A New Model Specification for Solar Lighting in Australia and New Zealand

A new industry resource is helping councils, road authorities and other public organisations specify and procure solar lighting with greater confidence.

The IPWEA Street Lighting & Smart Controls (SLSC) Program has released its new Model Solar Lighting Specification, developed in collaboration with solar lighting suppliers, consultants and industry experts.

As a specialist in solar lighting systems & an expert street light supplier with more than two decades of industry experience, Leadsun is proud to have contributed to the development of the new specification

Why is a solar lighting specification needed?

Solar lighting technology has advanced significantly in recent years.

Improvements in LED efficiency, battery technology, intelligent controls, monitoring and solar energy management mean modern systems can now provide dependable lighting across an increasingly diverse range of public infrastructure applications.

But as the technology has evolved, comparing different solar lighting systems has also become increasingly complex.

Unlike conventional grid-connected lighting, the performance of a solar lighting system depends on how several components work together, including the solar panel, battery, luminaire and intelligent controls, all of which are influenced by local solar conditions and the lighting requirements of the site.

For councils, consultants and other organisations specifying solar lighting, understanding these differences is critical to ensuring systems are fit for purpose and capable of delivering reliable long-term performance.

Creating a clearer framework for solar lighting procurement

The new Model Solar Lighting Specification provides a technically robust framework that organisations can use when preparing tenders and assessing solar lighting solutions.

It is designed to help procurement teams specify solar lighting requirements more consistently, objectively compare proposed systems, better understand important technical and performance requirements,  and support the delivery of reliable, fit-for-purpose solar lighting projects.

Importantly, the specification has been developed to complement relevant Australian and New Zealand lighting standards for projects of varying sizes and application.

Bringing real-world solar street light supplier experience to the specification

As a specialist street light supplier in solar lighting systems with more than two decades of industry experience, Leadsun is proud to have contributed technical knowledge and practical insights to the development of the Model Solar Lighting Specification.

Our experience extends from the design and manufacture of integrated solar lighting technology through to the delivery of solar lighting projects for councils, government authorities, consultants and infrastructure providers across Australia.

This includes solar lighting solutions for local and major roads, pedestrian crossings, pathways, car parks, parks and other public infrastructure, where system performance, lighting compliance, reliability and long-term operation all need to be carefully considered.

For Leadsun, contributing to the Model Solar Lighting Specification is also part of a broader commitment to advancing the solar lighting industry and building a better future, for all.

As solar technology plays an increasingly important role in Australian infrastructure, clear specifications and robust technical standards will be essential to ensuring projects deliver the performance, reliability and value for money communities expect.

About SLSC

The IPWEA Street Lighting and Smart Controls (SLSC) program accelerates the deployment of energy-efficient LED streetlights across Australia and New Zealand. By replacing legacy infrastructure, the initiative helps local councils, road authorities, and utilities cut energy use and maintenance costs by over 50%. This large-scale transition serves as a critical, cost-effective step for municipalities aiming to reduce public expenditure and meet regional net-zero carbon targets.
 
The program drives the adoption of smart control systems to enable remote monitoring, fault detection, and smart dimming. IPWEA provides asset managers with standardised Model Technical Specifications, business case templates, and specialised training to de-risk procurement. This transforms standard lighting networks into a future-proof digital backbone capable of supporting smart city technologies like environmental sensors and traffic counters.
 
The Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) is the peak professional association for people involved in public works and infrastructure across Australia, New Zealand and beyond. It supports professionals who plan, deliver, manage and operate essential community infrastructure such as roads, water systems, parks, buildings and more.
 
In recent times, the organisation has expanded its traditional local government engineering focus to broader public works, covering all tiers of government as well as the private sector, which comprises 40% of IPWEA membership.
Leadsun is a proud IPWEA member and supporter, participating in conferences, presentations and webinars each year.
 

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