Exploring Solar Landscape Lighting Versus Traditional Wired Low Voltage Lighting?

Answer 1

Homeowners looking to add a touch of light to their landscaping projects are generally left with two distinct options: traditional low voltage lighting or solar powered landscape lighting. While both types of light serve the same purpose, both offer unique benefits and challenges. Deciding to add elements of light to a landscape can have dramatic impact and provide subtle effects. The light can gently illuminate pathways, up light a tree, or provide some personality to flowerbeds. Lighting up the yard at night is a great way to experience an evening garden or take a stroll around the property when the temperatures are cooler.

Traditional low voltage landscape lighting is wired together through a series of cables. Those cables generally attach to a transformer to step the power to the lights down to provide a soft gentle glow. The main drawback on these traditional styles of lights is running the wires and cables. Of course, if all the lights are close to the house and consequently the power supply this is less of a problem. However, the further the lights are placed from the power supply require longer wires and cables. Obviously, this comes at a cost as the low voltage wire or cable must be purchased. For those reasons, this type of lighting is great for smaller projects.

Newer solar powered landscape lighting provides all the benefits of traditional lighting without the wires. The soft glow is provided courtesy of a solar cell on top of the lights, which charges batteries inside the lighting unit. The main asset to solar lights is being wire free, and having the freedom to place any combination of lights in any type of pattern. Solar lights need to be placed in an area that receives enough sunlight to adequately charge the batteries, or the light will be dark when the power runs out. Another great benefit is the process of not having landscape lights tied to the residential electric grid will result in lower utility bills.

The bright side is no matter which type of landscape lighting is selected; some degree of trial and error is built in to the installations process. Owners will likely find themselves moving a light or two around until finding the ideal location for it to place just the right emphasis on an object.