Streetleaf, a Tampa-based startup specializing in solar-powered streetlights, has announced a significant partnership with D.R. Horton, the largest homebuilder in the United States. This collaboration will see Streetleaf’s innovative streetlights installed in several of D.R. Horton’s new residential developments across the southern U.S., including regions in Texas, Arizona, Southern California, and the broader Southeast.
Liam Ryan, CEO of Streetleaf, hailed the agreement as a pivotal step toward broader adoption of solar-powered streetlighting technology. “It’s almost like crossing the chasm,” Ryan remarked, emphasizing that the deal marks a shift from early adopters to mainstream acceptance of Streetleaf’s technology.
Streetleaf’s streetlights, each equipped with a solar panel and battery, can fully charge in just a few hours and provide illumination for three to five days, even under cloudy conditions. The lights, which take only 15 minutes to install, offer developers flexibility by eliminating the need for connection to the electrical grid. This feature is particularly beneficial for developers who may need to adjust streetlight locations during construction. Additionally, the solar-powered lights help reduce maintenance costs for residents, as homeowners in D.R. Horton communities typically bear the expense of streetlight upkeep.
Since its first installation in 2019 in Wesley Chapel’s Epperson development, Streetleaf has installed approximately 7,500 streetlights, with around half located in Tampa Bay neighborhoods. The company estimates that its technology has prevented roughly 2.6 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions to date. Streetleaf’s lights also offer dimming options, including motion sensing, to minimize light pollution.
The durability of Streetleaf’s streetlights was demonstrated during Hurricane Ian, where the lights in North Fort Myers remained operational for four to five days following the storm. This resilience played a crucial role in securing the partnership with D.R. Horton.
“Sustainable infrastructure is highly attractive to homeowners, and the added peace of mind from knowing the lights are designed to remain operational during extreme weather events like hurricanes is equally important,” said Brad Conlon, Senior Vice President of Business Development for D.R. Horton.
Streetleaf anticipates that this partnership will result in at least 10,000 new streetlight installations annually, more than doubling the company’s current installed base within the first year. While financial details of the deal were not disclosed, the agreement marks a significant milestone for the growing startup.