Simply stated watts are watts! How, you might ask could a 12 volt outdoor lighting system be more efficient than a 120 volt outdoor lighting system, and save you money? The key is that low voltage bulbs can be two to three times brighter per watt than incandescent line voltage bulbs. Low voltage lamp filaments are wound tighter, thus, they burn hotter and brighter. Therefore, 1000 watts of line voltage output would be similar in illumniation to as little as 500 watts or even 300 watts in low voltage light output! The result is substantial savings.
This information is not new. It has always been an element of low voltage lighting and is one reason the 12 volt market has grown so quickly and continues to expand. Below is a chart showing the approximate power costs for a low voltage lighting system. The rates below are based on power costs of $0.09 per kilowatt-hour. Check your local rates to adjust accordingly.
# of lights | Total Watts | Hours Per Day Used | Hours Per Months Used | Cost Per Hour | Cost Per Day | Cost Per Month |
| 8 | 288 | 4 | 120 | $0.03 | $0.12 | $3.72 |
| 16 | 576 | 4 | 120 | $0.05 | $0.20 | $6.20 |
| 24 | 864 | 4 | 120 | $0.08 | $0.32 | $9.92 |
Using the above chart, compare the operation costs and see how inexpensive lighting can be. For more savings, use timers and modules to regulate the time that your transformer or transformers are running. Another savings method used is to separate your lighting system into zones. By breaking up your system into zones, this allows the customer to only run the areas they need on (ex. Separating the front and backyards).
Southern Exposure Landscape Management is knowledgeable, professional, and honest in each and every service we provide; and this is what every homeowner should strive to find in a 'professional installer."