Ascension Island, Solar Street Lighting

Location: Ascension Island

Duration (dates): July – September 2024

Value of Works: Circa £480k

Concept Building Services were honoured to be contracted for a unique project on Ascension Island, a remote location situated in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean, approximately 550 miles south of the equator. Strategically positioned as a refueling stop for RAF aircraft en route between the UK and the Falkland Islands, the island required a significant upgrade to its street lighting infrastructure around the Travellers Hill complex. The existing lighting system was outdated, with many columns having failed and the cabling deemed unfit for further use. Given these challenges, the project was perfectly suited for a solar-powered solution.

The project brief called for the design and installation of a solar lighting system that would not only replace the existing infrastructure but also align with the island’s environmental conditions. Ascension Island, once an arid landscape, underwent a transformation in the 1850s when Charles Darwin and Joseph Hooker introduced a range of plant species to the island. This intervention created a micro-ecosystem that significantly changed the island’s environment, leading to increased cloud cover and rainfall. Today, the island enjoys a tropical climate with ample sunshine, making it an ideal location for solar energy.

The solar lighting system, designed by Gemma Lighting and installed by Concept Building Services’ on-island team, was carefully tailored to the island’s unique conditions. Each streetlight was fitted with solar panels that charge batteries located in the base of the columns, ensuring consistent and reliable lighting throughout the night. This solution not only eliminated the need for extensive electrical repairs but also provided a sustainable and energy-efficient alternative that aligned with modern environmental standards.

The success of the installation has been widely recognised, with island residents expressing highly positive feedback. The solar-powered streetlights have significantly improved visibility and safety, particularly during the night, while reducing the island’s reliance on traditional energy sources. This project highlights Concept Building Services’ ability to deliver high-quality, environmentally friendly solutions in challenging and remote locations.

We are proud to have contributed to Ascension Island’s infrastructure, and the success of this project serves as a blueprint for future solar initiatives. Our involvement in this project not only demonstrates our commitment to sustainability but also our capability to manage complex installations in geographically isolated areas. We look forward to delivering more projects like these, bringing sustainable energy solutions to other regions in need of infrastructure improvements.