Low voltage landscape lighting and solar lighting are two popular options for illuminating outdoor spaces. While both can provide a variety of benefits, there are some key differences to consider when deciding which option is best for your needs. In this blog post, we’ll compare low voltage landscape lighting and solar lighting and explore the pros and cons of each.
Low voltage landscape lighting
Low voltage landscape lighting is a type of outdoor lighting that operates at a lower voltage than traditional lighting. Typically, low voltage lighting operates at 12 volts, which is much safer than the 120 volts used by traditional lighting. Low voltage landscape lighting is typically installed using a transformer, which converts the standard 120-volt household current into the low voltage current used by the lighting fixtures.
Pros of low voltage landscape lighting:
Flexible design options: Low voltage lighting fixtures come in a wide variety of styles, shapes, and colors, giving you more options to customize the lighting design to suit your preferences.
More consistent lighting: Low voltage lighting fixtures provide a more consistent level of lighting than solar lights, which can be affected by weather conditions and sunlight exposure.
Brighter lighting: Low voltage lighting can be much brighter than solar lighting, making it ideal for illuminating larger areas or highlighting specific features.
Cons of low voltage landscape lighting:
Higher installation cost: Installing a low voltage lighting system requires running electrical wiring, which can be expensive if you don’t already have an outdoor electrical outlet or the necessary wiring in place.
Higher maintenance: Low voltage lighting requires occasional maintenance, including changing bulbs and adjusting the fixtures as needed.
Solar lighting
Solar lighting is a type of outdoor lighting that uses solar panels to charge a battery during the day, which powers the light at night. Solar lighting is typically installed without the need for electrical wiring, making it an easy and cost-effective option for many homeowners.
Pros of solar lighting:
Easy installation: Solar lighting does not require any electrical wiring, making it easy to install without the need for professional installation.
Cost-effective: Since solar lighting does not require electricity, it can be more cost-effective to operate than low voltage lighting.
Environmentally friendly: Solar lighting uses renewable energy from the sun, making it a more environmentally friendly option.
Cons of solar lighting:
Inconsistent lighting: Solar lighting can be affected by weather conditions and sunlight exposure, which can result in inconsistent lighting performance.
Limited design options: Solar lighting fixtures come in a limited range of styles and colors, which can limit your options for customization.
Lower brightness: Solar lighting is typically less bright than low voltage lighting, making it less suitable for illuminating larger areas or highlighting specific features.
In conclusion, both low voltage landscape lighting and solar lighting have their own advantages and disadvantages. If you’re looking for a more flexible and brighter lighting option with consistent performance, low voltage landscape lighting may be the best choice. However, if you’re looking for an easy and cost-effective option that is environmentally friendly, solar lighting may be a better fit for your needs. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your specific preferences and needs.