Landscape lighting, like adding garden lights to your backyard, can be a fantastic way to get more out of your outdoor spaces. Not only does this look beautiful, but it also means that you will be able to see better in the garden once it gets dark out. The question that remains, is how to go about lighting your garden.
Landscape Lighting: Solar vs Low Voltage
The good news is that there are now multiple options that are both stunning to look at and very kind to the environment and your energy bill.
In particular, choosing either low voltage landscape lighting or solar landscape lighting will allow you to light up your garden without using unnecessary electricity. That means you can leave the lights on for longer. Thereby enjoy the peaceful ambiance they create for longer, too!
There are more unique advantages to both these types of lighting too. For example, they are actually safer because they use less energy and are thus less likely to cause a fire. This can even lower your insurance premiums!
While both of these landscape lighting options are great, you may be wondering which is best for your home. To that end, read on and we’ll examine which type of lighting you should use for your particular needs.
Advantages of Solar Lighting
On the whole, solar lighting has more advantages than low-voltage lighting and will be the better choice in the vast majority of cases.
For one, solar lighting is more versatile and is much easier to set up. That’s because solar lights can be placed anywhere, so long as there is a place to put the solar panel. In many cases, the solar panel will be attached to the light itself, which means you can simply place the lights wherever you want them and not have to worry about cables.
In the case of a low-power garden light, you often need to find a way to bury the cable or to pin it to the wall on a shed for example to try and keep it out of the way. You then have issues with animals potentially chewing through the wires!
This also makes them safer. Sure, the low voltages needed by low-voltage lighting or LED lighting means that they won’t require a whole lot of energy and won’t be likely to get all that hot. But they are still connected to a power outlet, which creates a new point where things can go wrong.
And in terms of your energy bill and environmental friendliness, solar lights have the advantage again. Sure, low-voltage lighting manages not to use all that much energy. But you know what? It still uses energy that comes from your power grid. That’s as compared with solar lights that don’t rely on your energy supply at all. Whereas the impact on the environment is small for low-voltage lighting, it just can’t compete with zero.
Advantages of Low Voltage Lighting
You may be wondering if solar lights work without direct access to the sun. If you live in a very overcast area, then you may on occasion find that your lights don’t shine as long or as brightly as they could do. But this is very much the exception. That’s because solar lights actually use capacitors to store energy, and they don’t need very much solar power at all to absorb enough energy.
All this is to say, that even just a small amount of overcast light will usually be enough to give you all the exposure you need.
That said, this is still a win for low-voltage lights that don’t have this issue at all and it’s something to consider if you live in a very dark area.
Another potential advantage of low-powered lights is that they can be a little brighter. They also have the advantage of typically being more resilient than solar lights. It doesn’t take all that much for solar light to be damaged, seeing as the solar voltaic panel itself can be relatively easy to damage or even just to get covered with mud.
And finally, if you plan on putting the light somewhere that it won’t get any access to the sun – such as behind a shed – then you may need to consider using low voltage options.
Arbor Hills Landscaping Company Omaha | Best Landscaping Company in Omaha, NE
Arbor Hills Trees & Landscaping Services can provide you with everything from detailed maintenance programs to unique plant production, and other services in between. That means we build water features, walls, patios, irrigation, walkways, outdoor kitchens, lighting, and anything else you can help us dream up. Our professionally trained staff can build the landscape of your dreams and keep you from breaking any Home Landscaping Rules.
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Stamped and Colored Concrete
It is time to upgrade or replace some of the hardscape features surrounding your home? Stamped and colored concrete is a beautiful and affordable material. It enhances the color and texture featured on your home’s exterior. Stamped concrete in textures from modern to rustic is available to coordinate with your home’s existing design features. Colored concrete can be blended to match or enhance your home’s exterior color scheme. A designer from Arbor Hills will consider all these existing features at your site visit and when designing your project. More…
Patio Pavers Landscaping Services
Concrete pavers are a great way to improve your landscape and garden. They are super strong and lend themselves to many hardscaping projects. They rarely crack but if they do, each piece is easily replaceable. More…
Landscape Lighting Designs
Outdoor lighting can be nearly as important to the overall look and feel of your home as the landscaping itself. So you shouldn’t short-change yourself by skimping on quality lighting products. We are a full-service landscape and waterscape company that can solve all of your residential and commercial lighting needs anywhere in Omaha and the surrounding areas. More…
Water Feature Landscaping Designs
Imagine the sight and sound of bubbling water as you relax in your outdoor sanctuary. A water feature can give just the right ambiance to your outdoor retreat. Or, if you are looking for a water feature with traffic-slowing curb appeal, a designer from Arbor Hills will help you choose the water feature that best enhances your home. More…
Sod Installation Services
Whether you have just built your home, cleared agricultural land for your personal use or simply want to improve the look of your existing yard, having sod installed is a fast way to create the lush, green carpet of grass you want. It offers instant satisfaction rather than the weeks of waiting and anticipating whether or not your grass seed is going to grow. Plus, using sod offers a host of other benefits. More…
Mulch & Rock Landscaping Services
The concept, to design, to delivery and installation, we have more than 20 years of experience in the landscaping industry in Omaha and surrounding areas. Our services include delivery, full installation, and clean-up of mulch and rock around your beds, trees, and more. More…
Plants & Shrubs Landscaping
Plants and shrubs are the backbone of your landscape and should be the first things you plant. Proper selection will enhance a home’s appearance and increase property value while reflecting the homeowner’s style and personality. More…
Tree Nursery
Let our trained nursery professionals assist you in selecting the perfect tree or shrub to complete your landscape. We carry a selection that is unmatched in the Omaha and the surrounding areas and are willing and eager to explain our favorites. Improved varieties are introduced each year and we always strive to carry the best and newest – varieties more resistant to disease, shade trees better able to withstand storm damage and ornamentals in unique colors, shapes, and sizes you have to see to believe. More…