Home Solar lighting blog Quay to Quay: A Solar-Lit Pathway for a Connected City in Canada

Quay to Quay: A Solar-Lit Pathway for a Connected City in Canada

 

Port Alberni, located on Vancouver Island, is undergoing a major transformation. The city, known for its stunning natural heritage, has launched an ambitious project to modernize its infrastructure while promoting active and sustainable mobility. As part of this initiative, the municipality chose to illuminate its brand-new 4 km Quay to Quay pathway with 56 UP2 solar streetlights, supplied by our North American subsidiary, Sol by Sunna Design.

 

  Path and crosswalk

    Port Alberni – CANADA

  UP2

éclairage solaire sur l'île de Vancouver - Port Alberni

Proven Solar Technology Transforming Urban Spaces

 

Solar lighting is nothing new in Port Alberni. In 2018, the city launched a pilot project to test the reliability of UP2 solar streetlights in local weather conditions. The success of this trial convinced city officials to scale up the solution for the Quay to Quay pathway. This choice addresses multiple strategic goals:

 

  • Providing year-round, reliable lighting, even in winter.
  • Avoiding the costs and logistical challenges of connecting to the electrical grid.
  • Reducing environmental impact while optimizing energy consumption.

 

Today, 56 UP2 solar streetlights illuminate this key urban corridor, enhancing safety and accessibility without needing an electrical network. By adopting a fully autonomous and optimized solution, the city minimizes light pollution while protecting the wildlife and natural surroundings that make it a popular destination.

Focus UP 2 Port Alberni, éclairage solaire sur l'île de Vancouver

Smart, Optimized, and Controlled Solar Lighting

 

The autonomous UP2 streetlights are part of the UP series, a compact, high-performance, and connected range. They provide more than just sustainable solar lighting—they incorporate advanced innovations that optimize energy use and simplify maintenance:

 

  • Motion detection: Light intensity adjusts based on pedestrian traffic, ensuring adequate lighting without unnecessary energy consumption—minimizing light pollution, and preventing energy waste.
  • High-performance NiMH batteries: Designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, they ensure reliable operation year-round.
  • Angled solar panels: Their orientation maximizes solar energy capture, even in low sunlight conditions, for consistent lighting.

 

Intelligent Monitoring and Management with SunnAPP

 

Beyond their technical performance, these streetlights are supported by an advanced management tool: SunnAPP. This system enables:

 

  • On-site monitoring at the base of each pole, reducing unnecessary maintenance trips.
  • Energy consumption optimization, with adjustable settings tailored to real needs.
  • Proactive maintenance, providing a clear overview of the entire lighting network’s status.

 

Thanks to this solution, Port Alberni enjoys a more intelligent, more responsive, and more cost-efficient public lighting system.

Port Alberni - Quay to Quay

A Collective Success for Port Alberni and Its Citizens

 

With the Quay to Quay pathway, Port Alberni proves that autonomous smart lighting can be a powerful driver of urban transformation. As a key urban connector, this pathway enhances mobility, promotes sustainable transportation, and showcases local culture and heritage.


Since its inauguration, residents have embraced the new space, enjoying a safer, more welcoming, accessible environment day and night. By choosing autonomous lighting, the city demonstrates that it is possible to develop attractive public spaces while reducing infrastructure costs and carbon emissions. A true success story highlights the essential role of solar lighting in the energy transition of cities worldwide.

Year
2024
Location
Port Alberni, BC, Canada
Product used
UP2

Which products for this field of application?

    Road and street Parking lot Road and street
    The UP2 is reliable and robust, particularly suitable for road, car park and industrial lighting. This innovative product offers a very simple and fast installation with unmatched performance and connected services such as Sunnap'.   Do you have a similar project or any other project ? Talk to our sales team!  
    Lampadaire solaire Sunna Design UP2 noir Lampadaire solaire Sunna Design UP2 blanc Lampadaire solaire UP2 intelliget et connecté marron

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