LED lights have been around for quite a few years now but it is only recently that they have stepped into the spotlight as the most energy and cost efficient lighting solutions. LED lighting uses a fraction of the power consumed by incandescent and fluorescent lamps. In addition, they also have a longer lifespan and are more durable as compared to other traditional sources of lighting. These factors make LED´s the perfect choice for outdoor use. Outdoor LED lights fall into one of three different categories based on their source of power, voltage and the purpose they are used for.
Solar Energy Powered
Contrary to popular belief, solar powered outdoor lights arent tedious to set up at all. All you have to do is drive them into the ground or put them up by the porch or in the driveway. The solar batteries are powered during the day and run without any hiccups throughout the night. The solar powered kits that are available are all inclusive and come with direct instructions, even so, there are a number of tutorials online to help out.
Electricity Powered
Connecting outdoor LED lights to your grid is a little more complicated than with solar powering believe it or not. However, they score over solar powered outdoor LED lighting in that you wont have to wonder if the batteries have managed to get charged on a cloudy day. And, since LED´s draw very little electricity, you wont have to be concerned about your energy bills skyrocketing either.
Battery Powered
This is a great option for those who want to install hassle free outdoor LED lighting solutions. There are no worries about installing the lights to the grid and no issues about the solar batteries weakening over time. And, since one disposable battery can generate several many hours of use you dont have to change the battery every week.
Outdoor LED Lights What Voltage to Buy
Typically speaking, for grid connected outdoor LED lights, 12V and 120V happen to be the typical voltages. However, while 12V LED lights used to be popular, most outdoor LED lighting solutions connected to the grid are available in configurations of 120V. They are easier to install and for this reason 12V lights are being replaced by 120V lights pretty fast. On the other hand, 12V DC outdoor LED lights run on solar energy are more manageable than the 120V AC. However, when you opt for solar powered LED lights, you dont need to think about these details since they come as standalone kits or units, which take care of the appropriate voltage for you.
Purpose of Outdoor LED Lights
Outdoor LED lights are used for various purposes, such as security and decorative. Security outdoor LED lights are usually wall mounted. They cast light on driveways and doorways, and keep intruders at bay. By rigging them to a motion sensor, these LED lights also warn of the presence of an intruder on your premises. On the decorative front, outdoor LED lighting solutions are being used quite extensively to beautify homes. They can be placed along pathways, hung from trees, concealed in bushes or submerged in swimming pools or ponds. The sky is the limit when it comes to using outdoor LED lights.
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