Cost to Run an Outdoor Lighting System Calculator

Estimate how much it costs to run an outdoor lighting system based on wattage, daily usage, and your electricity rate. Start with 120 watts and 6 hours per day, then tune inputs to your schedule.

Fast estimate No signup Updated for 2026 rates

Typical electricity cost

How much does an Outdoor Lighting System cost to run?

Based on typical usage

An Outdoor Lighting System typically uses about 120 watts, costing around $0.02 per hour at $0.15 per kWh.

At typical use (6 hours per day), that's about $3.24 per month and $39.42 per year.

Per hour $0.02
Daily $0.11
Monthly $3.24
Yearly $39.42

Based on

  • 120 watts
  • 6 hours per day
  • $0.15 per kWh

What affects cost most

  • Average hours used per day
  • Electricity rate in dollars per kWh
  • Pump size, maintenance, and season length

How it works: Daily cost uses wattage, hours per day, and electricity rate. Monthly uses daily × 30; yearly uses daily × 365.

Use the calculator below to estimate cost based on your own wattage, usage time, and electricity rate.

Calculator

1. Device

2. Usage

Quick presets

3. Rate

Enter your values and click Calculate Cost.

How Much Electricity Does an Outdoor Lighting System Use?

These example monthly costs show how scheduled runtime changes the bill over the active season.

Example monthly costs

  • Light Use 3.6 hours per day
    $1.94/month
  • Typical Use 6 hours per day
    $3.24/month
  • Heavy Use 8.4 hours per day
    $4.54/month

Get a better estimate and keep costs down

Defaults are a starting point. Real cost changes most when runtime, wattage, and your electricity rate differ from the benchmark assumptions.

What changes cost most

  • Average hours used per day
  • Electricity rate in dollars per kWh
  • Pump size, maintenance, and season length

How to get a better estimate and lower cost

  • Replace the default electricity rate with the actual rate from your latest power bill.
  • Adjust daily runtime to match how long you actually use the equipment.
  • Switch to LED fixtures if you still use older bulb types.
  • Use timers or smart controls to avoid unnecessary runtime.
  • Prioritize task and safety lighting over decorative lighting duration.
  • Group circuits so unused zones can stay off.

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