Solar Streetlights in Alabama

Why Solar Streetlights Make Sense in Alabama

Excellent Solar Potential

Many parts of Alabama receive substantial sunlight, making solar streetlighting efficient and cost-effective.

Reduced Infrastructure & Wiring Cost

Avoid trenching, conduit, and extensive grid tie-ins — especially useful in expanding suburbs or county roads.

Resilience & Reliability

Off-grid systems help maintain illumination during outages and in locations with limited grid access.

Low Maintenance & Durability

Engineered to suit Alabama’s heat, humidity, storm exposure, and seasonal variation.

Alabama’s Net Zero / Clean Energy Context

Southern Company / Alabama Power Goals

The parent company (Southern Company) has declared a goal of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with an interim target of cutting emissions 50% by 2030 (relative to a 2007 baseline).

In June 2023, the Alabama Public Service Commission approved an expansion of large-scale solar resources to help align with this ambition.
 

Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP)

Alabama’s PCAP (a roadmap of climate and resilience strategies) includes measures to reduce emissions related to industrial, energy, and infrastructure sectors.
 

Local / Institutional Net Zero Efforts

Some entities, like Alabama A&M University, have targeted net-zero goals in specific areas—for example, AAMU is aiming for a net-zero emissions transit system by 2031.

Streetleaf solar streetlights fit into this clean energy landscape by lowering fossil-based electricity demand, enabling distributed generation, and offering durable, low-carbon lighting infrastructure.