Street Lights in California are meeting State Green Building Mandates
California’s strict building and energy codes, including CALGreen, Title 24 Part 6, and local reach standards are pushing developers to adopt smarter outdoor lighting solutions that cut energy use and emissions. Solar street and pathway lighting has emerged as an effective option because it operates off-grid, avoids trenching and utility connections and helps projects meet energy and sustainability requirements without complex controls or calculations. By eliminating connected electrical load, solar lighting easily complies with outdoor lighting power limits, reduces permitting and documentation burdens, and supports state goals around renewable energy, resilience and long-term efficiency.
Beyond basic code compliance, solar lighting can also contribute to voluntary certifications such as LEED, GreenPoint Rated and WELL by supporting on-site renewable energy, reducing light pollution and improving outdoor comfort. Developers and contractors benefit from faster installations, lower upfront and operating costs and improved resilience during power outages. Real-world projects have shown significant savings on trenching, quicker inspections and measurable carbon reductions, making solar lighting not just a compliance tool but a long-term investment in sustainability, cost control and project reliability.