This pilot project contributes, in particular, to the objectives of the 2021-2030 Climate Emergency Plan adopted in 2021 by Saint-Laurent, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect biodiversity and prepare for climate change.

Details

The first solar-powered street lights in Saint-Laurent—six in all—have been installed in groups of three in two triangular intersection parks at the crossroads of Champigny-Deguire and Rochon-Latour.

Powered by solar energy, a clean, renewable energy source, they help reduce the borough's carbon footprint and dependence on fossil fuels. They operate autonomously by means of integrated solar panels that capture energy and store it in batteries. Equipped with light-emitting diodes (LEDs), these street lights achieve the same level of illumination as previous technologies, while reducing energy consumption. Moreover, technological advances ensure reliable, constant lighting, even during periods of low sunlight.

Savings of $262 per year will be generated by this first small-scale pilot project, which will have cost just over $100,000—an investment included in the Ten-Year Capital Investment Program.

In addition, these street lights have a longer service life and generally require less maintenance than their predecessors. Another major advantage is that they avoid the need for underground cables and associated digging work, offering greater flexibility in terms of choice of location, particularly in remote or hard-to-reach areas. This makes them a preferred option for lighting pathways, parks or public parking lots, for example.

The project will be evaluated and decisions regarding its future extension to other locations will be made at a later date on the basis of the results and analyses.

Saint-Laurent has already converted 90% of the street lighting on its territory to LEDs—a smart lighting system that improves visibility and reduces light pollution, while saving up to 35% on energy costs and 50% on maintenance costs. These are still powered by the electrical grid, however, while the lighting from these new solar-powered street lights uses an autonomous energy source, especially useful in areas where access to the main electrical grid is limited.

Saint-Laurent encourages the use of renewable energies, and solar energy in particular, throughout its territory. The installation of solar panels on flat roofs has been authorized since 2015, while since 2022, sloping roofs have been eligible for the installation of solar thermal and photovoltaic panels, with the exception of buildings of heritage and architectural interest. As it may also be recalled, 45 solar panels were installed on the roof of the Mairie d'arrondissement in 2021.

With this pilot project involving solar street lights, Saint-Laurent is not only making an ecological choice that promotes sustainability, but is also offering residents a practical, innovative, economical and reliable solution for lighting public spaces. Saint-Laurent's Administration wants to set an example and encourage all solutions based on renewable energies in order to achieve its objectives of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change.