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Design/Inspiration

Solar vs low voltage landscape lighting systems: The pros and cons

Landscape lighting comes in a whole variety of options. Whether your system comes from a professional or you install it yourself, they all come with pros and cons. 

In this blog, we are going to compare the pros and cons of two of landscaping lighting’s most popular choices, solar and low-voltage lighting systems.

Solar landscape lighting systems

Solar lighting systems are a popular option for many DIYers because they are relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and environmentally friendly.

However, there are some drawbacks to solar lighting systems, such as their dependence on sunlight, low light output, and limited customization options.

Here are some of the pros and cons of solar lighting systems:

Pros      

  • Lower cost 
  • Convenience
  • Environmentally friendly (sort of)   

Cons 

  • Low quality & durability (mostly plastic/composite materials) 
  • Lower light output
  • Cloudy day = Shorter light duration  
  • Wired solar panels are messy with exposed wire and panel 
  • Battery replacement may need frequent changing 
  • Low customization   
  • No timing or zone control options 

Low Voltage Landscape Lighting (Wired)

Landscape Lighting Pro offers low-voltage landscape lighting systems.

This type of system is completely wired and creates a seamless finish.

The fixtures are made of high-quality material and are incredibly durable.

We offer a lifetime warranty on all of our fixtures to ensure they last for as long as you need them to. The downside to these durable lighting fixtures is that they come at a higher cost than those of solar systems. 

A low-voltage system will be wired to a transformer with an astronomical timer that automatically controls when your lights turn on and off.

In addition, a low-voltage lighting system is widely more versatile and customizable for what you need and want from the lights in your landscape.

We are able to manipulate nearly any part of your landscape or property to create the space you are seeking with a lighting system. We are also able to do this with little disruption to your yard.

Landscape Lighting Pro has been installing lighting systems for nearly 20 years, so we have learned how to create an unbeatable lighting design for our clients while keeping their property looking its absolute best. 

Here is a breakdown of the pros, cons, and myths that come with a low-voltage lighting system:

Pros 

  • Durable high-quality fixtures 
  • Extended life
  • Expanded custom design and effect (Professional design) 
  • Reliability
  • Timing control:  Smart App, astronomical & zone customization 

Cons 

  • Higher cost 
  • Installation ability, specialty tools 

Myths 

  • Yard will be disrupted with installation (Minimal disruption) 
  • Operational cost (Minimal/Low consumption)  

Want to learn more about low-voltage landscape lighting systems?

If you are looking for a high-quality lighting system for your home but don’t know where to start, take the first step and request a consultation here!

Let our designers create not only a functional property but one that highlights the beauty of your home even at night. 

At Landscape Lighting Pro, the art of outdoor illumination is a real passion we work to perfect.

Designing elegantly bespoke landscape lighting systems is simply all we do. For over 20 years, our award-winning team of designers and craftsmen have striven to bring the best outdoor lighting experience possible to people’s homes and businesses across the Wasatch Front & beyond.