The popularity of using outdoor lighting to show off one's home or landscape at night is growing. Besides the benefit of looking nice, the lights also serve the purpose of increasing safety. Lights will help you avoid tripping, while also deterring dangerous individuals from coming around your home. You can read some myths and truths about outdoor lighting here:



Myth: If you don't have expertise with electricity, low voltage lights can be dangerous to install.

Truth: Low voltage lights are extremely safe. Most of these systems run on only 12 volts, so you do not need to be an electricity expert. The 12 volts of power is harmless even if you were to touch an exposed wire. No matter what your experience level, you should be able to install a low voltage system in an hour or less.

Myth: It takes hundreds of dollars to have outdoor lighting.

Truth: A basic Malibu low voltage lighting system can be purchased for under $50. The lights look great, and have exceptional quality and durability. The lights will last for years, and you can add lights over time as your are ready to expand. If you want a full lighting system right away, it is possible to light your pathways, garden, deck, and patio for about $150. The safety and style that the lights will add is well worth it.

Myth: Solar powered lights require constant sunlight to work properly.

Truth: At night, the lights will be able to stay on for as long as the sensors were in sunlight during the day. If you need lights to stay on longer than that, solar power may not be the best option. It works well for many situations though, as long as you can provide the sensors with adequate sunlight.

Myth: It's best to use either low voltage or solar lights, but not both.

Truth: It is fine to mix one kind of light with another. Some areas need brighter lights, where the low voltage lights would excel, whereas areas that do not need as much lighting power would work great with solar powered lights.

Myth: It takes hours of hard work or it is necessary to hire a professional to install an outdoor lighting system.

Truth: Installing solar powered LED landscape lighting is one of the simplest landscaping jobs that there is. Six to Eight lights can be installed in under an hour. You do not have to worry about dangers with low voltage lights. The only tool you will need is s screwdriver.

Myth: There are only simple, boring styles of low voltage and solar powered lights available.

Truth: There are dozens of interesting Malibu fixture styles available in different finishes, designs, and colors.

Myth: Solar powered lights still don't work well, even after recent advancements.

Truth: Malibu solar accent lights are extremely effective. They have solar collection panels that absorb energy from the sun during the day and convert it into electricity to be used at night. They work well, are easy to install, and save you money on your electricity bill.

Myth: Your energy bill will rise significantly when you use low voltage lights.

Truth: A low voltage lighting system is not using a typical 120 volt current. It is only using 12 volts, so the power usage is low. Mixing low voltage lights and solar lights will definitely lower your energy bill.