Drummondville’s Solar Streetlight Pioneer
In Drummondville, a small team is lighting the way to greener cities. Solidel designs, builds, and assembles solar streetlights at two local production sites, where a team of four workers craft each unit with a hands-on, almost artisanal approach. The company has grown into a key supplier for municipalities across Quebec, delivering lights from the outskirts of Montreal to far-flung regions like Fermont and Abitibi.
A Tight-Knit Team Turning Vision into Reality
Solidel operates with a lean, skilled crew that handles everything from assembly to installation. The founder-led effort is a reminder that scalable green technology can thrive when it is rooted in practical, local production. The two production spaces in Drummondville provide a flexible environment where components are matched to municipal needs and site constraints, ensuring that each streetlight fits its intended lane, boulevard, or athletic field.
Flexible Technology for Municipal Needs
What sets Solidel apart is the adaptability of its solar luminaires. The brightness can be tuned to illuminate a roadway, a pedestrian path, or even a sports field. The height is adjustable, and the luminaire typically sits on a self-supporting concrete base that can be moved as city layouts evolve. It’s a modular, adaptable system designed to meet the evolving requirements of towns and cities.
A Quebec-Wide Footprint and Growing Demand
The Quebec market has embraced Solidel’s approach to green energy. Tremblay notes that the company now serves communities across the province, with orders extending from the Montreal metropolitan area to rural and northern towns. The ability to provide off-grid, reliable lighting helps municipalities reduce dependence on the traditional grid and move toward more sustainable infrastructure.
Manufacturing and Local Jobs
With two production sites in Drummondville and a dedicated four-person team, Solidel demonstrates how a regional operation can scale to meet demand. The company’s growth is reflected not only in sales but also in the capacity to support municipal projects with quick turnaround times, on-site expertise, and responsive service.
Quadrupled Sales and Expanding Reach
Solidel saw its order volume quadruple last year, a clear signal that municipalities are increasingly prioritizing green lighting alternatives. The company’s expansive reach includes a strong presence in the Greater Montreal area as well as more remote regions, highlighting the practical appeal of solar streetlights for diverse urban and rural contexts.
The Road Ahead for Solar in Quebec
Is there a future for solar in Quebec? Tremblay firmly believes so. The conversation around green energy and municipal resilience is evolving, and Solidel aims to be part of the transition away from heavy grid reliance. With Hydro-Québec and other stakeholders calling for collaborative pathways, solar streetlights offer a tangible, scalable component of a broader energy strategy that municipalities can adopt now.
Tremblay’s Vision
Tremblay envisions a future where renewable lighting becomes standard in new and existing neighborhoods, sports complexes, and public spaces. The technology’s adaptability—adjustable brightness, variable heights, and portable bases—makes it a practical choice for cities planning long-term sustainability while maintaining reliability and cost-effectiveness for taxpayers.
Partnerships and Community Impact
As Quebec continues to explore grid diversification with input from hydro providers and municipal leaders, Solidel positions itself as a practical partner for green infrastructure. The company’s Drummondville roots anchor a broader regional strategy to modernize lighting, reduce energy consumption, and empower communities to light their streets without overreliance on fossil fuels or centralized grids.
Conclusion
Solidel’s green solar streetlights represent more than a clever product; they symbolize a practical path toward sustainable, resilient cities in Quebec. With a nimble team in Drummondville, expanding sales, and a technology flexible enough to meet diverse municipal needs, the company’s trajectory suggests that solar lighting can illuminate both streets and the future of energy in the province.
