Solar-powered street lighting in Texas is rapidly gaining traction as a practical solution for improving safety in high-need neighborhoods across Texas. In Bexar County, the shift toward off-grid solar lighting is already showing early signs of success in crime prevention, traffic safety, and community well-being.
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A Community in the Dark
Addressing Longstanding Lighting Gaps in Northeast Bexar County
For decades, residents in unincorporated areas of Bexar County have faced a lack of adequate street lighting due to the absence of formal agreements with CPS Energy. This infrastructure gap has contributed to higher risks of accidents, crime, and pedestrian incidents in some of the county’s most vulnerable communities.
In 2024, that began to change.
The Pilot Program That Lit the Way
Camelot Neighborhood Leads with Solar-Powered Innovation
With funding from a Community Development Block Grant, Commissioner Tommy Calvert initiated a pilot project that brought 27 solar streetlights to the Camelot neighborhood—one of the county’s most underserved areas. The lights were strategically placed based on crime data, traffic safety records, and community input, including insights from the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office.
These new solar lights require no electrical grid, no trenching, and no monthly utility costs—making them ideal for budget-conscious governments and communities seeking safer, more sustainable streets.
Early Results and Resident Reactions
Community Members Applaud Improved Visibility and Safety
Since installation, residents have reported a noticeable difference in how they experience their neighborhood after dark. Previously dim and dangerous areas are now well-lit, deterring crime and providing peace of mind for families walking or driving through at night.
The lights—engineered by Fonroche Lighting America—cover approximately 75 feet in diameter and can be installed quickly by county personnel, often in under an hour per unit.
Why Off-Grid Lighting Works for Crime Prevention
Independence from the Grid Means Resilience and Reliability
Unlike traditional lighting systems, off-grid solar streetlights don’t rely on vulnerable power infrastructure. That means no risk of outages due to storms or vandalism, and no exposure to copper wire theft—a crime that has plagued municipal systems across Texas.
Off-grid lighting also allows for targeted deployment in neighborhoods that need it most—without the delays and costs of utility coordination.
Looking Ahead: A Model for Texas Counties
Scaling the Program Beyond the Pilot
Bexar County’s pilot project serves as a scalable model for other Texas counties facing similar lighting and safety challenges. By using grant funding and county crews for installation, local governments can make significant safety improvements without straining budgets.
Commissioner Calvert’s initiative is not just about providing light—it’s about creating infrastructure equity, enhancing sustainability, and reducing long-term costs.
Ready to Light Up Your Community?
Partner with Fonroche Lighting America for Proven Results
Fonroche Lighting America offers solar-powered lighting solutions tailored to the unique needs of counties and municipalities across Texas. If your community struggles with outdated or insufficient lighting infrastructure, now is the time to explore solar alternatives that save money, reduce crime, and protect the environment.
Get in touch today to discuss your next project or request a customized lighting plan.