As one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities, Fort Worth is making a strategic decision to modernize its public infrastructure—enhancing safety, cutting long-term costs, and promoting sustainability in communities across the city.
With a $12 million investment from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Fort Worth has partnered with Fonroche Lighting America—a global leader in off-grid solar solutions—to launch a sweeping solar streetlighting initiative. The project will install more than 3,400 solar-powered streetlights across 30 neighborhoods, overcoming the persistent challenges related to rising energy costs, infrastructure equity, and aging electrical systems.
“Only 40 percent of residents expressed satisfaction with our street lighting,” stated Lauren Prieur, the Public Works Director for Fort Worth. “That’s simply unacceptable. We are revolutionizing Fort Worth with Fonroche’s solar lighting, creating safer, more accessible streets while lowering maintenance expenses and eliminating the risks associated with wire theft and outages.”
See the Fort Worth Magazine article here.
Resilient Illumination for Every Neighborhood
In contrast to conventional lighting upgrades, the Fonroche SmartLights being installed are entirely autonomous and off-grid. Each unit is powered by the company’s unique Power 365 technology, which provides 365 nights of uninterrupted illumination each year—without the need for trenches, wires, or utility connections.
These solar streetlights function independently of Texas’ electric grid and are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions—from frigid wind chills to sweltering summer temperatures. Additionally, these are resistant to power outages and copper wire theft, two significant issues that have cost cities millions across the country.
Brighter Streets Builds Stronger Communities
The selection of neighborhoods for this initiative was guided by detailed, data-driven planning. City officials utilized an efficient evaluation matrix—considering pedestrian traffic, proximity to schools and parks, the age of existing infrastructure, and equity metrics—to identify the communities that lack improved, reliable lighting.
Installation commenced in 2023, beginning with neighborhoods such as Eastland, Glen Park, Morningside, and South Hills. By the end of 2024, over 1,100 lights had been installed. In 2025, an additional 1,000 lights will be added in areas like Overton South, Polytechnic Heights, and Highland Hills—with the complete rollout anticipated to encompass 30 neighborhoods by 2026.
“Fort Worth’s dedication to ongoing improvement and modernization is genuinely inspiring,” remarked Hocine Benaoum, Head of Fonroche Lighting America. “By enhancing lighting in neighborhoods, we’re contributing to a safer, more accessible, and unified Fort Worth.”
Sustainability That Pays Off
In addition to enhancing visibility and safety, Fort Worth’s solar initiative is yielding significant cost savings. The city anticipates a reduction of $3 million annually in energy and maintenance expenses. With no operating costs, over a decade of maintenance-free performance, and components that are more than 90% recyclable, this investment is as financially prudent as it is environmentally sustainable.
Setting the Standard for Smarter Infrastructure
As Texas—and the nation—confronts aging infrastructure and energy uncertainty, Fort Worth’s solar-forward strategy offers a clear blueprint for other cities. By eliminating reliance on overburdened utilities, avoiding disruptive trenching, and rapidly improving public safety, off-grid lighting is proving to be infrastructure that leads rather than lags.
“This is what leadership looks like,” said Hocine Benaoum. “Mayor Parker’s focus on renewable, resilient solutions puts Fort Worth in a position to lead nationally.”
The Future Is Bright—and Solar
From Stop Six to Wedgwood East, Fort Worth shows what happens when cities invest in smart, sustainable infrastructure that puts community needs first. And with Fonroche Lighting America by its side, this is just the beginning.
No wires. No emissions. No compromises.
Ready to Go Off-Grid? Let’s Talk
Fonroche Lighting America is redefining what’s possible with public lighting—clean, reliable, and completely off the grid. From new developments to revitalized neighborhoods, we deliver smart solutions that last. Let’s light the way—together.