SMALL LOCAL COUNCIL LIGHTS THE WAY TO CONTROL & MINIMISE THEIR ENERGY BILLS

Murrumbidgee Council in the Riverina region of New South Wales is one of the first Councils to side-step developers and the big utility companies and independently install off-the-grid public solar street lighting in a new residential development at Darlington Point. 

Lachlan Bruce, from solar lighting technology company, Leadsun Australia, said it's exciting to see Murrumbidgee Council take this giant leap and take the power back to control their energy assets from installation through to day-to-day operations. 

"They wanted a modern grid-free street lighting solution that was economical, environmentally friendly, and engineered to improve safety for residents," Mr Bruce said. 

Leadsun was the first in the world to design and patent an all-in-one SMART solar light that combines LED, Lithium batteries and wireless technology - enabling the lights to store power for days on end, be remote controlled, monitored from anywhere in the world, and with motion sensors so they light up when someone walks by. 

"In the past 16 years, we have installed more than 350,000 solar street lights in Australia and the US, with the lights so robust they can withstand hurricane strength winds. Since September 2022, Leadsun solar lights have been installed in America's first 'connected city' in Florida and shone bright in neighbourhoods darkened by Hurricane Ian's category four winds. Over 10,000 have been installed there to date. 

"With 39 street lights powered by the sun, this project may be small, but it represents a big shift in how Council's operate their energy assets," he said.  

Mayor of Murrumbidgee Council, Ruth McRae OAM said the council is pleased to embrace this new concept with solar powered street lights installed throughout the new River Red Gum Estate housing division. This cutting-edge technology not only enhances sustainability but also ensures our community remains safe and secure. 

Cr McRae said the solar powered lighting system is a prime example of how we can reduce our reliance on traditional energy sources. With integrated battery systems, they continue to operate seamlessly even during power outages, providing constant lighting and security for residents. 

"By adopting this new technology, we are moving forward in our ongoing commitment to create a more sustainable and connected community. Not only do these lights utilise renewable solar energy, but their design eliminates the need for traditional in-ground cabling, which reduces both installation costs and environmental impact," Cr McRae said. 

"Additionally, the built-in motion sensors allow the lights to adjust intelligently to movement, optimising energy use while maintaining safety and visibility for the estate," she said. 

VIDEO NEWS RELEASE with vision of the Darlington Point project and interviews available HERE.