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Los Angeles Has Converted 650 Streetlights to Solar This Year
A reader letter criticizes the pace of the city's streetlight upgrades. The letter also raises concerns about light color and shielding on new LED fixtures.
May 17, 10:00 AM·1m read1 source
Los Angeles TimesAudio version
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A Los Angeles Times reader letter published May 17, 2026, states that the city converted 650 streetlights to solar power this year. The letter says that pace would require 92 more years to complete a full transition. It compares the speed to the city's homelessness programs.
The letter criticizes the Bureau of Street Lighting for not installing proper shielding and lower-temperature LEDs earlier in the process. It also notes that light pollution comes from parks, schools, and other public properties in addition to streetlights.
The letter argues that excess illumination does not improve public safety and that the city should have negotiated lower prices given the scale of the project.
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