Lighting the square: Solonytsivka improves its central park

Solonytsivka’s central square is a place where people gather simply to be together. After sunset it disappeared into darkness. The “Nebaiduzhi” initiative group decided to change that.

1. How it began

The square had long needed lighting, particularly for children, older residents and people returning home late. The group approached AMI and together they prepared a funding application.

Previous experience helped the group specify suitable lamps, pole heights and suppliers, shortening approvals and improving the technical specification.

2. Results

Six autonomous solar-powered lighting systems were purchased and transferred to community ownership.

Installation was postponed from winter to spring because of weather, but the lights are already with the community.

3. Challenges and achievements

Emergency power cuts at the supplier delayed delivery during winter 2025–2026. The team will allow a larger buffer for manufacturing and logistics in future.

The budget was implemented without deviations.

4. Community impact

The illuminated square provides somewhere to go after a difficult day, with light that does not depend on the electricity grid.

Residents have already proposed extending the project and adding more lights.

5. The project’s legacy

Solonytsivka is steadily developing energy-independent infrastructure for public spaces. The project is included in the community’s development strategy through 2027.

The square will become the settlement centre’s first public space with entirely autonomous lighting.

Implemented through Community-Led Initiatives Support with funding from HEKS/EPER, coordinated with the International Charitable Foundation Alliance for Public Health.