Just took a pic of my solar lights in the back yard. Bright enough to see the dogs, not much good for reading.

I know I won't be using solar lights, because as groveraxle says, they are too dim. I am looking at low-voltage, LED lights. But the current plan, just for the Transformer and less than 10 lights, is almost 10k. Is there an alternative?

Are you using a landscape designer?

Hal72940, yes and no. We have had some planting schemes done but nothing involving lighting.

$10K in low voltage lights should buy you a parking lot full. That's outrageous unless they're gold-plated. And yes, there are lots of alternatives. Here's a kit with transformer, four path lights and two spots for $55.

Given the spectacular opportunities in your photo, an investment seems worth it, but 10K seems like a load of $$$. I'd consider how long you will be in this home, how much fussing around you want to do with the lighting later (as, unfortunately, lesser products do often have a shorter life), and how much time you really spend outdoors when they are on (i.e., how much IS it worth?.)

Outdoor light systems are all low voltage, and as such, don't suck much wattage. My outdoor system uses corona fixtures and a very good quality transformer / timer system. The timer system also powers my xmas lights and halloween decorations. I haven't been sorry for my choice, although I know that LEDs would not have to be replaced as often (every couple of years the bulbs burn out).

These are my path lights - spaced one every 10-15 feet on my curved pathway:
http://www.coronalighting.com/Path%20Lighting/Info/CL-708.html

Lights for the planting beds:
http://www.coronalighting.com/Area%20Lighting/Info/CL-624.html

Well lights to uplight my Japanese maples (love seeing the tree structure from beneath:
http://www.coronalighting.com/Well%20Lighting/Info/CL-305.html

Spotlights for other features:
http://www.coronalighting.com/Directional%20Lighting/Info/CL507%20Directional.htm

Lynne, thank you so much for pointing in the direction of Corona Lighting. I am going through one of their distributors.

Annika, I have been installing FX Luminaire for over 8 years and they are great fixtures and transformers. I wish I could charge 10K for a transformer and 10 lights! Way too much. We also service many other systems and I have not come across better fixtures than FX. Don't scrimp on the transformer. With LED lights averaging around 4-5 watts each, you can easily put 30 lights on a 150 watt transformer. FX transformers have multiple taps to allow you to run longer wires to the far reaches of your yard. Check AOLP for members in your area. You should be able to find someone that will do it for a more reasonable cost.

10 year warranty on LED fixtures and transformers that includes the diode (light source)

Exquisite, how are FX transformers any different than other transformers? Isn't it just 12 volts out?

With a multi-tap transformer you have voltage ranges from 11-14 volts. Depending on the distance of the wire runs from the transformer, you might need to use 14 volts coming out of the transformer to power fixtures that are going to be furthest from the transformer. Low voltage wire loses power as you increase the distance the wire travels and when you add load (fixtures). LED fixtures work best when they have between 10-15 volts at the fixture. If you were to run wire from your house to the very back of your property and then perhaps run it up some trees to provide down lights, you could be looking at considerable distances. The plain transformers that are sold at the big box stores have @ 12 volts coming out of one tap and you can quickly find you don't have enough voltage on long runs or when you add multiple fixtures. FX transformers also come with thermal breakers. If the transformer gets too hot, the breaker will trip, shutting off the power. I have replaced more than one basic transformer that was melted because there was an overload on the wire.

Annika, great info. What is your experience on the number of LEDs on the FX series? Is 1 LED enough or do I need to go with 3 or 6 LEDs? What are your thoughts on the dimming and wifi options?

Depends upon the application. 1 LED lights work great for wall lights, deck lights, etc. The QZ1 up light works great on small ornamentals or garden art. The 3 LED up lights are the equivalent of 20 watt halogen lamps and are great for larger trees and architectural lighting.

Thanks! Do you know what the equivalent is for the 6 LED lights? We are placing a few along the ledge of our BBQ counter, sounds like 1 LED should be good there. The others are all down lights over a fit pit (on a gazebo) or up lights on trees.
Any thoughts on the dimmer and wifi control? In your experience, are people happy they added these options?