Background
The City of Port Adelaide Enfield wanted to improve safety on Frazer Lane in Clearview, a narrow residential laneway that cuts straight through between two local streets. Lined with back fences and the side walls of homes, the lane is a handy shortcut through the neighbourhood, but with no lighting it was dark and uninviting after sunset.
Council’s aim was to light the full length of the lane so people could pass through safely at night, without lighting up the back yards and windows of the homes on either side.
Project Overview
Three AEROMAX solar lights were installed along the lane, which runs for around 150 metres, lighting it from one street to the other. The lights run autonomously from dusk to dawn, all night, every night, with no grid connection, trenching or energy bills.
The lighting design was prepared in June 2024 and complies with AS/NZS 1158.3.1:2020 for Category PR5 local roads. The project was completed by September 2024.
Challenges
- Lighting a narrow lane with fences and homes close on both sides.
- Keeping light on the lane and out of neighbouring yards and windows, a genuine concern for this site.
- Delivering lighting without bringing mains power into a tight, sealed laneway.
- Keeping ongoing running costs low for a council asset.
Solution
Green Frog Systems supplied three AEROMAX solar lights, each fitted with LED shields over the lens and an external spill shield. Together they keep the light throw narrow and confined to the lane itself rather than spilling over back fences. Both are standard AEROMAX options.
Each AEROMAX is a self contained unit, with the solar panel, LiFePO4 battery and controller mounted up on the pole, so no cabling or switchboard work was needed. Each light runs at 10 W constant output all night, with no motion sensor (PIR) dimming, so the lane is evenly lit from dusk until dawn. Council’s contractor carried out the installation and added bollards to protect each pole.
Products Used
Results
- Lighting design compliant with AS/NZS 1158.3.1:2020, Category PR5.
- Consistent light along the full length of the lane every night.
- A safer, more welcoming link between two local streets after dark.
- Light kept within the lane, with shields controlling spill toward neighbouring homes.
- No energy costs, trenching or grid connection.
- No complaints received since installation.
Conclusion
Frazer Lane shows how a small number of well placed solar lights can make a real difference in a residential laneway. Using standard spill control options, AEROMAX delivers compliant, practical lighting that helps people feel safe at night without intruding on the homes around it, and without adding to Council’s energy bills.
