Many people are now considering installing low voltage garden lighting. Before carrying out this work it is advisable to investigate the alternative products and solutions available. The main two methods of powering your lighting are by reduced voltage mains supply or solar power.

Solar power is rapidly becoming the preferred option particularly for DIY installations. Before we discuss the solar options we will highlight some of the issues with mains powered low voltage lights.

The first consideration is where the power supply is and how it can be extended to your lighting. If you do not have an outdoor supply already installed this will be required. It is not only advisable for this work to be carried out by a professional electrician, but it may also be a regulatory requirement.

Once this supply has been installed you will need to lay out all the wiring and equipment to the various positions of the lights; before connecting up the lights to the supply. The employment of a professional electrician could well be required again for this work.

photo credit: spootonium

Taking all this in to consideration, solar powered lights have many advantages. There will much less wiring trailing around your property and this could make the solar option more aesthetically pleasing. Generally DIY installation is more feasible to those who have a basic understanding of the technology. Even if you decide to use a tradesman, the cost is likely to be less than a mains powered system.

Solar lighting systems are extremely varied in use and design. The technology allows for the use of LED’s (light emitting diodes) as well as more traditional bulbs. Three main areas of use are likely to be required by most householders.

The first is utility type lighting to provide light to paths and drives, patios and decking, or outdoor buildings and sheds. There is no shortage of options for the equipment required to provide lights to all of these requirements.

Solar lighting lends its self to highly attractive decorative lighting. Often this light is purely for aesthetic reasons and does not need to provide access light; this is a particularly useful application for LED’s. Lighting can be set amongst plants, in borders or in planters; giving a beautiful effect as the soft light diffuses amongst the leaves and flowers. Anything is possible with a little imagination.

Security lights are becoming ever more important to us, and solar powered security devices are very widely available. The lack of wiring for these types of security lights makes it much simpler to position the light where you want it.

Taking these factors to account the reasons for using solar powered lights becomes very compelling. Add in the possible ecological advantages and you will probably want to find out more.

Low Voltage Garden Lights provides information on different types of lighting solutions as well as how you can obtain the equipment suited to your needs.

Tags: led lights, light emitting diodes, low voltage garden lights, outdoor lights, reduced power lights, Security Lights, solar garden lights