Deciding to add outdoor landscape lighting to your home temporarily for an event or permanently can produce in multiple bonuses for you. There are basic types of outdoor lighting that you should know, so that you can get the one that suits your taste.
Solar Powered Outdoor Lighting
This type of outdoor lighting gives a very obvious benefit. There is zero operating cost with this lighting. Once you have them installed where you want them, the sun charges an internal power supply in the fixture. The lights automatically go into action after the sun sets, due to an electric eye sensor built in the fixtures.
It can be used to mark driveways or illuminate pathways. However, the technology has not come to the point that is able to make the lighting bright enough for lighting up much of your landscape or your home. Installation is quick and easy, since they have on board power supply, so there are no wires to run.
The major drawbacks in these types of lights are that they are somewhat dim, plus the length of time you can expect them to stay lighted. Sadly, the brightness and duration are directly related. Basically, the light is brightest even before it perceives the darkest part of the night. This can be one of least versatile systems, but also the cheapest.
Low Voltage Outdoor Lighting
This is among the most common types of lighting systems used today. Even though they are electricity operated, their voltage is very low (between 10 and 12 VAC) and this allows you the opportunity to take on the installation by yourself.
There are transformers available that can decrease the voltage to a safe level. In this way, the wiring to the lights doesn’t have to be as deeply buried into the ground, unlike in traditional lighting. This significantly diminishes the cost for installation.
There are also a variety of fixtures to choose from when using this kind of system. Choices vary from spotlights, path lights, and recessed accent lights. These are very decorative fixtures too. With this, you get easy installation with your landscape devoid of being an eyesore.
This is the most cost effective and versatile system that you can install. However, be sure that you have sufficient knowledge before you attempt to install this kind of system by yourself. If not, then it would be best to hire a professional to do the job for you.