December 27, 2007

LED lighting is slowly creeping in and replacing low-voltage incandescent bulbs in low-voltage outdoor landscape lighting. The extremely energy efficient LED lights can produce excellent illumination for walkways, railings, steps, gardens, decks and patios. The technology is improving greatly so the newer lamps offer a much higher lumen output per watt. Additionally, the once cost prohibitive LEDs are becoming very affordable.

The small and compact LED lamps produce very little heat and can allow for much more diversified installations. For example, a small LED unit can be flush-mounted into concrete steps and other hardscapes for a sophisticated, high-tech appearance.

The extremely efficient LED landscape lights also have allowed for the development of better performing wireless solar systems. These systems use small solar panels to charge internal batteries that power these fixtures during hours of darkness.

Some manufacturers are also no looking at hardwired systems that are powered by solar power as a primary power source but are connected to DC power for additional power.