential solar street lighting program, selecting Fonroche Lighting America to deliver a smart, sustainable, and cost-effective solution. The project marks a milestone not only for the city, but for municipalities across the U.S. looking to modernize infrastructure while respecting budgetary and environmental constraints.
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A Community-Driven Decision—Decades in the Making
For over 30 years, Beachwood residents have voiced a desire for better neighborhood lighting. A 2024 survey showed that nearly 70% of respondents wanted lights on their residential streets, with key priorities being speed, affordability, and minimal disruption. Traditional lighting estimates ranged from $3 million to $15 million, with lengthy timelines, trenching, and potential tax assessments.
Earlier efforts—like a voluntary carriage light program—struggled to deliver uniform results or resident participation. A prior attempt at solar lighting in local parks a decade ago also fell short due to outdated technology.
But technology has advanced. And Beachwood responded.
Why Fonroche—and Why Now?
In 2025, Beachwood City Council unanimously approved a new path forward: a solar-powered pilot program using Fonroche’s SmartLight technology.
After evaluating six vendors, the city selected Fonroche based on its battery technology, installation speed, cost-effectiveness, warranty terms, and performance guarantees. Fonroche’s Power 365 system ensures 365 nights of light per year, even in northern climates with extended winters and limited sunlight.
“These solar street lights represent more than just lighting our community,” said Mayor Justin Berns. “They symbolize our commitment to innovation through sustainability and meeting the needs of our community.”
“It’s important to note that this is a pilot program, we want to see how well this does – it’s probably gonna take a couple years, we need some winters and cold weather to see how the batteries hold up but we believe we are pioneers in doing this in the state of Ohio,” Berns said.
Smart, Grid-Free Lighting—Installed in Days, Not Years
The project—now live along Beachwood Boulevard and Ranch Road—features 29 SmartLights spaced approximately 150 feet apart, each equipped with:
- Dark-sky compliant optics for reduced light pollution
- NiMH batteries with 10–12 year lifespans and full discharge capabilities
- Wireless monitoring for real-time performance diagnostics
- Adaptive brightness profiles that adjust with sunrise and sunset
Fonroche completed the installation in just a two days—a third of the time and cost of traditional lighting projects—without trenching, wiring, or tapping into the city’s grid.
The total pilot cost of $114,576 was offset by a NOPEC Energized Community Grant covering nearly 69% of the expense.
A Model for Forward-Thinking Cities
This initiative doesn’t just solve a local problem—it sets a precedent. Fonroche’s scalable, trench-free lighting systems offer a replicable model for:
- Cities balancing sustainability with fiscal responsibility
- Communities in colder climates concerned about winter performance
- Municipal leaders seeking fast, resident-approved infrastructure wins
Importantly, the Beachwood pilot also proves that solar lighting isn’t just for the Sunbelt. With installations at NASA Glenn Research Center and in municipalities across 50+ countries, Fonroche’s systems are engineered for durability, precision, and adaptability—from Florida to France to northeast Ohio.
“Fonroche is honored to support the City of Beachwood in bringing Ohio’s first solar-powered residential lighting project of its kind to life,” said Fonroche Lighting America CEO, Hocine Benaoum. “We’re proud to help demonstrate what’s possible when community vision meets cutting-edge solar innovation.”
What Comes Next?
The pilot will run for a minimum of two years, allowing Beachwood to evaluate:
- Winter performance
- Battery longevity
- Community feedback
Residents are encouraged to visit the pilot sites and share feedback via pilot@beachwoodohio.com. Their input will shape what could become a citywide—and even statewide—model for future-ready public lighting.
About Fonroche Lighting America
Fonroche Lighting America delivers off-grid, solar-powered lighting systems that eliminate the need for trenching, electrical infrastructure, and ongoing utility costs. With Power 365 technology, LoRa remote monitoring, and 10+ years of maintenance-free operation, Fonroche systems serve municipalities, military bases, developers, and communities across the U.S. and beyond.
Learn more at FonrocheSolarLighting.com