Solar-Powered Lighting at 20% luminosity
The City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department frequently receives requests for improved lighting on the Capital Area Greenway System. However, environmental concerns, logistics, and costs are significant challenges due to where greenway trails are located, primarily along stream corridors. Given these constraints, dimmable, solar-powered lighting might be a good option to improve lighting along the trails.
In April of this year, the city launched a solar-powered lighting pilot project on the Crabtree Creek Trail, between Capital Blvd and N. Raleigh Blvd. One pole-mounted light and five bollard lights were installed. The lights operate at 100% luminosity for one hour after sunset and for one hour before sunrise, dimming down to 20% luminosity, unless activated by motion, for the remaining overnight hours. Over the next year, the city will evaluate the performance, maintenance needs, and trail user satisfaction of these lights.