From Grid Strain to Smart Gain

SolPol & Grid Resilience: A Smarter Energy Solution for Large City, USA

Understanding Peak Demand in Los Angeles  

Los Angeles municipal energy costs are primarily influenced by peak electricity demand, which follows a  predictable pattern based on seasonal climate and usage trends.  

Typical Peak Demand Patterns  
Summer (June – September) 
– Peak Hours: 4 PM – 9 PM (Driven by air conditioning, appliance use, and cooking)   Streetlights On: ~8:00 PM – 5:30 AM  
Winter (December – February) 
– Peak Hours: 6 AM – 10 AM & 4 PM – 9 PM (Driven by heating, lighting, and appliance use)   Streetlights On: ~4:30 PM – 7:00 AM  

How SolPol Reduces Grid Load & Costs

1. Lowering Grid Dependence by 75% – 100%
   Most Los Angeles municipalities have switched to energy-efficient ~60W LED streetlights, reducing power consumption compared to older 200W High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) lamps.

• Each SolPol smart streetlight reduces grid electricity usage by 75% to 100% by using solar power and integrated 0.87 kWh energy storage. – At 75% offset: Only 25% of the energy comes from the grid.
• At 100% offset: The pole operates entirely off-grid, eliminating its impact on peak demand.

2. Eliminating Peak Overlap

Traditional LED streetlights still activate during evening peak demand, adding stress to the grid and raising municipal electricity costs. SolPol’s stored solar energy eliminates this impact, avoiding peak-time energy charges entirely.

3. Demand Response & Utility Incentives

Los Angeles-area utilities, including Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP), Southern California Edison (SCE), and Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), may offer financial incentives for reducing peak demand.

SolPol: Smart City Ready

Beyond energy savings, SolPol is Smart City Ready, providing municipalities with a future-proof platform for enhanced urban infrastructure. SolPol supports the integration of:

– Streetlight Performance Monitoring: Real-time diagnostics for energy use, outage detection,  and maintenance alerts.  
– Security Cameras & Detection Systems: Built-in surveillance capabilities improve public safety  and assist law enforcement.  
– Communication & Connectivity: SolPol poles can be equipped with various wireless  technology, such as 5G small cells, Wi-Fi hotspots, and IoT sensor networks to enhance citywide  digital infrastructure.  
– Environmental Monitoring: Although, currently under development, we are considering air  quality, temperature, and gunshot detection sensors provide valuable urban data and response  systems. 

By integrating these technologies, cities can leverage SolPol as a foundation for Smart City expansion,  modernizing infrastructure while optimizing costs and sustainability.

Streetlights as a Cost Factor in City Budgets

Streetlights account for approximately 40% of municipal electricity costs in most cities, even after transitioning to LEDs.

• A 60W LED streetlight operating 11 hours per night consumes:
  o ~660 Wh (0.66 kWh) per day
  o ~241 kWh annually per pole
• For 1,000 LED streetlights, this equals 241,000 kWh per year.
• Shifting to SolPol reduces this municipal energy burden by 75% to 100%, potentially resulting in near-zero energy expenses.

Utility Incentives Available for Los Angeles Municipalities

1. Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP)

• Provides funding for energy storage systems that reduce grid dependency.
• SolPol’s 0.87 kWh battery storage qualifies for $150 – $200 per kWh in rebates.
• For 1,000 SolPol units, a city could receive $130,000 – $175,000 in SGIP incentives.

2. Demand Response Programs (DR)

• Since SolPol doesn’t rely on the grid during peak hours, cities can enroll in demand response programs and receive rebates.

3. Time-of-Use (TOU) Rate Savings

• California utilities charge higher rates during peak hours (4 – 9 PM).
• With SolPol, a city avoids peak-hour costs, significantly lowering annual electricity expenses.

Savings Estimate for 1,000 LED Streetlights:

• Without SolPol: A city pays ~$48,000 annually ($0.20/kWh TOU rate).
• With SolPol at 100% offset, this drops to $0 in energy costs.
• With SolPol at 75% offset, Costs drop to ~$12,000 annually.

4. California Energy Commission (CEC) Grants

The CEC funds energy-efficient public infrastructure projects, and municipalities deploying SolPol may qualify for grants that offset installation costs.

Economic & Sustainability Impact for Los Angeles

Final Thought

By integrating SolPol smart streetlights, Los Angeles municipalities can cut electricity costs, secure utility  incentives, and modernize city infrastructure—all while easing grid demand, enhancing safety, and  preparing for Smart City expansion.