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Why does solar
lighting not work?
Size Restriction
Simply put, it is a
matter of physics. The bulb and the battery inside
are just too small. To obtain a usable amount of
light to adequately illuminate the subject requires
a level of power that the small battery inside solar
fixtures just cannot supply. Most have a small AA
size rechargeable battery connected to a LED (Light
Emitting Diode) type bulb. The solar panel charges
the battery during the day, but once the sun goes
down, it is up to the battery to power the LED
(light bulb). Though very efficient, it still
produces an insignificant amount of light, barely
enough to make the fixture faintly glow.
A
Functional Solar Light
So what would work?
Our engineer did some calculations, and to power a
typical 20 Watt professional landscape lighting
fixture for a few hours using a solar system would
take a battery about the size of a riding lawn mower
battery. And to charge it, would take a 1 x 3 foot
15 Watt solar panel. Try squeezing that into a small
light fixture. To do it right takes some power,
although surprisingly less than you might think. The
halogen type bulbs used in our fixtures are very
efficient and require only 20 Watts to provide
enough light to fully illuminate a small tree or all
the way up a two-story brick face of a house.
Do you
offer LED lamps as an option?
Wired LED
Lighting
Yes. LED lighting is
currently available from Lightscape FX. These
revolutionary lighting sources have been gradually
increasing in intensity and in recent years
development has
made great strides. We offer, as an option, an LED
in the standard MR16 configuration, that uses a
fraction of the power for the same output. The most
amazing thing about LED lighting is that it last a very long time. Typical bulb
life is 50,000 hours compared to 4,000 to 10,000 for standard halogen bulbs. (Contact
us for more information.) These LED lamps will
still need to be supplied external power. Our
systems all use lights that are supplied power from
a buried cable tied to a remote transformer. This
ensures adequate power.
Why use low voltage lighting?
(Line voltage, 115V, is the other
choice)
Overall
Quality
The line voltage fixture industry has not advanced like
the low voltage industry has in the last fifteen years. Today's higher end low voltage fixtures
are of the highest quality, offering the best in material (like copper and
brass), durability, reliability, weather-proof sealing, bulb selection and
overall artistic flexibility.
Best for
overall light texture
Numerous small sources of light are much better than fewer glaring
sources. Line voltage fixtures are large, bulky and bright. Low voltage fixtures
are small and have the perfect level of illumination. They can be placed almost
anywhere. The result is the ability to create stunning artistry using subtle
natural lighting effects.
Best color
rendition
A much larger variety of bulb choices and filters are available with low
voltage lighting. Line voltage lighting offers much fewer choices. Lighting with
line voltage is like using
an artist's palette with only one color.
Less impact, More versatility
Line voltage
installations require trenching to place the conduit at a safe
level. This not only destroys any existing plant specimens, it greatly disturbs
tree roots. In down lighting from tree top applications, line voltage mercury
vapor lights require large, ugly metal flex conduit running up the side of the tree, a huge electrical box on the trunk,
and the fixtures are typically quite large. Low voltage only needs a small wire
and a small fixture that is barely noticeable. Also, additions and changes can be easily made
after the initial installation.
Safer
Low voltage lighting requires
only minimal burial and operates at a completely safe 12 Volt potential.
Lower power consumption
Low voltage lighting provides up
to 2.5 times the amount of light per watt of energy than conventional
incandescent line voltage lighting. You save money on your electric bill.
Lower cost, better value
Low voltage lighting is
substantially less expensive than line voltage installations, yet when designed
and installed by professionals can be more reliable and provide an overall
better value for the consumer.
Why use a professional landscape lighting
company?
Professional Design
Our experience and knowledge of
the principals of lighting design allows us to create unique lighting effects
for your lifestyle. Whether taking a quiet, relaxing stroll through your garden
at night or entertaining your guests outdoors, the mood is set by the visual stimulation.
Understanding light perception and a variety of techniques, we can sculpture your
night-time garden lighting environment. We also, of course, consider safety and
security in all designs and bring our vast knowledge of the many fixtures and
controls available.
Professional Grade Materials
Lightscape FX uses only architectural grade
components which have been engineered to be specified and installed by professionals. The
effects that can be achieved using these high quality lighting fixtures cannot be performed
with the ones commonly found in home improvement stores.
Professional Installation
While low voltage landscape lighting seems easy to install, if care is not taken
in critical areas, reliability can be an issue. Do-It-Yourself kits from the
home improvement store are famous for this. Be assured, our installations will
provide years of dependable service and enjoyment.
Why use Lightscape FX?
Commitment to
Quality
Lightscape FX uses only the highest
quality components, uses only the best techniques for installation and is
committed to installing each job with the care necessary to ensure many years of
dependable service.
Concern for
Safety
Lightscape FX never uses transformers
that exceed the 15 Volt maximum specification for landscape lighting specified
by the National Electrical Code. These transformers make the installation job easier at the expense of your
safety. All of our transformers meet UL1838 specification for safety which
specifies output voltage cannot exceed 15 Volts.
Specialization
While there are many sources for landscape lighting, they
often do not specialize in landscape
lighting. They usually offer landscape lighting as a sideline. At Lightscape FX, landscape
lighting is our main focus. We have the knowledge and expertise you expect from a lighting professional.
Artistic Ability
We have done our homework. We have
studied lighting from both practical and theoretical standpoints and understand
how to create artistry with lighting.
Hard Work and Good
Business Ethics
We understand how difficult it is sometimes to find a contractor that you
feel you can trust. At Lightscape FX, we strive to always characterize good, honest
business ethics and give excellent customer service. Our business was founded on
good Christian values, and we feel it is
important to treat our customers just like we would like to be treated.
For answers to
other landscape lighting questions not found on our website, please
feel free to
contact us.
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