1. Choose Modern Bulb Options

Modern light technology has led to bulbs and lighting systems that use a lot less energy. LED, halogen, and CFL (compact fluorescent) bulbs are popular and cost-effective for most of your outdoor needs as well as indoor ones. Low-voltage lights can use much less energy but do require some specific installation due to their different energy needs - they require 12 volts instead of 120.

All these energy-efficient bulbs offer a variety of other bonuses for outdoor landscape design, such as cooler bulbs, long warranties, and a crisper lighting hue.

2. Incorporate Timers

Don't leave lights on when they're not needed. Rather than relying on being home to remember to turn lights on and off, install timers on some or all of your lights. A timer system can be programmed to turn lights on and off at the same time, or you may want to use a daylight sensor that registers when the sun rises and sets.

3. Use Motion Sensors

Motion sensors are popular for home security purposes and helping people navigate around a dark yard in short bursts. They save energy by allowing the light to be off most of the time and only respond when it's needed. In contrast to other, more continuous, outdoor lighting options, motion sensor lighting also helps boost security by alerting you and surrounding neighbors if someone is in the yard unexpectedly.

Motion sensors are perfect additions to your lighting design around doors and gates, along the driveway, and in little-used corners. They should generally be placed a little high and aimed to accommodate a larger sensitivity zone.

4. Add Solar Lights

Outdoor solar lights use solar cells to energize individual lights and are often free-standing. While solar stake lights are popular for pathways and in garden beds, they now come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles. Some can be mounted on walls and fences while others are shaped more like lamp posts or lanterns. So you can use solar lights just about anywhere you want.

Check your chosen solar light fixture to see how long it runs during the nighttime in order to ensure that it will meet your needs. And solar lights are an attractive option for decorative or navigation lighting, you may want a more reliable source for security lighting.

5. Make a Plan

The best way to save energy in your lighting design is to have a lighting design in the first place. With a plan, you can choose where to deploy low-energy options, where to make use of things like motion sensors, and how to place solar lights for maximum sunlight.

To create your lighting plan, make a drawing of your landscape and hardscape features. Prioritize those elements you want to accentuate, such as the house architecture, certain garden beds or trees, pathways, and outdoor entertainment areas.

Then, decide which type of lighting options will work best with these individual features based on size, decoration, and illumination needed. Consider the impression given by the lighting plan as a whole.  

Work with a professional landscape lighting company like Smith Irrigation as early in your lighting project as possible. With years of experience solving landscape and outdoor lighting challenges, you can make use of their expertise to reduce your legwork and save money.