Solar street lights and other street light solutions using advanced solar technology

Most cities are very ambitious to archive great success in energy, but after the frustration of the first several projects. They have to adjust their strategy and set goals that are more achievable. Now the Boise has canceled two of the eight projects to meet the deadline of the states.

A plant that would have produced heat and electricity from burning methane gas created by wastewater treatment, and a revolving loan fund to help homeowners make their homes more energy-efficient are coming off the city's list of stimulus-funded projects.

Last June, city leaders approved eight "green projects" for the city's $2.04 million share of federal stimulus money. But to meet federal deadlines, the city needs to have 90 percent, or $1.84 million, of the money under contract by June 25.

When many of the projects are difficult to meet the deadline, with some bottleneck to break up, replacing legacy lighting with solar street lights becomes the most efficient way to archive the energy saving goal of the states. Most of the $830,200 slated for the two cancelled projects will be redirected to a project aimed at replacing street lights with low-energy solar LED lights, though $73,812 of the cash will reimburse the city for funds spent on geothermal work.

"That project is still moving forward," Neal Oldemeyer, public works director, told the council. The city is looking for a different way to finance the project. "We are also hoping to broaden it beyond just our methane gas project and see if there is a possibility to bring in wood waste from the county landfill." 

Here are the city's updated plans: 

1. Convert about 1,290 historical streetlights and 700 other streetlights to LED technology: $1,246,388. To be completed by February 2011. 

2. Residential energy audits and measures (partnership with Idaho Power): $400,000. Under way. 

3. Reimburse city budget for connecting the city's geothermal system with the state's Capitol Mall system: $283,812. Done. 

4. Purchase and install solar panels with net metering or hot water heating on city property: $82,700. To be completed by October. 

5. Adopt 2009 International Energy Conservation Code: $21,000. To be completed by September. 

6. Retrofit energy-efficient lighting at five city parks: $5,300. Done. 

Some of the projects have been finished and many other, if all the other projects will be finished in time, it could also do much good to our city.