How to Compare the Cost and Efficiencies of Solar and Low Voltage LED Lighting

There is a great deal of buzz regarding the cost and efficiency benefits of using solar and low voltage LED lighting on both a personal and global level. But are these benfits truly cost-effective? This article will explain a bit about these energy sources and take a look at some of the pros and cons of the using them.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• The sun!
• Solar lights with LEDs
• Low voltage lights and a transformer

1. Low voltage lighting is available in numerous styles and levels of brightness and uses a transformer, which can be controlled by an electric timer, to provide the electricity. In comparison with line voltage, low voltage is easier to install, safer to operate and more economical.
2. Low voltage lighting saves power because low voltage lamps have a higher specific light output than mains voltage lamps of the same technology. Since less power is needed for the same amount of light, the power savings can be substantive.
3. Other low voltage pros include the ability to expand and adapt the lighting system to the changing needs of properties and businesses, the fact that low voltage lighting is shockless and therefore much safer to humans and animals and the fact that low voltage lighting is easy to install and control with timers.
4. Some cons of low voltage lighting include replacement of bulbs burning out, replacement of damaged wiring and the need to reset the timers controlling the system.
5. Solar lights are powered by the sun and LEDs instead of traditional light bulbs. LED stands for light emitting diode, and LEDs last longer than any other known light source. Additionally, LEDs contain no mercury and do not shatter, contaminate or leak anything into the environment.
6. It is 100% free to power solar lights, making it one of the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly lighting options available to us. LEDs last 10 times as long as standard bulbs, so much less is spent on replacement bulbs and much less waste from failed or broken bulbs goes into the landfill. Finally, solar lights are easy to install and use because no wires are required.
7. Some cons of solar lighting include an inability to control the brightness or tone of the light, a need to use more fixtures to get more lighting options and difficulty in lighting areas that are frequently shaded or get little sun geographically.

Tips & Warnings

• For your next lighting project, give low voltage or solar lighting a shot. Chances are you will be pleased with the quality and cost-effectiveness of these lighting sources. Saving money and helping the environment is a winning combination for everyone.