Towns and cities are under pressure to develop safer, sustainable, and cost-effective public spaces while pursuing net-zero goals. With rising energy costs and urban expansion, solar lighting offers an off-grid solution that improves public areas without overloading infrastructure or budgets
Sustainability at the core
At Urbis Schréder, sustainability is at the heart of every solution. Our solar lighting helps councils reduce carbon emissions, lower their energy dependence, and upgrade public spaces – without the need for costly grid connections. By integrating renewables, councils achieve long-term savings while ensuring well-lit, accessible spaces.
Beyond sustainability, solar lighting reflects a commitment to innovation and future-proofing infrastructure. With increasing pressure to reduce carbon footprints, switching to solar plays a key role in decarbonisation while improving public safety.
Smart lighting without compromise
For over a century, Schréder has delivered energy-efficient lighting. Now, in collaboration with Photinus, we provide high-performance solar solutions ideal for:
• Pedestrian & cycle paths – enhancing safety without costly infrastructure.
• Parks & recreation areas – improving community spaces sustainably.
• Heritage sites & landmarks – preserving aesthetics while reducing emissions.
• Car parks & remote areas – ensuring reliable lighting where grid access is limited.
• Housing developments – a cost- effective alternative to traditional street lighting.
The benefits of solar
Modern solar lighting is cost-effective, resilient, and ideal for off-grid locations or retrofits. Without grid connections, it reduces infrastructure costs and energy bills. Schréder’s battery system lasts up to 12 years, while its durable solar panels operate for 30 years with minimal loss of efficiency. Intelligent controls, such as adaptive dimming and motion detection, further enhance efficiency.
By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, solar lighting supports climate action plans, cuts carbon footprints, and aligns with sustainability targets – all while delivering high-quality illumination. It also enables councils to bypass grid connection delays, offering a faster and more cost-effective way to enhance public spaces.
Smarter public lighting with Schréder EXEDRA
For councils seeking to modernise their lighting infrastructure, Schréder’s EXEDRA platform provides a future-ready solution that enhances safety, efficiency, and sustainability. This intelligent system enables remote monitoring and control of lighting assets, optimising energy use, improving visibility, and reducing environmental impact.
Schréder EXEDRA automatically adapts to real-time conditions, adjusting brightness based on footfall, increasing illumination when movement is detected, and dimming or switching off in low-traffic areas. It also supports event-based control, allowing key civic landmarks to be lit for special occasions while aligning with broader urban strategies.
By ensuring lighting is used only when and where it’s needed, Schréder EXEDRA helps councils reduce energy costs, lower emissions, and support dark-sky initiatives.
Key features:
- Smart brightness adjustment based on real-time footfall
- Motion-triggered lighting for enhanced safety
- Customisable event-based lighting control
Funding opportunities
Many local authorities may be concerned about the initial investment required for solar lighting projects. However, several funding opportunities and grants are available to support sustainable infrastructure initiatives.
Councils investing in renewable energy solutions can access government-backed funding schemes designed to promote energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprints. With reduced energy bills and maintenance costs, the return on investment quickly adds up. By taking advantage of these funding opportunities, councils can implement cost-effective, environmentally responsible lighting solutions that benefit both residents and local budgets.
Book your solar CPD today
Urbis Schréder offers a variety of CPDs to help you explore lighting options – from solar to standard luminaires – that support ROI and decarbonisation goals.
One of their most popular sessions, Beyond the Grid, dives into how solar lighting can revitalise public spaces while contributing to net-zero targets. Led by industry experts, their Solar CPD provides practical insights and answers to help councils implement sustainable lighting effectively.
By attending, you’ll gain
- In-depth understanding of how solar supports sustainability and cost-efficiency
- Real-world case studies from councils and public sector projects
- Practical guidance for integrating solar lighting into urban planning
Ready to explore solar lighting for your community or need guidance on funding options? Get in touch at sales@urbis-schreder.com
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