Fonroche’s efficient, solar-powered lights will save the city approximately $3 million in annual energy costs
Fonroche Lighting America has partnered with the City of Fort Worth to supply over 3,400 solar-powered streetlights as part of the City’s “Support the Neighborhood LED Streetlight Capital Project.” This initiative, funded by $12 million allocated through the American Rescue Plan Act, aims to improve safety, sustainability, and community infrastructure across 30 neighborhoods citywide, while saving the City more than $3 million annually in energy costs.
The project involves replacing outdated or inoperable lighting systems with Fonroche’s solar streetlights in neighborhoods with high pedestrian activity or adjacent to schools, parks, and other community hubs. Per the Fort Worth City News, neighborhoods were chosen based upon the following scoring categories:
- Existing lighting equipment type and age
- Roadway type adjacent to the lighting
- Pedestrian generator location
- Equity
Designed and engineered by Fonroche, the solar lights will dramatically reduce environmental impact and operating costs while delivering consistent lighting 365 nights per year, even during power outages. The solar lights, equipped with Fonroche’s Power 365 battery systems, are designed to perform reliably in extreme temperatures ranging from -40°F to 158°F. They also feature an “All Night Lighting Guarantee,” which ensures uninterrupted illumination throughout the night. Lastly, the lights eliminate the need for grid connections, providing substantial cost savings, zero energy consumption, and significantly reduced carbon emissions compared to traditional streetlights.
The rollout is occurring in phases, with notable progress already achieved. Since the program’s launch in 2023, 1,123 traditional streetlights have been converted to solar-powered systems. The neighborhoods of Eastland, Glen Park, Morningside, Near East Side, Rosemont, Ryan Place, South Hills, and others benefited from these improvements in 2024.
During the summer of 2025, 1,000 additional lights are being installed in areas such as Overton South, South Hemphill Heights, Westcreek Central, Polytechnic Heights, Highland Hills, and Wedgwood East. Upcoming installations in 2025 will focus on neighborhoods like Central Meadowbrook, Oakridge Terrace, Historic Stop Six, Brentwood-Oak Hills, and Parker Essex Boaz. The full project is on track for completion by 2026, ensuring all 30 neighborhoods receive upgraded solar lighting.
These efforts address long-standing concerns about Fort Worth’s lighting infrastructure. A 2023 community survey revealed just 40% satisfaction among residents regarding street lighting, which lagged behind national averages. Fonroche’s solar streetlights are helping bridge this gap by enhancing visibility and alleviating safety concerns in high-need areas.
“We are transforming Fort Worth with Fonroche’s solar lighting, creating safer, more accessible streets while reducing maintenance costs and eliminating risks from wire theft and outages,” said Lauren Prieur, Public Works Director for the City of Fort Worth. “Residents are embracing this off-grid solution, which ensures uninterrupted lighting and marks a major step toward sustainability and a brighter future for our communities.”
“Fort Worth’s commitment to continuous improvement and modernization is truly inspiring. The city’s vision for innovation and its dedication to enhancing infrastructure demonstrate a forward-thinking approach that sets a benchmark for others,” said Hocine Benaoum, Head of Fonroche Lighting America. “Fonroche is honored to collaborate with Fort Worth, a city that places high value on creating equitable and vibrant communities. By improving lighting in neighborhoods, we’re helping to support a safer, more accessible, and unified Fort Worth, and we are proud to be part of this incredible transformation.”
During a recent podcast discussion with Innovate Fort Worth, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker highlighted the city’s commitment to bold and forward-thinking solutions, particularly in energy. “Fort Worth is one of the fastest-growing large cities in the country, and to support that growth, we must innovate by championing smart solutions that honor our community’s history while pushing us forward. From forming strategic partnerships with industry leaders to adopting evolving energy technologies, our focus is on setting Fort Worth apart as a leader in innovation and opportunity,” said Mayor Parker.
“Mayor Parker’s leadership in championing renewable, future-focused infrastructure sets Fort Worth apart as a national leader. By adopting resilient, solar-powered lighting systems, the city not only achieves cost savings and environmental benefits but also creates a safer, more sustainable urban environment as a model for others to follow,” added Benaoum.
Fonroche recently opened its new U.S. headquarters at 2224 SE Loop 820 in southeast Fort Worth. The 20,088-square-foot facility employs over 50 team members across Fonroche’s engineering, sales, and production operations.
