Solar Lighting Systems FAQ

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Common questions about LED landscape lighting

Why is LED landscape lighting a good alternative to conventional halogen or xenon lamps? LED lamps are safer because they generate very little heat and when operating, are cool to the touch. LED lamps do not contain any mercury.
How long do they last? Our LEDs are rated for 50,000 hours or with typical operation between 15 and 20 years.
Can I install myself? Yes. Any of our products can be self-installed. We include telephone support through E-Design Services. We will also assist your professional with design and installation.
How efficient is LED landscape lighting? LEDs consume 90% less energy than conventional 12 volt landscape lighting or 100% less when used with our solar controller.
Do they operate in the winter and snow? Yes, but due to the minimal heat dissipated by the LEDs, ground-mounted flood fixtures may become covered in snow and may need to be cleared occasionally.
How will the neighbors view my lights? All of our lighting sytems are designed to be in-direct. All light sources are shielded and designed not to shine light in unwanted areas.
Are LEDs bright enough? Yes, the effects created by our LED fixtures are as bright as effects created by our halogen and xenon lamped fixtures.
What color are they? All of our LEDs are warm white in color. The color rendition is very similar to halogen.

Questions about our Solar Controller landscape lighting systems

How long will the system provide power? Under optimal conditions, the system at full load, is designed to provide 18 hours of power.
How many lights can I operate with the solar controller? We recommend a maximum of 14 watts be used. Our LED fixtures are configured to utilize either 1 or 3 watt LEDs, so a total of 14 lights could be used if they were all garden lights using the 1 watt LED.
Can I install myself? Yes. Any of our products can be self installed. We include an installation DVD and telephone support. Professional design and installation services are available through info@touchstonelights.com
How cost effective are Solar Controller systems? Because they are solar powered, they consume no energy and therefore operating costs are zero.
Do they operate in the winter and snow? Yes, but due to the lower sun angle, shorter days, and potential extended cloudiness in the winter months, performance can be diminished.
Is the battery easy to replace? The battery is readily available and can be purchased through TouchStone's battery recycle exchange program or your local battery retailer.
How long will the battery last? The battery in the Solar Controller will typically last 3-4 years in regions that experience extreme heat, and 5-6 years in other regions.
What is the product warranty? The solar panel and chassis warranty is 10 years. The controller warranty is 12 months.
Can I change the timer setting? The Solar Controller features a photo-cell "On" with 10 minute delay, and 1-8 hour timer "Off" settings. We recommend 6 hours maximum "On" time per night.