The city of Bakersfield, California, is preparing its fourth pilot installation of LED streetlights. Three previous installations were deployed along collector and arterial roadways in high profile segments of the city.

Approximately seventy LED fixtures from various manufacturers were used in the earlier pilots. LED streetlight fixtures included those manufactured by Cree, Holophane, and Leotek, and were used to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of energy efficient solid-state lighting. The upcoming installation includes approximately nineteen LED streetlights manufactured by Holophane. These fixtures will also be equipped with a remote monitoring system.

“Our first pilots were extremely well received by the public. This next installation will include a monitoring system which will help us assess exact energy consumption as well as utilize dimming capabilities,” said Nick Fidler, assistant public works director for the city of Bakersfield. In the three previous installations, existing high pressure sodium (HPS) streetlights were targeted for replacement. The majority of the HPS fixtures were 100 watt roadway lights, with a small number of 200 watt and 310 watt streetlights located at intersections. The proposed installation will be located in a residential area, and is a new installation of roadway lighting. “The pilots are paid for by city streetlighting funds. However, we are considering PG&E on-bill financing for our next planned larger-scale installation,” said Fidler.

City officials are proposing to use the on-bill financing as a means for securing funds up to $250,000 for the purchase and installation of LED streetlights. A project location has not yet been identified, but officials are working to select an area of focus within the city. The goal is to begin by Summer 2013, and the city will issue a bid request for the purchase and installation of the LED streetlights. “Our long term goal is to change out all of the fixtures in the city to LED streetlights,” said Fidler.