With nearly 13,000 inhabitants and a remarkable heritage, the city of Nemours (Seine-et-Marne) faced a challenge common to many French municipalities: maintaining an essential public service and ensuring residents’ safety while addressing the sharp rise in energy costs.
Its aging, energy-intensive lighting network of 1,920 light points, had become a financial burden. Some fixtures, installed decades ago, no longer met modern standards for performance, safety, or sustainability.
A clear priority for the Mayor
Citizen safety remained the top priority. Turning off or reducing public lighting was not an option.
We needed a more economical, sustainable, and environmentally responsible solution, explains Valérie Lacroute, Mayor of Nemours and Deputy of the second constituency of Seine-et-Marne.
The municipality therefore launched an ambitious renovation project: replacing part of its network with 100% solar powered, autonomous lighting using photovoltaic energy. This major step significantly reduced municipal expenses while contributing to a greener urban environment.
366 solar streetlights to transform the city
The city chose the Smartlight range of solar powered streetlights developed by Fonroche Lighting.
A total of 366 streetlights were installed across several neighborhoods, delivering reliable and sustainable lighting, entirely independent from the electrical grid, even in flood-prone areas.
One key advantage: unlike conventional installations, these solar powered streetlights continue to operate even during flooding, ensuring consistent illumination and safety.
Measurable benefits:
- 264,820 kWh saved annually
- 50% savings on the energy bill (from €318,170 to €167,680)
- 426 tons of CO₂ avoided over the project’s duration
- Reduced maintenance costs (no more electrical cabinets or expensive cabling)
We achieved nearly 50% savings on public lighting while offering residents a higher quality service, emphasizes the mayor.
Safety, resilience, and environment
The new solar powered streetlights address multiple goals:
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Securing streets with reliable lighting 365 nights a year
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Preserving biodiversity through adjustable, downward-directed LED beams
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Harnessing clean, renewable energy for an environmentally friendly city
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Reinforcing climate resilience, especially after the 2016 floods that left parts of Nemours in darkness
Moreover, these systems are easy to install, requiring no connection to the electrical grid, an undeniable advantage for local authorities seeking flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability.
An inspiration for other municipalities
For Laurent Lubrano, CEO of Fonroche Lighting:
Nemours is a concrete example of the role solar energy can play in modernizing infrastructure. This solution combines technical performance, savings, and sustainability.
Nemours demonstrates that innovation, safety, and energy efficiency can go hand in hand, delivering a rapid and visible return on investment while shaping a brighter, more environmentally responsible future for urban communities.
