The need for this research stems from documented safety benefits associated with roadway lighting and the growing challenges in maintaining traditional, wired lighting systems. While rural locations often face high costs for delivering grid power to remote intersections, recent increases in wire theft has affected communities across Minnesota. These issues highlight the importance of exploring alternative, resilient lighting solutions that can improve safety without relying heavily on conventional electrical infrastructure.
The research process will assess the feasibility of solar‑powered LED roadway luminaires through a combination of laboratory testing, field evaluation, and cost‑benefit analysis. Key activities include analyzing battery performance under cold‑weather conditions, studying how lower illumination levels affect safety and energy use, and examining the practical integration of solar panels and batteries into existing streetlight design. A field implementation at selected sites, including potentially rural intersections or trail locations, will help validate performance and identify operational considerations such as durability, code compliance, and vandalism resistance.
The expected benefits of this work include reduced lifecycle costs, lower environmental impacts, and decreased operational and maintenance demands. Solar‑powered streetlights eliminate the need for grid‑based electricity, reduce wiring infrastructure vulnerable to theft, and offer long‑term savings over a planned service life. Environmental gains are anticipated through reduced energy consumption and lower CO2 emissions, while improved lighting reliability and appropriate illumination levels are expected to support nighttime safety and reduce crash risks statewide.
“This project will provide unbiased, objective research using equipment, methods, and people that would otherwise be unavailable to local government,” said Nick Peterson, city engineer for Saint Paul Public Works. “As a result, Minnesota cities and counties will learn effective strategies for implementing solar-powered street lighting in our cold climate.”
The Objectives:
Project Details:
Details of the research study work plan and timeline are subject to change.
To receive email updates about this project, visit MnDOT’s Office of Research & Innovation to subscribe.
Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.
Crossroads is a collaborative effort among MnDOT’s Office of Research & Innovation, the University of Minnesota’s Center for Transportation Studies and the Minnesota Local Road Research Board. This jointly produced blog is devoted to highlighting the latest news and events in transportation research and innovation in Minnesota.
RSS – Posts
