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In this audio episode of The Handyguys Podcast, we discuss solar and low voltage landscape lighting.
Pros and Cons of Solar versus Low Voltage landscape lighting
Solar Pros
- Easy to install
- You don’t need an outlet or transformer
- Long lasting bulbs
- Safe
Solar Cons
- Price can be higher than low voltage
- Limited selection of light styles
- Limited brightness
- May not illuminate all night
Low Voltage Pros
- Safe
- Large selection of light fixtures
- High output illumination possible
- Easy to install
Low Voltage Cons
- Requires a transformer and a place to connect it
- Bulbs can burn out more quickly
- Uses more energy than solar
Lighting a Flag
Handyguy Brian wanted to light a flag attached to his front porch. He has used a porch light to comply with the code but wanted to do something a bit nicer.
US Flag Code, Title 4, § 6., (a)
…when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
The solution was a set of solar spotlights from True Value. The set Brian chose had three spots that are connected to a remote solar panel.
Remote Solar panel advantages
- You can position it in a location that gets the most direct sunlight.
- The lights are not encumbered with an awkward looking panel on top.
- The photovoltaic panel is larger than what a single light can accommodate.
Line Voltage or AC landscape lighting
Some landscape lighting uses regular house current. The requirements for this are beyond the scope of what can be discussed safely in a podcast and is not generally a DIY endeavor.
Listen to the podcast for discussion of this topic.
We were one of the bloggers selected by True Value to work on the DIY Squad. We have been compensated for our time commitment to the program as well as our writing and productions about our experience. We have also been compensated for the materials needed for our DIY project. However, as always, our opinions are entirely our own and we have not been paid to publish positive comments.
Thanks to Atlanta Landscape Lighting for allowing us to use some images of their landscape lighting designs.
Great podcast and perfect timing. Just getting ready to install low voltage landscape lighting around our front walkway. Quick question, do you know if you can splice the landscape wire together if you don’t have enough? I know it is possible, but is it advisable?
Thanks!
The discussion about the landscaping lighting is really very good and informative it give me lot of helps i just want to say that the solar outdoor lightning is very important to save the electricity and the exterior decoration
Regards
When you are starting to landscape your yard, you probably have a vision in your mind of what it will look like. This image is likely a daytime image filled with sunlight. However, also consider how your garden will look once the sun goes down.
When renovating landscaping, one area that is often somewhat overlooked is the importance of outdoor landscape lights.