DIY Street Lights at Augusta Green Estate

Project Summary

Augusta Green Estate is a small, affluent residential housing estate located in Middle Ridge, a suburb of Toowoomba, QLD. It is a relatively new subdivision. The estate comprises flat, generously-sized lots ranging from 972m2 to 2,453m2 with attractive, modern homes and a quiet convenient lifestyle for residents. 

Although equipped with essential infrastructure and modern amenities, residents felt that the existing street lighting along the internal roads of the new estate could be improved; noting concerns around safety and visibility. The residents grouped together to review options and in April 2024 they approached Plusrite Australia, seeking DIY street light solutions to upgrade the lighting.

They group required DIY street lights that would satisfy the following requirements and considerations:

• DIY installation (self-installation by residents)
• Off -grid (due to issues with power cables underground)
• Self-maintenance (accessible and easy to maintain)
• Increased visibility with limited glare (limit visual intrusion to homes)
• Illumination for safety (visibility where needed and reduced shadows)
• Budget-friendly (low outlay and installation costs for residents)
• Aesthetic appeal (to blend with the existing look/fixtures) 

Plusrite Australia supplied Plusrite 30W 6K Solar Area Light (31 pieces) and Plusrite 4M Tapered Light Pole (31 pieces) for this project. This provided a complete, cost effective, self-install lighting solution.

Lighting design

Plusrite provided professional advice regarding lighting design for the DIY street lighting upgrade at the estate. Due to its size/shape characteristics it was determined that 31 lighting units positioned at specific locations (with spacing of 80-100 metres) would be required to achieve the required level of illumination, while minimising intrusion.

Other key considerations included illumination at key access points (entry and exit safety) and the positioning of surrounding trees, which can affect access to solar (off-grid solution) for charging. 

Products

The Plusrite Solar Area Light provides excellent illumination for visibility and safety in open outdoor areas, without excessive light spilling into adjacent spaces. This product is ideal for street lighting, car park lighting, driveways, footpaths and crossings, building surrounds, outdoor event spaces and more. 

This lighting upgrade satisfied the requirements for this project as follows:

• Solar-powered (off-grid, no cabling required)
• LED technology (energy-efficient, low maintenance and long lifespan) 
• 6000K color temperature mimics natural daylight (enhancing visibility and security at night) 
• 30W illumination/6K colour temperature (excellent illumination through dust/fog for morning/evening traffic)
• Contained design with IP65 and IK08 ratings (weather protected for sustained long-term use)
• Hinged pole design can be lowered (accessibility for adjustments, cleaning and maintenance)
• Sleek, modern minimal design (blends with existing estate aesthetics)

The 30W/6K illumination also reduces shadows and glare creating a uniform lighting effect, reducing dark spots and improving road safety. The Type 3 beam angle provides a wide oval light spread, covering the road and surrounding areas effectively (driveways, footpaths and small intersections) while minimising light pollution into homes. This light distribution also reduces the number of lights needed.

This was a long-term, cost-effective solution for residents of the Augusta Green Estate, compliant with Australian Standards AS/NZS 1158.3.1:2020.

Conclusion

Plusrite received positive feedback, with many residents from the group commenting on improved safety and security and no glare issues behind the lights. The resident who completed the installation himself also shared positive feedback and comments, with the lighting units themselves each averaging around 35 minutes to install atop the poles (following pole installation).

Plusrite would be pleased to share this feedback with you and provide installation advice for your specific DIY street light project. Information on the installation process for the Plusrite 4M Tapered Light Pole is available on the Product Page.

The Plusrite Solar Area Light is also available in a 120W 6K option. Read more about the Plusrite 30W 6K Solar Area Light including our detailed Product Data Sheet.

Contact Plusrite today

Plusrite are the leaders in modern and innovative commercial, urban and industrial lighting. We would be pleased to offer you a consultation and Customised Commercial Lighting Design (free upon request), based on your specific project requirements. 

Get in touch with our friendly team today for a chat about your next project.