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Vista installs 12 solar pilot streetlights; staff plans 66 approved locations and up to 80 additional lights
Summary
The city reported completion of a 12-light solar pilot and that construction on the project began; with $1,850,000 remaining in the program, staff estimates funds could pay for about 80 more lights after installing the 66 already approved locations.
City staff and a solar-lighting contractor updated the Vista City Council on a solar streetlight pilot and next steps for a broader street-light assessment project.
Assistant City Manager Imelda Huerta said council previously authorized a 12-light pilot and identified 66 additional locations; construction on the pilot began last week. Dale Curtis of Fonro Lighting America told the council the company installed the 12 pilot fixtures and that the top-of-pole assemblies can be installed quickly: "we're able to install each light in approximately 30 minutes." The contractor said his approach reuses existing foundations and, when feasible, existing concrete poles to reduce cost.
Assistant to the city manager Josh Sheena Cruz told the council the project has about $1,850,000 remaining in the program budget. Staff estimates that after installing the 66 approved locations, the available funds could add roughly 80 more lights, subject to feasibility, public-safety need, aesthetics and community input. He said staff will gather feedback through city communications and a dedicated web page (vista.gov/solar) and will coordinate with the contractor to schedule the next installation phases.
Council members praised the pilot. Deputy Mayor Melendez said neighbors were "so hospitable" during installation and described positive reaction from residents. Council members and the contractor discussed technical and financial details: retrofitting existing poles can save money when foundations are reusable; system warranties and infrastructure-grade battery sizing are critical for reliability; the contractor noted an eight-year parts-and-labor warranty on the installations.
Staff said private fixtures on residences and businesses can be federated into a public system if owners opt in, and city staff will continue outreach to collect requests and prioritize locations. No formal ordinance change or new financing mechanism was approved at the meeting; staff will proceed with the next installation phases and community outreach.
