Energy Cost Calculator
Estimate the nightly, monthly and yearly electricity cost of any landscape lighting system.
System details
Planning estimate only. Transformer losses, dimming, voltage drop and billing structure affect real usage.
How the calculator works
Landscape lighting energy use comes down to four numbers: how many fixtures you have, how many watts each one draws, how long they run, and what you pay per kilowatt-hour.
| Step | Formula | Example |
|---|---|---|
| System load | Fixtures × watts | 20 × 5 W = 100 W |
| Energy per night | Load × hours ÷ 1,000 | 100 × 6 ÷ 1,000 = 0.60 kWh |
| Energy per month | Nightly kWh × nights | 0.60 × 30 = 18 kWh |
| Monthly cost | Monthly kWh × rate | 18 × $0.16 = $2.88 |
Getting accurate inputs
- Wattage: check fixture labels or spec sheets. If your system mixes wattages, add them up and divide by the fixture count for an average.
- Hours: use your real timer schedule. Sunset-to-11 p.m. averages about five to six hours in Spring; dusk to dawn can exceed 13 hours in December. Our sunset & timer planner calculates this month by month.
- Rate: much of the Houston area buys electricity from retail providers, so use the all-in average price per kWh from your Electricity Facts Label or divide your bill total by the kWh used.
For the full explanation, including transformer losses and ways to cut usage with zoning and dimming, read How Much Electricity Does Landscape Lighting Use? Spring Landscape Lighting designs smart controls that keep running costs low without leaving your home in the dark.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run landscape lighting per month?
A typical LED system of 15 to 30 fixtures running about six hours a night usually costs a few dollars a month at common Texas electricity rates. Older halogen systems can cost four to five times more.
Does the transformer add to the cost?
Yes, slightly. Transformers lose a small amount of energy as heat, so real usage may run a little higher than the fixture-only estimate.
Should my lights run all night?
Usually not. Most homeowners turn decorative layers off at 11 p.m. or midnight and leave only key path or entry lights on longer, which saves energy and is kinder to neighbors.
Ready to see your home in a new light?
Let’s design an outdoor space you’ll love after dark.