As sustainability becomes a growing priority, more businesses and municipalities are turning to solar street lights as an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for parking lot lighting. Solar street lights not only reduce energy costs but also enhance safety and visibility for employees, customers, and visitors.
For businesses and property owners considering this upgrade, the obvious question arises: How much does it cost to install solar street lights in a parking lot? The answer depends on several factors, but we’re here to help you break it down.
Consider the Cost of Not Installing Solar Street Lights
Before you start calculating the costs of installing solar street lights, it’s equally important to consider what it will cost you not to make this investment.
“The opportunity cost is just too high. Not taking action or at least planning to incorporate solar lighting is a huge miss,” says Rob Sham, director of sales and sales operations for Sigostreetlight.
On the one hand, these opportunity costs take the form of forfeited benefits. Without solar street lights, you’re missing out on energy savings, enhanced safety, and the environmental credibility that comes with adopting sustainable solutions. Businesses and municipalities that fail to act risk falling behind in meeting sustainability goals and attracting eco-conscious customers or tenants.
On the other hand, delaying action means trading today’s known costs for future uncertainties. For instance, subsidies and incentives for installing solar lighting may change over time. They could become more restrictive or even disappear altogether. Some programs already require long-term commitments to qualify for financial support. Waiting to act could result in higher costs down the road, making it critical to weigh the cost of inaction against the benefits of acting now.
An Overview of Solar Street Light Installation Costs
When exploring the cost of installing solar street lights, it’s essential to understand the various factors that contribute to your total expenses. Much will depend on the specific needs of your parking lot or project site.
The biggest cost differentiator will be the type of solar street light system you choose. For example, basic standalone solar street lights typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 per unit. At the same time, more advanced systems with smart features, such as motion sensors and remote monitoring, can cost between $5,000 and $10,000 per unit. Determining the right system for your needs will depend on the size of your parking lot and the level of functionality you require.
Beyond the cost of the lights themselves, you’ll need to account for installation expenses, which can vary significantly. These may include:
- Preparing the site, such as leveling the ground or removing obstacles
- Installing poles and mounting the solar panels and lights
- Running underground cabling for hybrid systems, if applicable
- Engineering review and design
- Permitting and inspection
- Adding signage or additional safety features
Not all projects will require every service. For instance, if your site already has poles or infrastructure in place, your installation costs may be minimal. However, if significant groundwork or upgrades are needed, your expenses could rise substantially.
“If you need to install new poles, upgrade the site, or add custom features, your costs could easily reach five or six figures, depending on the scope of the project,” says Rob Sham, director of sales and sales operations for Sigostreetlight.
The good news is that companies like Sigostreetlight can guide you through these considerations and provide a precise estimate of your solar street light installation costs. They can also help you identify ways to optimize your budget and make the project as cost-effective as possible.
Ways to Mitigate Costs
Because the costs of solar street light installation can vary widely, Rob Sham, director of sales and sales operations for Sigostreetlight, emphasizes the importance of starting your project with a clear and detailed scope of work. Proper planning will help you identify opportunities to save and keep your expenses as manageable as possible.
Look for Straightforward Savings
Some of the most significant cost factors for solar street light installations are location and quantity.
In terms of location, placing solar street lights in areas that require minimal site preparation can significantly reduce costs. For example, if existing poles or infrastructure can be utilized, you’ll save on installation expenses like trenching or pole installation.
Quantity also plays a role. While installing more lights can reduce per-unit cost through economies of scale, this effect only holds up to a point. As Sham explains, there are cost inflection points where scaling up the project can lead to higher per-unit costs. The key is to find the right balance between the number of lights you need and your budget.
Finally, take advantage of government and utility subsidies. Many programs offer financial incentives for installing solar-powered systems, but not all subsidies apply to every project. By carefully planning your project and understanding its scope, you can identify the subsidies that best align with your needs and maximize your savings.
Explore Creative Financing Options
Beyond straightforward cost-saving measures, you can explore more creative financing options to make solar street light installation more affordable. Start by assessing your existing infrastructure. For instance, check with your facilities management team to see if existing poles or electrical setups can be utilized. Additionally, consider discussing cost-sharing opportunities with your landlord.
“There are benefits to that from the owner’s perspective,” says Rob Sham, director of sales and sales operations for Sigostreetlight. “Property value increases, and they may be able to charge higher rent or negotiate different lease terms.”
You can also think outside the box when it comes to financing. Some solar lighting vendors offer leasing or subscription models that shift the project from a capital expense to an operational one. For example, certain companies offer a revenue-sharing model: they install and own the solar street lights, and in return, you share a small portion of the savings or benefits. While this eliminates upfront costs, it means giving up ownership and control of the system.
Alternatively, Sigostreetlight offers innovative programs to help businesses manage costs. Their Solar Shield program bundles all ongoing operational and maintenance expenses into a single premium warranty, providing peace of mind. They are also launching a Solar-as-a-Service (SaaS) program that includes site planning, installation, equipment, and maintenance in a single, simple monthly subscription. This allows businesses to avoid upfront capital expenses and spread costs over time as manageable operational expenses.
Let Sigo-Street-Light Help You Plan Your Solar Lighting Project
Installing solar street lights requires an upfront investment, but the long-term benefits—energy savings, sustainability, and enhanced safety — make it well worth the cost. The good news is, you don’t have to navigate the planning and installation process on your own.
Reach out today to learn how Sigo-Street-Light can help you design and implement your solar lighting project. With expert guidance, you can ensure your parking lot or property is equipped with efficient, eco-friendly lighting that meets your needs and budget. Let us help you take the first step toward a brighter, more sustainable future.
