A Crisis Illuminated by Innovation
In Los Angeles, streetlights are more than infrastructure—they’re a frontline defense against darkness, danger, and disrepair. But for years, a silent epidemic has swept through the city: copper wire theft. With over 27,000 miles of copper wiring strung beneath LA’s streets, thieves have found a lucrative target. The result? Blacked-out neighborhoods, delayed repairs, and over $100 million in damages since 2020.
Facing an unsustainable cycle of repair and re-theft, LA’s Bureau of Street Lighting knew it was time to think beyond the grid. The solution came from an unexpected source: the sun.
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The End of the Copper Wire Era
As copper wire theft surged across Los Angeles, traditional deterrents—like reinforced enclosures and police task forces—proved expensive and ineffective. The city needed more than a patch; it needed a shift. That’s where Fonroche Lighting America stepped in.
With over 250,000 off-grid streetlights installed globally, Fonroche offered LA something no other system could: a solar-powered streetlight designed from the ground up to be theft-proof, trench-free, and maintenance-free for over a decade. By eliminating underground wiring and relying entirely on solar energy stored in advanced NiMH batteries, Fonroche’s SmartLight systems removed the very asset thieves were targeting—copper.
But Fonroche didn’t just bring equipment—it brought engineering intelligence. Each deployment in LA is backed by 10 years of localized weather data, custom system sizing, and precision photometric modeling. This ensures every light meets performance standards without depending on utility infrastructure.
The result: durable, resilient lighting where LA needs it most—and a model that other cities are now racing to replicate.
Designed for Resilience, Built for Cities
Fonroche’s solar lighting systems are more than a workaround—they’re a long-term infrastructure solution engineered for resilience. Each unit is equipped with Power 365, Fonroche’s proprietary energy management technology, which guarantees 365 nights of reliable lighting per year, even in low-sunlight conditions.
Installation is fast and disruption-free. With no need for trenching, conduit, or grid coordination, crews can deploy each system in under 45 minutes. That’s not just a time saver—it’s a lifeline in neighborhoods that have gone dark for months while waiting for traditional repairs.
And while other solar options struggle to meet urban performance standards, Fonroche systems deliver powerful, photometrically-validated illumination. They are rigorously tested for thermal performance, wind resistance, and energy efficiency—backed by the only climate simulation and battery testing center in the world dedicated to solar lighting.
In a city like LA—where power outages, copper theft, and climate-driven stresses collide—Fonroche is providing more than light. It’s delivering energy independence, safety, and peace of mind.
A Global Leader, Trusted Locally
Every Fonroche project begins with a tailored study. Using satellite-verified irradiation data, local climate simulations, and rigorous photometric modeling, Fonroche engineers build systems that are uniquely sized for their environment. The result: no excess, no failure, and no dependence on overburdened utility providers.
In this city, that means streetlights that don’t just restore illumination—they restore confidence in public safety and infrastructure reliability.
Lighting a Smarter Path Forward
Los Angeles isn’t waiting for grid modernization or another round of cable replacements. With Fonroche Lighting America’s help, the city is building resilient infrastructure that sidesteps the limitations of legacy systems altogether.
Every solar streetlight installed is a step toward energy independence, environmental stewardship, and safer neighborhoods—without the delays and vulnerabilities that come with grid-connected lighting. And every successful deployment proves a larger point: solar streetlighting isn’t experimental anymore—it’s the new standard.
Fonroche Lighting America demonstrates that solar can meet the highest standards of reliability, performance, and design.
Ready to go Off-Grid? Let’s Connect
Whether you’re addressing copper theft, planning for resilience, or rethinking how your community lights its streets, Fonroche Lighting America is ready to help. Speak to a Solar Lighting Expert today to discuss your next project.