Published August 22, 2024
Solar-powered streetlights to be installed in D.R. Horton communities
Solar-powered streetlights to be installed in D.R. Horton communities
A Florida company just secured a national vendor agreement with D.R. Horton Inc. (NYSE: DHI) to install its solar-powered streetlights in the homebuilder's master-planned communities across the nation, including in Arizona.
Tampa-based Streetleaf has already installed more than 7,300 streetlights across the nation, in more than 100 projects from multiple developers. Those efforts have led to nearly 2.6 million pounds of CO2 savings compared with traditional streetlights, said Liam Ryan, managing director of Streetleaf.
The utility-grade lights stay on 365 days a year, even when the power goes out. They are DarkSky approved and provide dimming options combined with a motion sensor for reducing light pollution without reducing safety.
This agreement with the Arlington, Texas-based homebuilder marks an expansion into Arizona, where D.R. Horton is a prolific homebuilder. Averaging 300 days of sunshine each year, Phoenix is a likely target for solar. Ryan said it's still too soon to identify particular D.R. Horton communities where the solar streetlights will be installed in Phoenix.
"It's not just the sun," Ryan said, pointing to the growth the Phoenix area has seen over the last four or five years.
"We are having ongoing conversations with some of the bigger projects in Phoenix," he added.
D.R. Horton already installs smart home technology in every home it builds, and now is incorporating smart technology solutions into these solar-powered streetlights. The new Streetleaf partnership comes as the company in July outpaced any other homebuilder with 279 Valley homes closed, according to the Phoenix Housing Market Letter. Following behind were Lennar Homes with 214 closings and Meritage Homes with 164 closings. D.R. Horton was also was the homebuilder with the most single-family permits, garnering 231 permits in July, once again followed by Lennar with 179 permits.
The Phoenix Housing Market Letter found that overall, homebuilders in metro Phoenix had 13,568 new home closings between January and July, up 2.87% from the same period last year. Also during that same time frame, permits jumped 24.64% to 15,741 permits year to date.
"The July data continues to show strength in the region's new housing market, despite the challenges of prices, mortgage rates and the drum of national housing market gloom," according to the new report.
Streetleaf was created in 2019 as a division of Tampa-based Metro Development Group, a developer of master-planned communities, when local utility delays were keeping streetlights from being installed in one of its large communities, Ryan said.
"Others were having similar issues across the state and nation as well," he said.
With initial financing from Metro Development Group, Streetleaf installed solar-powered lights in that community. Since then, Streetleaf spun out of Metro Development Group, and continues to install the solar-powered lights in all its communities.
Metro Development Group still maintains a financial interest in Streetleaf, which leases space in the same office building as the developer.
"Our office overlooking Tampa Bay is across the hall from them," Ryan said.
Final Thoughts:
As Arizona continues to shine as a beacon for innovation and sustainable development, the introduction of solar-powered streetlights by D.R. Horton in their communities marks a significant step forward. This move aligns perfectly with Phoenix's 300 days of sunshine, ensuring that the Valley not only remains at the forefront of smart home technology but also embraces eco-friendly solutions that contribute to a greener future. For those moving in from out of state, this commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology reflects the region's forward-thinking approach and dedication to creating communities that are not only vibrant and growing but also environmentally responsible. Phoenix is not just a place to live; it's a place where innovation and sustainability come together, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a modern, eco-conscious lifestyle.
